The Saints Row Prequel That Never Was: A Gritty '70s Vision Ignored

It's always a bit heartbreaking, isn't it, to learn about a genuinely brilliant idea that just… never saw the light of day. And when it concerns a beloved (if sometimes polarizing) video game franchise like Saints Row, especially in the melancholic wake of its original studio's closure, that sting feels even sharper. We've recently caught wind of a truly intriguing concept from Volition, the now-defunct studio behind the anarchic Saints Row series, for a prequel – one set firmly in the gritty, soulful, and undeniably stylish era of the 1970s. And the kicker? It was reportedly ignored by their publisher, Deep Silver/Plaion.

Imagine, if you will, a Saints Row that dialled back the outlandishness just a notch, planting its roots deep in an era ripe with emerging organized crime, nascent hip-hop culture, and a distinct, unforgettable aesthetic. This wasn't just idle fan speculation, mind you; this was a legitimate, fully-formed proposal from Volition themselves, an earnest attempt, it seems, to steer the franchise back towards its more grounded origins, or at the very least, offer a compelling new perspective after the somewhat divisive 2022 reboot.

According to information generously shared by a former Volition developer, this '70s prequel concept was formally floated before the studio ultimately shuttered its doors in August 2023. You can almost picture it, can't you? A fresh, compelling narrative focusing on the very early days of the Saints – perhaps even chronicling the genesis of its founding members – as they navigate a less bombastic, more tactile world. Think classic muscle cars cruising neon-lit streets, disco beats mingling with early funk, and turf wars fought with a raw, street-level intensity that later games often traded for rocket launchers and alien invasions.

It really is a bitter pill to swallow, particularly when you consider the struggles Volition faced post-reboot. The 2022 Saints Row title, let's be honest, didn't quite hit the mark for a significant portion of its dedicated fanbase or many critics, unfortunately leading to a commercial disappointment. One might reasonably assume that a well-conceived prequel, offering a chance to explore new ground while respectfully paying homage to the series' vibrant history, would have been a compelling and strategic direction. A genuine opportunity, perhaps, to revitalize flagging interest and showcase a different, yet still authentically Saints, facet of the universe.

But alas, it simply wasn't meant to be. For reasons that remain largely unknown to us on the outside, the publisher apparently chose to pass on this particular, promising vision. This decision, unfolding prior to Volition's eventual demise, feels profoundly like a missed opportunity of truly grand proportions. It inevitably raises some uncomfortable questions about creative freedom, long-term strategic vision, and the incredibly tough choices game publishers must grapple with when a beloved franchise hits a particularly rough patch.

The Saints Row series has always, to its credit, carved out a remarkably unique path, evolving from what many saw as a clear Grand Theft Auto competitor into a wonderfully absurd, often self-aware spectacle all its own. This proposed 1970s prequel could have served as an incredible, stylish bridge – a heartfelt nod to its more grounded beginnings while undoubtedly still possessing that signature Saints Row charm and irreverence. It’s a concept that continues to resonate powerfully with fans, leaving us all to ponder what glorious, retro-tinged chaos could have unfolded if only this audacious pitch had received the well-deserved green light.