Volition Games, the makers of Saints Row, is shutting down after 30 years

After reports from employees of a closure it's confirmed by Volition Games that the studio will close and cease operations. The studio shuttering comes mere months after the studios 30 year anniversary back in June. In a LinkedIn post confirming Volition Games shutting down, the studio says that "Embracer Group announced a restructuring program to strengthen Embracer and maintain its position as a leader in the video game industry."

"As part of that program, they evaluated strategic and operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition effective immediately." The studio leaves behind a legacy that includes the Saints Row, Descent, and Red Faction franchises.

The news of Volition Games shutting down isn't a surprise, given its investment firm parent company of Embracer. A holding company based in Sweden, Embracer made waves in the gaming world since the pandemic of buying up every license, studio, and property in sight. This has included IPs such as Tomb Raider, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and studios such as 3D Realms, Demiurge, Limited Run Games, THQ Nordic, and more.

While Volition is most known for the Saints Row series, its beginnings include being a well-known early PC games developer of the first-person space shooter, Descent. A contemporary of DOOM, Descent provided a blueprint for the company in the PS2 era with its Red Faction franchise.

In a world of cutting costs and studio liquidation, Volition Games shutting down due to Embracer deeming them not worthy of operational goals is both sad and completely expected. Volitions' last gasp of saving itself came and went with 2022's Saints Row reboot, which found middling reviews and poor sales numbers.

And as all that wasn't enough, that Saints Row reboot will be on PS Plus in September. Just in time for that service's price increase.

Here's to the next 30 years, indeed.

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