Volition’S Closure And The Future Of Saints Row

Well, buckle up, my friends, because we're diving into the wild rollercoaster that is the gaming industry. In a blink-and-you-miss-it move, Volition, the studio that celebrated its 30th Anniversary just a month before, got the metaphorical boot. The news hit the gaming community like a bolt from the blue, and honestly, who could blame them for being flabbergasted? But hold onto your joysticks; there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Embracer's Grand Scheme: Buy First, Budget Later

Let's talk about Embracer Group, the mastermind behind this unexpected shutdown. Picture this: a company so eager to snatch up every gaming studio in sight that they forget about the little detail called budget. Embracer's grand plan took an unexpected turn when a $2 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabia's Savi Games Group fell through like a house of cards in a sandstorm. This hiccup sent Embracer into a frantic restructuring dance, and poor Volition got caught in the crossfire. It's like trying to build a gaming empire without bothering to check if you've got enough gold coins in your virtual wallet. Classic move, Embracer.

The Reboot's Role: Scapegoat or Culprit?

Now, let's address the elephant in the gaming room—the reboot. Many fingers are pointing at it as the prime suspect for Volition's demise. But hold your game controllers; it's not that cut and dry. Despite Embracer claiming the reboot didn't meet their lofty quality standards, it still danced to the rhythm of their financial expectations. So, was it a flop? Not exactly. Sales figures, hidden like Easter eggs in a complex maze, make it hard to judge. Some whispers suggest it performed just shy of the beloved Saint's Row: The Third. The real villain here? A whopping hundred-million-dollar budget, making the financial success a tad less triumphant.

The Saint's Fate: IP Politics and Outsourcing Dilemmas

Now, what about the future of Saint's Row? Drumroll, please. The IP remains snugly in the hands of Volition's previous partner in crime, Deep Silver. Rumor has it they're eyeing a new sequel, maybe even outsourcing it back to Volition. But alas, with the studio doors slammed shut, Deep Silver might have to scout for a new sidekick to continue the franchise. And let's be real, building a game from scratch takes time. We're talking potentially four years or more. So, dear Saint's Row fans, prepare to flex those patience muscles.

Patch, Movie, and Other Loose Ends

But wait, there's more! What about that Saint's Row 2 PC patch? The fate of this digital phoenix rising from the ashes is hanging by a thread. The higher-ups at Deep Silver are tossing a coin—heads, they finish it; tails, it's a slim chance unless they conjure up ex-Volition devs to work their magic. A patch stuck in development hell, a tale deserving its own hour-long saga.

And before you grab your popcorn and call it a day, spare a thought for Mike Watson. He poured his heart, soul, and probably a few energy drinks into that patch. His dedication, unyielding until two weeks before his passing, deserves recognition. So, here's to hoping Deep Silver sees the light and honors Mike's legacy.

Volition's Unfinished Symphony: A Legacy Cut Short

Before we wrap this up, let's clear some fog surrounding Volition. Sure, they ruffled a few feathers with that 'haters gonna hate' saga on Twitter. But surprise, surprise—it wasn't even them! Deep Silver was the puppet master behind those not-so-eloquent comments. But let's not throw all the blame Volition's way. Deep Silver, the puppeteer extraordinaire, had a more significant hand in the studio's struggles.

As we bid adieu to Volition, let's not focus on the final act. Instead, let's remember the decades of joy they brought us through their beloved games. It's a shame they couldn't redeem themselves under Gearbox's wing, a future we'll only be left to wonder about. Randy Pitchford's vision for an expanded and thriving Volition, a tantalizing 'what if' snatched away by the cruel hands of fate.

In the end, dear gamers, cherish those Volition classics. The studio might be gone, but the pixels and memories they gifted us endure. And as we navigate the gaming cosmos, let's hope Deep Silver, in all its silver-screen glory, decides to write a different ending—one that honors Volition's legacy and the passion of gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

Now, go press play on your favorite Volition masterpiece. In the words of AJS, it's an eight out of 10. And as for Godzilla's rating? Well, he's still in the middle of the game, but it's leaning towards a nine out of 11. Classic Godzilla move. Until next time, happy gaming, my friends.