Former Lead Designer Pitches a 'Saints Row' Prequel

A former lead designer for the inaugural 'Saints Row' game has revealed he is developing a concept for a prequel, sparking renewed interest among fans. Chris Stockman, who previously served as design director for the original title, shared on Reddit his intentions to craft a new installment that would revisit the series' foundational characteristics: a balance of realism with a touch of the absurd, and a strong undercurrent of satire, a departure from the more outlandish direction of subsequent games. This announcement provides a glimmer of hope for a franchise that has experienced a turbulent past, including the recent shuttering of its development studio, Volition.

Chris Stockman, an influential figure in the early development of the 'Saints Row' franchise, recently ignited excitement within the gaming community with his revelation. On the popular online forum Reddit, Stockman announced that he has been tasked with creating a concept for a prequel to the acclaimed open-world crime series. This news, while still in its nascent stages, suggests a potential revival for the beloved franchise.

Stockman, known for his work as design director on the original 'Saints Row' title, expressed his desire to steer the new project back towards the game's initial ethos. He articulated a vision that emphasizes the grounded, yet humorously eccentric, nature that defined the first game, contrasting it with the exaggerated and over-the-top elements that became prominent in later entries. He humorously mentioned that his pitch explicitly excludes the controversial 'giant dildo' weapon, a staple of 'Saints Row 3' and 'Saints Row 4,' indicating a deliberate shift in tone.

While details remain scarce, Stockman informally referred to his potential project as 'Saints Row '77,' hinting at a possible 1970s setting. This period would align with his goal of re-establishing the series' satirical foundations, drawing inspiration from the original game's blend of gritty urban crime and comedic undertones. The designer also confirmed that the proposed prequel would not be a virtual reality (VR) experience, reassuring fans who prefer traditional gaming platforms.

This development is particularly significant given the recent history of the 'Saints Row' series. The franchise's long-time developer, Volition, faced closure by its parent company, Embracer Group, creating uncertainty about the future of 'Saints Row.' Additionally, the community has long awaited a promised PC patch for 'Saints Row 2,' a project initiated by a dedicated modder who later joined Volition but tragically passed away before its completion. The fate of this patch, now seemingly abandoned after Volition's closure, remains a point of contention among fans.

Stockman clarified that he is not involved in the ongoing discussions surrounding the 'Saints Row 2' PC patch, having been separated from Volition for an extended period. His focus remains solely on his prequel pitch, which seeks to recapture the essence of the first two 'Saints Row' titles. Many fans hold fonder memories of these earlier games, appreciating their more balanced approach to narrative and gameplay compared to the subsequent installments. The prospect of a return to these roots offers a hopeful outlook for the series' future, potentially rekindling interest and garnering a new generation of players.