The Saints Row series is notorious for its less-than-mature take on the crime genre. Considering superpowers, aliens, and a gun that shoots dubstep music are both par for the course, Saints Row IV doesn't seem to be aiming to change that approach.
In an interview with OXM, Volition producer Jim Boon revealed that this hasn't hurt the series' sales figures though. In fact, the "juvenile" tone has been something that fans have really taken to, and is a major component of Saints Row's success.
"Ultimately, I don't think that Saints Row's tone gets in the way of bigger sales. If anything, I think our tone is an element of our success," Boon stated. "Saints Row is quite unlike anything else out there, and I think gamers crave unique experiences--I know I do. We have a lot of passionate fans that love Saints Row, so I think we are striking the right chord."
Indeed, both former publisher THQ and current owner Deep Silver have had no issues with the series' unique approach.
"Based on the overall reception and sales of Saints Row: The Third, I strongly suspect many people enjoy this aspect of Saints Row, even if some may not want to admit feeling that way," Boon said. "Thinking of a movie series like The Hangover--people love the humor but you might not want to discuss some of the finer moments of those movies with your mom, for example."
"I think the same might be true for Saints Row," Boon concluded. "We do get an awful lot of feedback from fans telling us much they love our juvenile tone--with some asking us to go even further! Ultimately Saints Row IV doesn't try to take itself too seriously and we even have a lot of fun at our own expense."
Saints Row IV will hit stores on August 20 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. A rumored Wii U version will not be happening.