Chris Stockman, the original design director for the Saints Row franchise, has publicly stated he believes the series is “dead,” following a failed pitch for a prequel to publisher Embracer Group. Stockman revealed his assessment in a Discord conversation, which was subsequently shared on X (formerly Twitter) on February 20, 2026.
“I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately,” Stockman wrote. “I get the sense that Embracer has zero ability to do anything with it. I wish things were different. I tried my best to offer a path forward, but they’ve ghosted me.”
The declaration comes after a period of uncertainty for the Saints Row series. The most recent installment, a reboot released in 2022, did not meet sales expectations. Following the reboot’s underperformance, Embracer Group shuttered Volition, the studio responsible for developing the majority of the Saints Row games, in 2023.
Stockman’s pitch reportedly focused on a prequel set in the 1970s, aiming to recapture the spirit of the original Saints Row title. According to Stockman, Embracer ceased communication after he submitted the proposal.
The initial success of Saints Row in the 2000s was often attributed to its emergence as an alternative to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series, offering a distinct, over-the-top take on the open-world action genre. Even though, the franchise has faced challenges in maintaining its momentum in recent years.
As of February 23, 2026, Embracer Group has not publicly responded to Stockman’s statements or addressed the future of the Saints Row intellectual property.
