Volition (company)

{{Short description|American video game developer}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Infobox company | name = Volition Games, LLC | logo = Volition logo.svg | logo_alt = The black-and-white outline of a face superimposed on the capital letter "V" atop the word "Volition" rendered in lower-case letters | logo_caption = The 2013 variant of Jasen Whiteside's initial logo<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="GameSpy: Origins" /> | image = Downtown Champaign1.JPG | image_alt = A photograph of a downtown four-way intersection with one office building each visible on three of the corners, surrounded by sunshades, greenery, traffic lights, and a few cars | image_caption = Headquarters at One Main, Champaign, Illinois {{nowrap|(left; pictured in 2007)}} | former_name = {{Unbulleted indent list | Volition, Inc. {{nowrap|(1996–2013)}} | Deep Silver Volition, LLC {{nowrap|(2013–2022)}} }} | type = Subsidiary | industry = Video games | founded = {{Start date and age|1996|11}} | defunct = {{End date and age|2023|08|31}} | founders = Mike Kulas | hq_location_city = Champaign, Illinois | hq_location_country = US | key_people = {{Unbulleted indent list | Mike Kulas ({{nowrap|president, 1996–2011}}; {{nowrap|general manager, 2019–2020}}) | Dan Cermak ({{nowrap|vice president, 2003–2011}}; {{nowrap|general manager, 2011–2017}}) | Jim Boone ({{nowrap|studio development director, 2017–2020}}; {{nowrap|CCO, 2020–2023}}) | Jim Torbit {{nowrap|(general manager, 2020–2023)}} }} | products = {{Unbulleted indent list | ''FreeSpace'' series {{nowrap|(1998–1999)}} | ''Summoner'' series {{nowrap|(2000–2002)}} | ''Red Faction'' series {{nowrap|(2001–2011)}} | ''Saints Row'' series {{nowrap|(2006–2022)}} }} | num_employees = 236 | num_employees_year = 2021 | parent = {{Unbulleted indent list | THQ {{nowrap|(2000–2013)}} | Deep Silver {{nowrap|(2013–2022)}} | Gearbox Entertainment {{nowrap|(2022–2023)}} }} | website = {{URL|https://www.volitiongames.com/|volitiongames.com}} }}

'''Volition''' ('''Volition Games, LLC'''; formerly '''Volition, Inc.''' and '''Deep Silver Volition, LLC''') was an American video game developer based in Champaign, Illinois. It is best known for its ''Red Faction'' and ''Saints Row'' series. Mike Kulas founded the company in November 1996 when he and Matt Toschlog split up Parallax Software, the developer they had founded in June 1993. At Parallax Software, Kulas and Toschlog had developed ''Descent'' (1995) and ''Descent II'' (1996) for Interplay Entertainment, which Volition followed with ''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War'' (1998) and ''FreeSpace 2'' (1999), while Toschlog's Outrage Entertainment developed ''Descent 3'' (1999). Volition's ''Descent 4'' was canceled and reworked into ''Red Faction'' (2001). The game, as well as ''Summoner'' (2000), was published by THQ, which acquired the studio in August 2000.

Following its 2004 move to downtown Champaign, Volition expanded rapidly from 80 employees to 175 by November 2006. With this increased headcount, the studio created the ''Saints Row'' series in 2006 and developed two further entries in the ''Red Faction'' series in 2009 and 2011. Kulas left the company in May 2011. During the development of ''Saints Row IV'' (2013), THQ filed for bankruptcy in December 2012, with Volition and the ''Saints Row'' intellectual property (IP) acquired by Koch Media for its Deep Silver label in January 2013. Embracer Group acquired the ''Summoner'' and ''Red Faction'' IPs, while Interplay obtained ''FreeSpace''. After 2017's ''Agents of Mayhem'' and the 2022 ''Saints Row'' reboot were commercially unsuccessful, Embracer Group, which had since acquired Koch Media, transferred the studio to Gearbox Entertainment in November 2022 and closed it in August 2023.

