Volition Games Shut Down, Everything You Need to Know about Volition Games
by Mathelene | Updated Sep 07, 2023
Volition Games Shut Down
Volition Games, the game developer with a rich history spanning over three decades, has unfortunately ceased its operations. The closure of Volition Games was announced recently, marking the end of an era in the gaming industry. The decision to shut down Volition Games came as part of a larger restructuring effort by its parent company, Embracer Group. This move was unexpected, especially considering that just two months before the closure, Volition had celebrated its 30th anniversary with optimism about the future.
Volition Games, originally founded in 1993 as Parallax Software, gained recognition with the release of its iconic game, Descent, in 1994. Unlike many other games of its time, Descent offered a unique and challenging sci-fi first-person shooter experience, featuring true 3D map navigation. It garnered a dedicated fanbase and was followed by a successful sequel, Descent II, in 1996.
Over the years, Volition Games continued to produce notable titles, including the critically acclaimed space combat games Descent FreeSpace: The Great War and its sequel, Freespace 2. Their innovative approach to space combat gameplay set them apart in the genre.
The Red Faction series, which began in 2001, also contributed significantly to Volition's legacy. Initially conceived as Descent IV, Red Faction combined first-person shooter elements with destructible environments, providing players with thrilling experiences both underground and on the surface of Mars.
Under the umbrella of THQ, Volition Games expanded its portfolio, working on titles such as the open-world and over-the-top Saints Row franchise, which carved its own niche in the gaming world. After THQ's closure in 2013, Deep Silver acquired Volition, allowing them to continue developing Saints Row titles and other projects.
Unfortunately, Volition's journey came to an end in 2022 with the release of a reboot of the Saints Row franchise that failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in underwhelming critical and commercial performance. It is speculated that this poor reception may have played a role in Embracer Group's decision to shut down the studio.
The closure of Volition Games is a somber moment for both the gaming community and the industry as a whole. The studio leaves behind a legacy of innovative and entertaining games that have provided countless players with memorable experiences. While the doors of Volition Games may be closed, the impact of their work will continue to be felt in the hearts of gamers worldwide. We extend our best wishes to the talented individuals who were part of this storied studio as they embark on new journeys in the gaming world.
Volition Games Wiki
Deep Silver Volition, LLC, formerly known as Parallax Software Corporation and Volition, Inc., was an American video game developer headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. The company's origins trace back to its founding by Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog as Parallax Software in June 1993.
They initially gained recognition for their work on Descent and Descent II. However, during the development of Descent II, Toschlog relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to establish a satellite studio called Outrage Entertainment, leading to a split in the company. Following this split, Kulas continued with Parallax, which was eventually renamed Volition in November 1996.
Teaming up with publisher Interplay Entertainment, Volition developed games like Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War and its sequel, FreeSpace 2. However, the collaboration with Interplay ended during the development of Summoner. Volition later partnered with THQ, which acquired the studio in August 2000. Under THQ's banner, Volition created successful franchises such as Red Faction and Saints Row, producing multiple titles in each series.
However, THQ faced financial troubles and declared bankruptcy in December 2012. In the ensuing proceedings, Volition and the Saints Row intellectual property were sold to Koch Media, now known as Plaion, and became part of their Deep Silver label. Meanwhile, other THQ assets, including Summoner and Red Faction, were acquired by Nordic Games (later known as Embracer Group).
In a significant development, Volition's connection with its previously sold IPs was rekindled when Koch Media was acquired by Embracer Group's parent company in February 2018. During this period, Volition released two games, Agents of Mayhem in 2017 and a reboot of the Saints Row franchise in 2022, although both met with mixed receptions.
Further changes occurred when Volition was transferred from Deep Silver to Gearbox Entertainment in November 2022. Unfortunately, on August 31, 2023, as part of a broader restructuring within Embracer Group, Volition was closed down, resulting in the transfer of Volition's intellectual property to Plaion.
