After that most recent Saint's Row game, I can't say I'm surprised.
It felt like it was designed by Tumblr, sold on an unpopular platform (Epic), left out most of what was good from the previous entries, was attrociously buggy, and had deeply disappointing DLC.
Nobody wanted it and it felt designed by committee.
Like Blizzard, most of the talent that made them great to begin with wasn't there any more.
RIP Volition. From Decent, Red Faction, Summoner, and Saints Row, they made some really good stuff. Even if the modern Volition is nowhere near the team it might have been, it’s sad to see a studio being closed.
Saints Row felt like a desperate bid to save an already dying studio. You could actively feel the budget running out as you played the game.
Not like they did themselves any favours with the direction, but I think even if the game was better or sold better, it would've prolonged this at best. You can take the "it's about family" hit to your reputation when you're Star Wars, not when you're a niche GTA competitor.
It's tragic, but it isn't surprising. They were really hoping for another hit like Saints Row, and they just didn't get it. Sad to see them go, none the less.
This is a kick right in the childhood for me. FreeSpace made up a lot of my formative years as a gamer. Despite them pumping out trash games as of late, it doesn't make it any easier. I guess I'll do another playthrough of FreeSpace tonight in memory of the good times. Thank you, Volition.