== History ==

=== Parallax Software and ''Descent'' (1993–1995) === The programmers Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog first met in 1986 at Sublogic, a software company developing flight simulators.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="Game Developer: Descending to the Top" /> Kulas, originally from Morton Grove, Illinois, had moved to Champaign, Illinois, in 1979 to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> He had considered video game development to be more of a hobby than a career but, after dropping out in 1981, learned about and joined the Champaign-based Sublogic.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Toschlog had grown up on the East Coast and attended Christiana High School before joining Sublogic in 1986.<ref name="Palladium-Item: local connection" /><ref name="News Journal: Green/Toschlog" /> Toschlog left Sublogic in 1988 to work on ''Car and Driver'' on a freelance basis, being joined by Kulas in 1990.<ref name="Game Developer: Descending to the Top" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> In April 1993, they drafted a two-page sketch for an original game, but their pitch to LookingGlass Technologies was turned down as they sought to retain full ownership of their products.<ref name="Game Developer: Descending to the Top" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Believing that running a company would not be difficult and assured that returning to other employers was a feasible fallback, Kulas and Toschlog decided to quit their jobs and pursue the development of their game.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /> They established Parallax Software on June 1, 1993.<ref name="Palladium-Item: local connection" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Founder leaves" />

The nascent company pitched the game with the two-page draft to Apogee Software, known for publishing games by id Software.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Apogee Software liked the idea and provided Parallax Software with a $10,000 check for hardware purchases before a publishing agreement was signed.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> The studio subsequently hired John Slagel as a programmer and Che-Yuan Wang, who, although also a programmer by trade, worked mostly on level design.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> It moved into an office in Champaign's Huntington Towers, which also housed Sublogic.<ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Toschlog worked remotely from Boston before joining Kulas in Champaign to lower his cost of living.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure" /> The team developed a concept for a game called ''Inferno'', which they formally pitched to Apogee Software for a publishing contract. While the development was ongoing, Kulas felt that Apogee Software wanted Parallax Software to create a clone of id Software's ''Doom'', which the studio did not want to do.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> After seven months, in January 1994, Apogee Software backed out of the contract after seeing an early prototype.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /> Parallax Software had just hired Adam Pletcher, a graduate of Purdue University and the company's first out-of-town hire, having previously lacked an artist.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Furthermore, Kulas's wife Karen was five months pregnant at the time.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Without a publisher, the studio could only afford to continue operations for two more months, prompting the five-person team to assemble a demo within a few weeks and pitch it to several publishers.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> Parallax Software received offers from Accolade, Interplay, and Trimark Interactive, with Interplay viewing the game as a potential ''Doom'' killer.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /> The studio chose Interplay and signed a publishing deal "just in time". Jasen Whiteside soon became Parallax Software's eighth employee, working on level design while studying industrial design.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" />

The shareware version of ''Inferno'', now titled ''Descent'', was released on December 23, 1994.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /> The free portion featured seven of the game's thirty levels and was distributed online, including over Apogee Software's Software Creations bulletin board system.<ref name="Game Developer: Descending to the Top" /> It was Interplay's first shareware release.<ref name="Billboard: Hot Games" /> Kulas and Toschlog observed the game's positive reception while staying with their respective families over the Christmas break.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /><ref name="Palladium-Item: Descent" /> Interplay viewed the response as validation of its expectations.<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers" /> ''Descent'' cost roughly $400,000–$450,000 to develop.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job" /> These costs exhausted Interplay's advances, yet Parallax Software declined to request additional funding, instead investing personal funds.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The game was completed in February 1995 after twenty months of work and released in March.<ref name="Palladium-Item: local connection" /><ref name="Billboard: Hot Games" /> By this time, Parallax Software comprised nine full-time employees, five of whom were programmers.<ref name="Palladium-Item: Descent" /> Interplay subsequently agreed in April 1995 to publish Parallax Software's next four games and license the ''Descent''{{'}}s game engine for up to six titles.<ref name="USA Today: Briefly" />

