The Saints Row reboot that hit shelves in 2022 wasn’t what fans expected, but according to popular YouTuber mrsaintsgodzilla21, it also wasn’t what Volition originally planned. After years of silence due to an NDA, the content creator has finally shared details about his 2019 visit to the developer’s studio, revealing a completely different vision for the franchise’s return.
The Original Saints Row Reboot Vision
During his visit to Volition in 2019, mrsaintsgodzilla21 was shown what he describes as “a cake in the oven with all the promise in the world.” The YouTuber, who has been covering the Saints Row franchise extensively, was presented with incredible plans and ideas that unfortunately didn’t make it into the final product.
According to his recent revelations, the development team had ambitious concepts that were either scaled back due to time constraints or resource limitations. This explains why many longtime fans felt disappointed with the final Saints Row reboot, as it represented a significant departure from both the original vision and the series’ established tone.
What Went Wrong During Development
The Saints Row reboot faced numerous challenges during its development cycle. Based on community discussions and the YouTuber’s insights, several key issues emerged:
- Resource limitations that prevented the team from executing their original ambitious plans
- Time constraints that forced developers to make compromises
- A disconnect between the creative vision and final execution
- Attempts to appeal to a broader audience that alienated core fans
The result was a game that felt safe and risk-averse, lacking the edgy, criminal-focused gameplay that made the original series beloved by fans. Many players noted that the characters felt more like “college kids larping as a gang” rather than genuine criminals.
Community Response to the Reboot Revelations
The gaming community’s reaction to these revelations has been mixed. While some fans appreciate finally understanding what happened behind the scenes, others remain frustrated about what could have been. The Reddit discussion sparked conversations about several concerning trends in modern game development:
| Original Saints Row Elements | 2022 Reboot Changes |
|---|---|
| Ruthless criminal protagonists | Morally conflicted characters |
| Dark humor and self-awareness | Millennial dialogue and safe comedy |
| Consequences for criminal actions | Hesitation to embrace criminal nature |
| Complex gang rivalries | Simplified enemy motivations |
The Impact on Volition’s Future
Following the lukewarm reception of the Saints Row reboot, questions remain about the franchise’s future. The development team at Volition clearly had passion for the project, but external factors prevented them from delivering the game they originally envisioned.
The YouTuber’s candid assessment gave the game a score of 5.5 to 6 out of 10, calling it “one of the most mixed bags” he’d ever played. While acknowledging some fun elements, he couldn’t overlook the cringeworthy story and gameplay mechanics that were better handled in previous entries.
Lessons for Future Game Development
This situation highlights several important considerations for game development studios. The pressure to appeal to broader audiences while maintaining a franchise’s core identity requires careful balance. The Saints Row reboot serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of straying too far from established formulas without proper execution.
Despite the disappointment, there’s still hope for improvement if the series continues. The foundation laid by the reboot provides opportunities for growth, though many fans have expressed reluctance to continue following the new cast of characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did mrsaintsgodzilla21 reveal about the Saints Row reboot?
The YouTuber revealed that the original Saints Row reboot concept shown to him in 2019 was significantly different from the final product, with more ambitious plans and ideas that didn’t make it into the released game.
Why was the Saints Row reboot so different from previous games?
The reboot attempted to appeal to a broader audience and featured characters described as “college kids larping as a gang” rather than genuine criminals, departing from the series’ established tone and style.
What were the main problems with the Saints Row reboot?
Key issues included cringeworthy dialogue, characters that lacked the edge of previous games, predictable storylines, technical glitches, and gameplay mechanics that were handled better in earlier entries.
Will there be another Saints Row game after the reboot?
The future of the Saints Row franchise remains uncertain following the mixed reception of the 2022 reboot, though the YouTuber noted that improvement is possible if development continues.
How did fans react to the Saints Row reboot revelations?
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with many appreciating the behind-the-scenes insights but remaining frustrated about the missed opportunities and what the game could have been.
What score did mrsaintsgodzilla21 give the Saints Row reboot?
After completing 53 hours of gameplay, the YouTuber rated the Saints Row reboot 5.5 to 6 out of 10, calling it “one of the most mixed bags” he’d ever played.
When did mrsaintsgodzilla21 visit Volition?
The YouTuber visited Volition’s studio in 2019, where he was shown the original concept for the Saints Row reboot that differed significantly from the final released version.
Looking Forward
The revelations about the original Saints Row reboot concept provide valuable insight into the challenges facing modern game development. While the 2022 release didn’t meet expectations, understanding what went wrong offers hope for future improvements. Whether Volition will get another chance to realize their original vision remains to be seen, but the gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely.
For longtime Saints Row fans, these behind-the-scenes details serve as both an explanation and a reminder of what made the original series special. The franchise’s future may be uncertain, but the passion of content creators like mrsaintsgodzilla21 ensures that its legacy will continue to be preserved and discussed.