Embracer Group Restructuring Leads to Closure of Volition, Developer of Saints Row
Volition, the game studio responsible for the popular Saints Row franchise, has abruptly ceased operations. In an official announcement, the developer cited restructuring within its parent company, Embracer Group, as the reason for the sudden shutdown.
“Last June, Embracer Group announced a restructuring program to strengthen Embracer and maintain its position as a leader in the video game industry,” the studio said. “As part of this program, they evaluated strategic and operational goals and made the difficult decision to close Volition immediately.” Volition employees are offered help to “smooth the transition.” The studio signed the contract by thanking its fans.
Volition dates back to 1993 and a company called Parallax Software Corporation. This team disbanded a few years later, leading to the formation of Volition. The studio was acquired by THQ in 2000. Future Embracer subsidiary Koch Media (later Plaion) acquired it for its Deep Silver division after THQ filed for bankruptcy in 2012.
Along with the Saints Row series, for which it is best known, Volition was also behind the Descent games and the Red Faction series. Its last game was the 2022 Saints Row reboot. The game wasn’t particularly well received, although PS Plus subscribers can claim it at no extra cost in September.
Embracer said in June that layoffs and studio closings were coming as part of a restructuring plan. The company, which spent several years acquiring a wealth of game studios and the rights to many major franchises, said a long-in-the-works $2 billion investment opportunity disappeared at the 11th hour. Axios recently reported that Saudi Arabia’s state-funded Savvy Games Group was a partner Embracer had a verbal deal with before the deal fell apart.