=== ''Descent II'' and split of Parallax Software (1995–1997) === Following the completion of ''Descent'', Kulas and Toschlog agreed that they did not wish to remain in Champaign in the long term. However, they could not decide where to relocate the company and instead chose to set up a second office.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Toschlog, alongside three designers, moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he hired two additional programmers.<ref name="Game Developer: Descent 3 postmortem" /> His wife began attending graduate school at the University of Michigan.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure" /> The office was established on the outskirts of the city, near Packard Street and East Stadium Boulevard, and cost $1,000 per month to rent.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Cyber city" /><ref name="Ann Arbor News: Downtown" /> Travel between the two studios took five hours.<ref name="Gamecenter: Definition of Volition" /> The two offices began developing ''Descent II'' simultaneously.<ref name="Game Developer: Descent 3 postmortem" /> Interplay devised the second game as an enhanced version of the original, including additional features and more levels, while marketing it as a sequel under the terms of the original contract.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The development was planned to take four months but ultimately lasted a year.<ref name="UIUC: ascent with Descent" /> Like its predecessor, the game was commercially successful.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Combined sales reached several hundred thousand copies.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure" />

Despite this success, the teams found it difficult to manage game development across two distant locations.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Game Developer: Descent 3 postmortem" /> In 1996, Kulas and Toschlog agreed to spin off the two studios into separate companies.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure" /> Kulas asked his employees to suggest names for the Champaign studio before postponing the decision.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> When he realized that he needed a name to file the required paperwork, he disliked all of the approximately fifty suggestions and instead began searching through the books in his living room. He found "{{wt|en|volition}}" defined as "an intense, active will to accomplish something", which he likened to team-driven software development, and thus settled on it as the company name.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="GameSpy: Origins" /> To create a logo for Volition, Kulas handed the definition to his employees and asked for their designs.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Although he was not impressed by any of them, most staff preferred a logo featuring a black-and-white face superimposed on the capital letter "V".<ref name="GameSpy: Origins" /> The logo was designed by Whiteside, inspired by that of Wax Trax! Records, and Pletcher created the accompanying font for the company name.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The design was retained permanently.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="GameSpy: Origins" /> Kulas founded Volition, Inc. in November 1996 and hired all thirteen staff members from Parallax Software's Champaign office.<ref name="Volition: History" /> The Ann Arbor office, which had since been moved downtown, became Outrage Entertainment by December 1996.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Cyber city" /><ref name="Ann Arbor News: Got Game" /> The studio had 10 employees in August 1997.<ref name="Homer Index: Lynn" /> Parallax Software continued as a shell company that held the copyright to the ''Descent'' series.<ref name="PC Gamer: Descent dispute" /><ref name="Game Developer: Descent dispute" /> Following the split, under the agreement with Interplay, Volition and Outrage were each to create two games for the publisher.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> While Outrage developed ''Descent 3'', Volition began work on a spinoff, ''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War''.<ref name="Game Developer: Descent 3 postmortem" /> The split and both games were announced on December 1, 1997.<ref name="Outrage: Parallax split" />

=== Early years as Volition and acquisition by THQ (1998–2003) === ''FreeSpace'' was heavily inspired by ''Star Wars: X-Wing'' and ''Star Wars: TIE Fighter''. During its development, the team doubled in size, requiring existing members to spend significant time training new employees. Meanwhile, Kulas split his time between programming and managerial tasks, halting the former when he had to attend to business matters. ''FreeSpace'' was the last Volition game to which Kulas significantly contributed programming.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Interplay released ''FreeSpace'' in June 1998, followed in October by the expansion ''Silent Threat''.<ref name="GameSpot: FreeSpace release" /><ref name="GameSpot: Silent Threat release" /> With ''FreeSpace'' complete, Volition began working on four games simultaneously: ''FreeSpace 2'', ''Descent 4'', ''Summoner'', and ''Tube Racer''.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The latter was canceled six to nine months into development, while the others were in early production when they were announced in December 1998.<ref name="GameSpot: Volition website" /> ''FreeSpace 2'' was overseen at Interplay by Darrell Jones, with Jim Boone as the producer.<ref name="Charlotte Observer: Game testers" /> It was completed in roughly a year, though development was cut short by two months just three months before the intended finish. Kulas believed that Interplay, which had recently become a public company, sought to release the game in an earlier fiscal quarter to publish better returns. Although the game was one of Volition's best-received titles, it underperformed commercially, which Kulas attributed to Interplay's failure to adjust its marketing strategy for the advanced release date.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Boone attributed the lack of sales to the declining popularity of joysticks.<ref name="PC Gamer: commit murder" /><ref name="VG247: commit murder" />

