Original design director of Saints Row says that only a disaster in the new GTA would take Rockstar's crown and that it's okay to be second

Listen too

Chris Stockman is the former head of design at Saints Row and, in this regard, states that the Rockstar dominates open-world games and is only GTA 6 is a disaster like E.T. anyone will have a real chance of beating it. He recommends that other studios seek their own identity and be a alternative (Interview published on FRVR and commented on https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/unless-gta-6-comes-out-and-its-terrible-no-open-world-dev-can-hope-to-top-rockstar-original-saints-row-design-lead-says-but-theres-nothing-wrong-with-trying-to-be-a-2/)

Saints Row leader says only a disaster can knock GTA 6 off the top spot

Chris Stockman has declared that no open-world studio has a real chance of overtaking Rockstar unless the release of GTA 6 is a catastrophic failure. The remark, made in an interview with the FRVR website, points out that Rockstar's level of dominance leaves little room for direct competitors. More details and context of the statement can be read at https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/unless-gta-6-comes-out-and-its-terrible-no-open-world-dev-can-hope-to-top-rockstar-original-saints-row-design-lead-says-but-theres-nothing-wrong-with-trying-to-be-a-2/.

Main points of the declaration

Stockman points out that the Grand Theft Auto franchise has ceased to be just a game and has become a way of life, especially given the persistent success of GTA Online. This has made openly declaring that they want to take on Rockstar an impractical goal for many studios. Analysts have also noted that delays in GTA 6 can have a broad impact on the sector's projections.

According to Stockman, the only plausible way to open up space for competitors would be if GTA 6 an event comparable to the failure of E.T. for Atari, but with potentially greater consequences for current budgets.

Context and risk for the industry

Market reports indicate that delays in release, including mentions of a postponement until May 2026 in previous analyses, worry analysts because a title of this size influences sales, public attention and investments in open-world games from other studios. Discussions about this impact have been covered in specialized articles and in the link above (https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/unless-gta-6-comes-out-and-its-terrible-no-open-world-dev-can-hope-to-top-rockstar-original-saints-row-design-lead-says-but-theres-nothing-wrong-with-trying-to-be-a-2/).

Advice for open world developers

Stockman suggests that studios that want to operate in the genre avoid trying to emulate Rockstar directly and focus on identity and execution. Practical recommendations:

• Have a clear identity and design focus.

• Don't use Rockstar as your only parameter or goal.

• Accept that being number two can be a viable strategy.

• Avoid inflating the scope; quality and direction matter more than hours of gameplay.

• Intelligent scope planning and concentrated execution.

History and precedents

Saints Row itself was born as an alternative to GTA in the 2000s, conquering its space with a distinct personality but without replacing Rockstar's dominance. There is therefore room for well-made titles that work in niches or offer unique experiences, as long as they have a clear identity and focus.

Conclusion

Chris Stockman sums it up Rockstar dominates the genre and only one disaster type E.T. would have a chance of bringing down GTA 6 from the throne. For those who want to compete, the sensible way out is to be alternative, seek identity, stay focused and accept that being number two may be more strategic than trying to match the giant. For the full source of the interview and more context, check out the article at https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/unless-gta-6-comes-out-and-its-terrible-no-open-world-dev-can-hope-to-top-rockstar-original-saints-row-design-lead-says-but-theres-nothing-wrong-with-trying-to-be-a-2/.

There's no point in rowing against the tide: it's better to find another cove and sail with personality. More articles and analysis at https://redeblox.com.br.