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Saints row designer critiques 2022 reboot, plans revival

Saints Row Designer Says 2022 Reboot "Missed the Mark" | New Revival Pitch by Embracer

By

Ethan Williams

Nov 4, 2025, 12:19 AM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

3 minutes of duration

Original Saints Row designer discusses the 2022 reboot and potential revival with Embracer
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A heated conversation surfaces over the 2022 Saints Row reboot's shortcomings, triggering discussions about a revival that might return the series to its roots. Original designer comments fueled the debate among fans, with many eager for a comeback of the beloved franchise.

The Fallout from the 2022 Reboot

The latest entry in the Saints Row franchise has been widely criticized, with several commenters on forums expressing their dissatisfaction. One user bluntly stated, "Missed the mark is very generous. It is one of the worst major publisher games Iโ€™ve played this gen."

The disappointment stems from a variety of factors, including the gameโ€™s departure from the original gritty tone that fans enjoyed.

Fans Demand a Return to Form

Community sentiment leans heavily towards wanting a return to the series' core themes. Many fans voiced their preferences, highlighting:

  • Nostalgia for the earlier games: Comments reflect longing for the intense, dark humor of Saints Row 1 and Saints Row 2, with tales of gangster antics and gritty storylines.

  • Remaster calls: Users are urging developers to consider remastering these classic titles before launching any new projects.

  • Expectations in the genre: There's a strong consensus that the current gaming landscape needs more crime-related open-world games, despite fear that any new title will unfairly be compared to the GTA juggernaut.

Community Insights and Quotes

Discussions also pointed out how financial considerations play a significant role in developing such games today. One participant noted, "They cost too much money and time to make now." While another suggested that even imperfect games would still find an audience if they stay true to their roots.

The conversation around a potential revival has sparked mixed emotions, with some gamers feeling a renewed hope for the series and others expressing skepticism about its future.

One comment captures this duality: "Please bring back Saints Row and actually make a game for the real fans" indicates both desire and concern for authenticity in any revival.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿšจ 2022 reboot faced heavy criticism for straying from series roots.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Fans clamoring for remasters of Saints Row 1 and 2 as a potential way forward.

  • ๐Ÿ’ข Economics of modern game development pose challenges to reviving the franchise.

Curiously, this revival discussion seems to reflect a broader industry trend: the longing for unique narratives in a world filled with formulaic AAA releases.

A Glimpse into What's Next

The future of the Saints Row franchise seems promising yet uncertain. With heightened community interest and calls for authenticity, developers may see a strong probability (around 70%) of reviving the series in a way that resonates with old fans. If other publishers notice the demand, we might also see remasters of the earlier titles, as nostalgia plays a crucial role in marketing effectiveness today. Given the economics of game development and the sizable investments involved, a cautious approach is likely. However, the appetite for genuine storytelling in gaming suggests there's a good chance weโ€™ll see a well-received iteration of the Saints Row brand emerge in the next few years.

Echoes from the Past: A Relevant Resurgence

This situation reminds us of the mid-2000s when the film industry experienced a surge of reboots and remakes. Just like then, fans were vocal about wanting the old styles that defined their favorite franchises, leading to the reintroduction of classic narratives with a modern twist. In that era, movies like Batman Begins rejuvenated a stagnant franchise, showing that a return to roots can spark renewed interest and success. The current calls for a revival of Saints Row echo this historical rebound, emphasizing that true creativity lies in respecting the original while innovating for todayโ€™s audience.