''Summoner'' was Volition's first attempt at a role-playing video game, a genre in which the team had no experience. As ''Descent 4'' would fulfill the studio's obligations to Interplay and the publisher already had sufficient titles in that genre, Volition pitched the game to several other publishers.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> THQ ultimately agreed to publish the game in July 1999.<ref name="Ventura County Star: Summoner publisher" /><ref name="GameSpot: Summoner info" /> The two companies also briefly worked on a role-playing game based on the ''Harry Potter'' books, which was unsuccessfully pitched to its rightsholders.<ref name="GamesRadar+: Harry Potter" /> Meanwhile, Outrage Entertainment and its twenty employees, having finished their work on ''Descent 3'' by late 1999, began pitching two non-''Descent'' games to publishers. Toschlog stated that he was "ready for something new" after working on the series for six years.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure" /> Interplay took on ''Rubu Tribe'', an adventure game for the PlayStation 2, which it later handled through its Digital Mayhem division.<ref name="GameSpot: Rubu Tribe announcement" /><ref name="IGN: Rubu Tribe announcement" /> THQ picked up the other game.<ref name="Ventura County Star: Outrage acquisition" /> ''Summoner'' was Volition's largest project to that point, with thirty to forty people working on it at once. The publisher eventually began discussions to make Volition an internal studio, acquiring it on August 31, 2000.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> THQ paid 890,100 shares of common stock, plus 109,900 shares in options, while assuming $500,000 in liabilities from the studio.<ref name="Ventura County Star: THQ acquisition" /><ref name="LATimes: THQ acquisition" /> Kulas remained the studio manager.<ref name="Ventura County Star: Tech firms" /> Despite initial concerns, the developers retained creative freedom under the new ownership. ''Summoner'', originally designed for personal computers (PCs), became a launch title for the PlayStation 2, which launched in October 2000.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" />

''Descent 4'' was intended to be the fourth main entry in the ''Descent'' series, but Interplay faced financial difficulties around the release of ''Descent 3'' and refused to continue funding its development. Volition parted ways with the publisher and chose to repurpose the existing work into an original game, ''Red Faction''. The project shifted from a space combat game to a first-person shooter with an emphasis on destructible environments. Following these changes, many staff members felt that ''Red Faction'' would become a "ground pounder", a game requiring significant effort but ultimately failing critically. Contrary to these expectations, the game was positively received upon its release in May 2001.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The development cost $3&nbsp;million over three years.<ref name="Daily Illini: in their world" /> In the following year, Volition and THQ released ''Summoner 2'', aiming to address shortcomings of the original, and ''Red Faction II''. To the team's disappointment, the latter was not received as well as its predecessor and was internally considered a failure. Plans for a third ''Summoner'' game and a third ''Red Faction'' game were discarded. The team behind the canceled ''Summoner'' project began developing a heist game titled ''Underground'', working on it for approximately one year.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> One unrealized demo of the game revolved around the comic character Batman.<ref name="GamesRadar+: Batman" /> When the marketing department determined that the ''Grand Theft Auto'' trilogy had raised expectations for interactivity in open world games too high, ''Underground'' was also canceled.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" />

In the meantime, Outrage Entertainment (later renamed Outrage Games) was acquired by THQ in April 2002.<ref name="Ventura County Star: Outrage acquisition" /><ref name="Gamasutra: Outrage acquisition" /> The publisher subsequently canceled ''Rubu Tribe'', which Interplay had stopped funding, and instead assigned it to develop ports of ''Red Faction II'' for Windows and the Xbox, which were released in 2003.<ref name="IGN: Rubu Tribe" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Red Faction II ports" /> THQ quietly shut down Outrage Games after the release of ''Alter Echo'' in mid-2003, leading the team to disperse. Toschlog took time off to care for his one-year-old son full-time, aside from some contract work, before co-founding the Reactor Zero video game division for the Ann Arbor company Quantum Signal in 2005.<ref name="Detroit Free Press: Reactor Zero" /><ref name="Ann Arbor News: Reactor Zero" />

