The first major Saints Row update promises over 200 bug fixes in November

Saints Row developer Volition has announced plans to release the game’s first major update in November.

The studio said in a blog post that while it had hoped to be talking about releasing fresh content for the game at this stage, its “development priority is delivering improvements over new features” following a disappointing launch.

VGC’s Saints Row review labelled August’s series reboot a buggy, dull mess, and Volition said today that the game’s first major update will include over 200 bug fixes and stability upgrades.

The update will have a big focus on challenges, overall stability and co-op.

“We’re especially aware of issues some players have been having with co-op and we’re sorry these fixes have taken longer than expected while we apply and test them thoroughly,” Volition wrote.

“Separately, we know that the game doesn’t always clearly explain how and when co-op is possible, so we are working on this too.”

Volition claimed the update will also include a number of quality-of-life improvements including reduced repetition in some activities, more rewarding challenges, improved vehicle management, and a revamp of rumble and haptic features.

The studio is releasing the first in a series of free cosmetic packs this week, with several additional packs set to be given to Expansion Pass owners at no extra cost.

Lars Wingefors, the CEO of Volition owner Embracer Group, recently said he was disappointed by the reception to Saints Row.

“Personally, I had hoped for a greater reception to the game,” he said. “It’s been very polarising. There are a lot of things that could be said in detail around it, but I’m with one hand happy to see lots of gamers and fans happy, and at the same time I’m a bit sad to also see fans not happy, so it’s difficult.”

Related

21

Embracer’s CEO says he’s disappointed by Saints Row’s ‘polarising’ reception

Lars Wingefors suggests it’s too early to make any calls on the future of the franchise

Wingefors was also asked last month if the reception to the game had changed Embracer’s longer-term views on the franchise.

“Obviously you always want every instalment of any IP to be greater than the last one,” he responded. “And what you do is, this is quite a process to evaluate your position, the outcome, and there are hundreds of people engaged in this game within the group, so I still have a great trust in those people and I’m sure they will recommend things for the future.”