The upcoming Saints Row reboot from Deep Silver and Volition has suffered a delay. Instead of February 25th 2022, it’s now set to release next year on August 23rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Volition’s chief creative officer Jim Boone said in an update that the team’s priority was “to create the best Saints Row game yet and, if we released on the original date, it wouldn’t be up to the standards we’ve set ourselves, and that you’re expecting and deserve.”
Boone noted that the team needed more time for some “fine tuning” and that “there won’t be much change in the game outside of overall quality and polish.” It also seems that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on development. “In all honesty, we underestimated the impact COVID would have on our schedule, although everyone adapted very quickly to the working from home arrangement and continued to be incredibly productive. However, due to the size and scope of our new Saints Row, it’s become apparent that to create the best game possible, we need to give our team longer to perfect their craft.”
Anyone expecting an overhaul to the story and characters – which has received some pushback since the initial announcement – should take note: No changes are forthcoming. “Rest assured, there will not be any changes to the story or the characters or anything that we’ve lovingly imagined over the last few years and already shared with you,” said Boone.
“Over the past two years, all corners of the entertainment industry have been affected/impacted in one way or another. As gamers ourselves, we know what it feels like to have something delayed which you’ve been looking forward to; it’s frustrating and you feel disappointed. But we also know that when we finally get Saints Row in your hands, it will have been worth the wait. It’s our absolute priority to get this right.”
Saints Row marks a departure from previous titles in the series by being a full-fledged reboot. Set in Santo Ileso, a fiction American southwest city, the player controls The Boss who heads up a new gang. Together, they must compete against Los Panteros, The Idols and Marshal Defense Industries while cementing their legacy. Much of the over-the-top action still remains though while the character customization promises a wide array of options. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