=== Expansion, ''Saints Row'', and Kulas's departure (2003–2011) === In March 2003, Volition broke ground for the One Main building on the corner of Main Street and Neil Street in downtown Champaign. Kulas sought additional office space for Volition and worked with the commercial real estate developer Jon Sokolski on the plans.<ref name="Daily Illini: urban Champaign" /> Kulas had first floated the idea of moving Volition downtown in August 2002 but considered it infeasible at the time.<ref name="News-Gazette: Decision time" /> They came to jointly own the building through their Sokolski/Kulas Ownership Group, and each paid the city $500,000 for the land.<ref name="News-Gazette: council clears way" /> Also in 2003, Volition worked with Habitat for Humanity and the Philo Road Church of Christ to build a home for a low-income family in neighboring Urbana. The company dispatched fifteen employees to help on-site and donated $55,000, of which Habitat for Humanity retained the remainder for future projects.<ref name="Daily Illini: Building houses" /> Volition moved into One Main with about 80 employees in April 2004, occupying the third floor, half of the available commercial space.<ref name="News-Gazette: prepares for move" /><ref name="News-Gazette: One Main sequel" /> There, the company quickly grew to 107 employees by July and soon expanded to nearly half of the second floor, employing 115 people by November.<ref name="News-Gazette: One Main sequel" /><ref name="News-Gazette: making believers" /> As part of this expansion, Kulas hired Dan Cermak as Volition's vice president in 2003. Cermak soon replaced its flat hierarchy with a corporate structure that better suited the increased headcount.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" />

Around this time, THQ approached Volition with the idea of developing a licensed game based on the Punisher from Marvel Comics in tandem with the upcoming film. The studio, which had several Punisher fans, put together a concept that was ultimately greenlit. The development team visited Marvel's film studios, where they observed the production, spoke with stage designers, and witnessed scenes being filmed.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> Prior to release, Volition had to remove or tone down several violent torture scenes to avoid "Adults Only" classifications, which retailers typically refused to carry.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="THR: The Punisher" /> ''The Punisher'' was released in January 2005.<ref name="IGN: The Punisher" /> By October, the company employed 140 people.<ref name="Daily Illini: Downtown development" /> The studio's other game at the time, ''Bling Bling'', originated from a design exercise among Volition employees. One concept was a "gang simulator" in the form of a first-person shooter, which, at the behest of Cermak, evolved into an open world game. Cermak believed this would allow the studio to exploit a genre with a wide target audience in which ''Grand Theft Auto'' was the sole major competitor.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> The studio pitched the game in 2003, at a time when THQ was described by Cermak as a "wrestling and kids game company".<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="Daily Illini: look inside p1" /> Despite hesitance from THQ and some Volition staff due to the game's theme, it was greenlit and assigned a budget of $8–9&nbsp;million, which the studio ultimately exceeded.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> ''Bling Bling'' was released as ''Saints Row'' in 2006 and became a critical and commercial success, selling 2&nbsp;million copies for the Xbox 360.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Edge: very different" /> Because the game received some criticism for its similarities to ''Grand Theft Auto'', the sequel, ''Saints Row 2'', was developed with a much greater focus on humor.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="Edge: very different" /> This distinct style of humor became a defining characteristic of the series.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" />