Volition Games List
Descent
March 5, 1995
1995 – MS-DOS, Mac OS Descent II
March 13, 1996
1996 – MS-DOS, Mac OS, Windows(The Infinite Abyss / Destination Quartzon) Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War
March 19, 1998
1998 – Windows FreeSpace 2
September 30, 1999
1999 – Windows
Summoner
October 24, 2000
2000 – PlayStation 2 Red Faction
May 22, 2001
2001 – PlayStation 2, Windows Summoner 2
September 23, 2002
2002 – PlayStation 2 Red Faction II
October 16, 2002
2002 – PlayStation 2 The Punisher
April 12, 2004
2004 – Mobile phones Saints Row
August 29, 2006
2006 – Xbox 360
Saints Row 2
October 14, 2008
2008 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 Red Faction: Guerrilla
June 2, 2009
2009 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows Red Faction: Armageddon
June 7, 2011
2011 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows
Saints Row: The Third
November 15, 2011
2011 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows Saints Row IV
August 20, 2013
2013 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows Saints Row: Gat out of Hell
January 20, 2015
2015 – Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One,
PlayStation 4, Windows, Linux
Agents of Mayhem
August 15, 2017
2017 – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows
Saints Row
August 23, 2022
2022 – Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4,
PlayStation 5, Windows
Title
Original Release Date
Release Years by System
1996 – PlayStation
1998 – Acorn Archimedes
1997 – PlayStation(Descent Maximum)
2001 – Acorn Archimedes
2001 – Amiga (FreeSpace: The Great War)
2001 – Windows, macOS
2002 – macOS
2003 – N-Gage
2005 – Mobile phones
2003 – GameCube
2003 – GameCube, Windows, Xbox
2005 – Xbox, Windows, PlayStation 2
2009 – Windows
2016 – Linux
2018 – Xbox One, PlayStation 4 (Re-Mars-tered Edition)
2016 – Linux
2019 – Nintendo Switch (The Full Package)
2020 – Xbox One, PlayStation 4 (remaster)
2015 – Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Linux (Re-Elected)
2020 – Nintendo Switch (Re-Elected)
History of Volition
Parallax Software, founded in June 1993 by Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog, marked the beginning of Volition's history. This game development company was born out of the founders' desire to create their own games rather than work for others. To reduce living costs, Toschlog relocated from Boston to Champaign, Illinois, where Kulas lived, and the two established Parallax Software. They initially hired programmers John Slagel and Che-Yuan Wang, with Wang also contributing to level design.
Their first project, Inferno, was pitched to Apogee Software, which provided funding but later withdrew from the project. Parallax produced a demo reel and secured publishing deals with Interplay, Accolade, and Trimark Interactive. Inferno, renamed Descent, was released in March 1995, becoming a hit.
As Parallax developed another Descent game, Interplay asked them to create a "CD-enhanced" version of Descent, leading to Descent II's success. In 1996, half of Parallax's employees followed Toschlog to Michigan, where he established Outrage Entertainment, while Kulas remained in Champaign with Parallax. The company split into two entities, with Volition being founded in October 1996.
Under Volition's banner, they worked on FreeSpace: The Great War and its sequel, FreeSpace 2, creating an acclaimed space combat simulator. They also developed Summoner, a departure from their previous titles, which was published by THQ. The studio ventured into the open-world genre with Saints Row, beginning a successful franchise. Volition also worked on Red Faction, which focused on environmental destruction. They released several sequels and spin-offs for both franchises over the years.
In 2013, Deep Silver acquired Volition. They continued to develop Saints Row titles and explored new projects like Agents of Mayhem. In 2019, Volition started work on a reboot of the Saints Row series. In 2022, the studio transitioned from Deep Silver to Gearbox under Embracer Group's restructuring, and in 2023, Volition was closed, with its IPs transferred to Plaion.
Volition Games Shut Down - FAQs
Volition Games, along with several other studios, was part of a larger restructuring within the Embracer Group, which led to the decision to close the studio. This decision was made as part of Embracer's strategic realignment.
Volition's IP, including titles like Saints Row and Red Faction, has been transferred to Plaion, another subsidiary of the Embracer Group. These IPs may still see future developments.
Yes, Volition released a reboot of the Saints Row franchise in 2022, which received mixed reviews. However, the studio's closure means that ongoing projects, if any, will not be completed.
Volition's closure should not impact existing games from the studio. Past titles will likely continue to be available for players, and fan communities can still enjoy these games.
Yes, the closure has likely affected the studio's employees. However, many talented developers from Volition may find opportunities in other game development studios or related industries.