A new Saints Row game may be on the horizon, and this time it could take the series back to its origins. Chris Stockman, the director of the original Saints Row released in 2006, has revealed that he’s been asked to create a pitch for what would effectively become Saints Row 7 — or more accurately, a prequel.
The Original Director Returns
Stockman, who played a key role in shaping the identity of the franchise during its early years at Volition, confirmed the news in a post on the r/SaintsRow subreddit. He described the opportunity to revisit the franchise as a “dream come true,” adding that his concept focuses on exploring the roots of the Saints.
“I have a very clear vision for this prequel,” Stockman explained, citing his direct involvement in the first Saints Row as the foundation for his creative direction. The project would not continue from the 2022 reboot but instead return to the gritty, grounded tone that defined the early days of the series.
Not a VR Experience
Since founding his own studio, Bit Planet Games, in 2014, Stockman has primarily worked on virtual reality projects. Given that background, some fans expressed concern that a new Saints Row title might take a VR route. Stockman quickly clarified that this would not be the case — if the project moves forward, the prequel will remain a traditional console and PC release.
Who Owns Saints Row Now?
While Stockman didn’t specify which company approached him with the opportunity, it’s likely Plaion — formerly Koch Media — the long-time rights holder of the Saints Row IP. Plaion acquired the series in 2013 after THQ’s bankruptcy and later became part of Embracer Group in 2019. The company rebranded as Plaion in 2022, just before releasing the reboot to mixed reception.
Embracer is currently undergoing a major restructuring expected to conclude by the end of 2025, with Plaion’s division set to become Fellowship Entertainment. It’s unclear whether this new entity will be the one to greenlight Stockman’s prequel pitch.
A Long Wait Ahead
Even if the prequel gets the green light, fans shouldn’t expect to play it anytime soon. Modern AAA development cycles typically span five or more years, suggesting that Saints Row 7 wouldn’t likely arrive until the early 2030s.
In the meantime, Stockman confirmed that Bit Planet Games has another project nearing completion, teasing that the announcement is coming soon.
While the franchise’s future remains uncertain, Stockman’s involvement gives long-time fans hope that Saints Row might one day return to its roots — with the kind of storytelling and style that made the series iconic in the first place.