In November 2006, Volition had 175 employees and continued to plan for further growth. Kulas believed there was no need to relocate from One Main, as the {{convert|50000|sqft|m2}} it occupied could accommodate the company for several more years. He did not join Sokolski in the nearby "M2 on Neal" building project, preferring to focus on Volition rather than real estate ventures.<ref name="News-Gazette: growing up fast" /> Additional employees were hired from Motorola when it closed its Urbana-Champaign Design Center and laid off 183 workers in 2007.<ref name="News-Gazette: Motorola transition" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Motorola final day" /> Three former Volition developers—Sandeep Shekar, Jiovanie Velazquez, and Christopher Stockman—founded Blazing Lizard in March 2007 and created ''Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball''.<ref name="News-Gazette: Blazing Lizard" /> In early 2008, Volition opened a quality assurance (QA) facility for THQ at Church Street Square, one block from One Main. The facility aimed to hire 120 personnel to test games for several THQ studios.<ref name="News-Gazette: QA facility" /> By October, Volition employed 325 people, including 75 testers, with 165 people working on ''Saints Row 2''.<ref name="News-Gazette: counting on success" /><ref name="Daily Illini: look inside p2" /> ''Saints Row 2'' was released later that month and sold 2.6&nbsp;million copies within four months. Despite this, THQ posted a $191.8&nbsp;million quarterly net loss and announced plans to cut 24% of its workforce.<ref name="Edge: Saints Row 2 sales" /> In April 2009, it announced the closure of the QA facility, laying off 86 people and transferring the remaining 16 to Volition.<ref name="News-Gazette: QA facility close" /> The studio was otherwise unaffected, while five other THQ studios were closed.<ref name="News-Gazette: year to forget" />

At Kulas's request to return to destructible environments, enabled by the more advanced hardware of the time, the studio developed ''Red Faction: Guerrilla'', an open world game, over five years with a team of 80 people.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="News-Gazette: counting on success" /> Reactor Zero developed the game's PC port.<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Reactor Zero" /> ''Red Faction: Guerrilla'' was released in June 2009, and its sales, alongside those of ''UFC 2009 Undisputed'', stabilized THQ's quarterly earnings, with the company expecting to return to profitability in the subsequent months.<ref name="News-Gazette: staying on target" /> ''Red Faction: Guerrilla'' was followed by a sequel, ''Red Faction: Armageddon''.<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> In April 2011, with the development of ''Armageddon'' completed, THQ laid off 16 employees from Volition.<ref name="Shacknews: Layoffs 2011" /> Kulas stated that the layoffs stemmed from additional projects the studio had expected to undertake that failed to materialize.<ref name="News-Gazette: Layoffs 2011" />

In late April 2011, Kulas announced his departure from the studio, effective May 2, with Cermak taking over as general manager. He stated that no particular event had triggered this decision and that he intended to remain in Champaign.<ref name="News-Gazette: Founder leaves" /><ref name="GameSpot: Kulas departure" /> He "goofed off" in the following years until 2014, when he reunited with Toschlog to establish Revival Productions.<ref name="MCV: Descent successor" /><ref name="GIbiz: Kulas return" /> They were joined by the lead designer Luke Schneider and the artist Chris Claflin.<ref name="News-Gazette: Revival Productions" /> The nascent company developed ''Overload'', a spiritual successor to ''Descent'', which was released in May 2018.<ref name="GIbiz: Revival Productions" /><ref name="RPS: Overload" />

=== Sale to Deep Silver (2010–2016) === A third ''Saints Row'' game was in development by February 2009.<ref name="GameSpot: Saints Row 3 announced" /> Although only 20% of the development team had worked on prior entries, their humor was retained.<ref name="Gamasutra: Saints Row postmortem" /> The game was released as ''Saints Row: The Third'' in November 2011.<ref name="GameSpot: Saints Row 3 sales" /> The development for ''Saints Row IV'' began later that year.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /> ''Saints Row'' was THQ's largest franchise, representing 10% of the company's $830.8&nbsp;million in net sales during the 2012 fiscal year. The three games sold over 11&nbsp;million copies combined.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /> During the Spike Video Game Awards in December 2010, the film director Guillermo del Toro announced ''Insane'', a horror game developed in partnership with Volition, originally slated for a 2013 release.<ref name="Shacknews: Insane" /> It was to be the first in a trilogy, but THQ canceled the project in August 2012, reassigning the small team to other Volition projects.<ref name="Polygon: Insane canceled" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dominatrix" /> Concurrently, the company announced that ''Enter the Dominatrix'', initially planned as a standalone expansion for ''Saints Row: The Third'', would instead become a separate game under Jason Rubin, the newly appointed president of THQ.<ref name="News-Gazette: Dominatrix" /><ref name="Smile Politely: resident developer" />

