‘I think the franchise is dead’: Saints Row design director says IP owner ‘ghosted’ his prequel pitch

February 21, 2026 - 22:20

The future of the popular Saints Row video game series appears uncertain following new comments from a former senior developer. Chris Stockman, who served as design director on earlier titles in the franchise, revealed that he was asked to pitch a prequel idea last year to Embracer Group, the current owner of the intellectual property.

According to Stockman, the pitch process ended abruptly with no follow-up communication from the conglomerate. He described being completely "ghosted" after submitting his concept, leading him to a stark conclusion about the series' prospects. "I think the franchise is dead," Stockman stated, expressing his belief that the iconic property may now be dormant within Embracer's vast portfolio.

This revelation casts a shadow over the franchise, which saw a high-profile but commercially disappointing reboot in 2022. The developer's account suggests internal indecision or a lack of direction for the once-beloved series at the corporate level. While Embracer Group has not publicly commented on these specific allegations, the reported silence has fueled concern among fans about whether the Saints will ever rise again. The situation highlights the challenges faced by creative talent when navigating large-scale corporate restructuring and asset management.