Despite ''Saints Row''{{'}}s success, THQ faced financial difficulties. The 2011 uDraw GameTablet accessory sold poorly, leaving 1.4&nbsp;million units unsold.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="Polygon: life and near death" /> The company reported losses of $239.9&nbsp;million by May 2012.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="VG247: Koch Media acquisition" /> On December 19, 2012, THQ and its subsidiaries, including Volition, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.<ref name="News-Gazette: THQ bankruptcy" /><ref name="Ars Technica: THQ bankruptcy" /> Work at Volition continued as usual despite the bankruptcy.<ref name="News-Gazette: THQ bankruptcy" /> When THQ's assets were sold off in January 2013, Volition and ''Saints Row'' were among the most valuable.<ref name="News-Gazette: sold separately" /> The analyst Todd Mitchell suggested that a best-case scenario would see Volition acquired by Take-Two Interactive and placed under Rockstar Games.<ref name="News-Gazette: Rockstar Midwest" /> Six companies—Electronic Arts, Koch Media, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., and an unnamed Chicago group—considered bidding for the studio and series.<ref name="GameSpot: Six buyers" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Six groups" /> Koch Media won the auction on January 23 for $22,312,925, outbidding Ubisoft's $5.4&nbsp;million offer.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="Chicago Tribune: on a mission" /><ref name="News-Gazette: very positive future" /> Koch Media had previously worked with Volition as THQ's distributor in Italy and Spain.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Six groups" /> Koch Media organized Volition under its Deep Silver publishing label, transitioning the studio to a new legal entity, Deep Silver Volition, LLC.<ref name="Engadget: Koch Media acquisition" /><ref name="Gamasutra: Koch Media acquisition" /> The "Volition" trade name was retained despite the legal name change.<ref name="News-Gazette: Franchises acquired" /> Boone, now a senior producer for Volition, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, believing Deep Silver better understood the studio's marketing intentions.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" />

Several other THQ intellectual properties (IPs), including Volition's ''Summoner'' and ''Red Faction'', were sold in a second auction in April.<ref name="News-Gazette: up for sale" /> Nordic Games Licensing, a Swedish holding company, acquired most games at the auction, including both Volition IPs, for $4.9&nbsp;million.<ref name="News-Gazette: Franchises acquired" /><ref name="Polygon: Franchises acquired" /> Interplay purchased the ''FreeSpace'' IP from THQ in May 2013 for $7,500.<ref name="GameSpot: FreeSpace acquisition" /> Boone noted that some Volition staff had wanted to develop a third ''FreeSpace'' game, but the plan never materialized.<ref name="PC Gamer: commit murder" /><ref name="VG247: commit murder" /> Interplay attempted a revival with ''FreeSpace Tactics'', a miniatures game designed by Chris Taylor, via a crowdfunding campaign in 2014, which failed to reach its $75,000 funding goal.<ref name="Polygon: FreeSpace Tactics" /><ref name="IGN: Interplay IP sale" /> Interplay began selling off several of its IPs, including ''Descent'' and ''FreeSpace'', in 2016.<ref name="IGN: Interplay IP sale" /><ref name="Shacknews: Interplay IP sale" />

Deep Silver released ''Saints Row IV'' in August 2013, selling 1&nbsp;million copies in its first week.<ref name="VG247: Saints Row 4 release" /><ref name="GIbiz: Saints Row 4 sales" /> At the time, Volition employed 200 people.<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again" /> Cermak stated that the team "didn't miss a beat" despite THQ's bankruptcy, and he received the "Entrepreneurial Excellence Management Award" at the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation's ninth annual Innovation Celebration in February 2014.<ref name="News-Gazette: Innovation Celebration 2014" /> ''Enter the Dominatrix'' was eventually released as downloadable content for ''Saints Row IV''.<ref name="Smile Politely: resident developer" /> Seeking to expand by up to 100 positions at One Main, Volition requested a $200,000 investment from Champaign to remodel its offices, noting that a relocation outside downtown would otherwise be necessary.<ref name="News-Gazette: incentives sought" /> Bruce Knight, the city's planning and development director, argued that Volition's downtown location was vital, and the city council approved $3 per square foot for additional space (up to $150,000) and $1,000 per new hire (up to $50,000).<ref name="News-Gazette: incentives backed" /><ref name="News-Gazette: incentives approved" /> Steve Jaros, Volition's creative director, left in September 2014 to join Valve.<ref name="Engadget: Jaros departure" /> ''Saints Row: Gat out of Hell'', a standalone expansion for ''Saints Row IV'' developed with High Voltage Software, was released in January 2015.<ref name="IGN: Agents of Mayhem release" /> In March 2016, Volition employed 250 people with an average annual turnover of 15–20.<ref name="News-Gazette: Behind the scenes" />

=== ''Saints Row'' reboot and closure (2017–2023) === After ''Saints Row IV'', Volition developed ''Agents of Mayhem'', a game set in the ''Saints Row'' universe but separate from the main series.<ref name="GameSpot: Agents of Mayhem" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Agents of Mayhem release" /> Released in August 2017, the game received mixed reviews and underperformed commercially.<ref name="GameSpot: Agents of Mayhem reviews" /><ref name="Kotaku: Layoffs" /> Subsequently, about 30 positions, including that of Cermak, were eliminated.<ref name="Kotaku: Layoffs" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Layoffs 2017" /> Boone replaced Cermak as the studio development director in October 2017, returning after an 18-month tenure at Riot Games.<ref name="GIbiz: Life after Agents of Mayhem" /> In February 2018, Koch Media was acquired by THQ Nordic (the former Nordic Games Licensing, later Embracer Group), reuniting Volition with ''Red Faction'' and ''Summoner'', with ''Red Faction'' later formally given to Deep Silver.<ref name="IGN: Koch Media acquired" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: IP trade" /> Volition had 148 employees in December 2018.<ref name="Embracer: Koch Media acquired" /> In January 2019, Kulas returned as Volition's general manager. Revival Productions was being wound down at the time, and Kulas rejoined Volition to leverage his experience as an independent game developer.<ref name="GIbiz: Kulas return" /> Jim Torbit soon succeeded Kulas, while Boone became the chief creative officer.<ref name="Saints Row 2022: Credits" />

By August 2019, Volition was "deep in development" on a fifth ''Saints Row'' title.<ref name="Polygon: New Saints Row" /> The studio grew from 174 employees to 236 by August 2021.<ref name="Embracer: Annual Report 2019" /><ref name="Embracer: Annual Report 2021" /> The new game, a reboot titled ''Saints Row'', adopted a more grounded approach to the series' humor, focusing less on absurdities.<ref name="News-Gazette: squishy innards" /> Released in August 2022, it received a mixed reception and fell short of management expectations at Embracer Group.<ref name="VGC: Saints Row 2022 reception" /><ref name="Game Developer: Saints Row 2022 reception" /> In November, Embracer Group reassigned Volition from Deep Silver to Gearbox Entertainment, marking the company's first internal studio transfer.<ref name="Eurogamer: Gearbox transition" /><ref name="VGC: Gearbox transition" /> In June 2023, Embracer Group announced a restructuring initiative, including layoffs and studio closures, to reduce its accrued debt.<ref name="Embracer: Restructuring" /> As part of this plan, Volition was closed on August 31, 2023.<ref name="Gematsu: shutdown" /><ref name="News-Gazette: shutdown" /> Consequently, 183 people were laid off.<ref name="Belleville News-Democrat: Layoffs 2023" /> Deep Silver retained ''Saints Row'' and ''Red Faction'', announcing that both IPs would "live on".<ref name="GamesRadar+: live on" /> Matthew Karch, the CEO of Embracer Group's Saber Interactive unit, retrospectively criticized Volition as too costly and lacking direction.<ref name="GamesRadar+: too expensive" /> Shortly after the closure, Matthew Madigan, who had departed Volition in 2017, collaborated with the studio's former creative director Brian Traficante and former producer Rob Loftus to form Shapeshifter Games. Announced in January 2024, the studio began co-developing inXile Entertainment's ''Clockwork Revolution'' and had hired over ten former Volition employees by February.<ref name="Eurogamer: Shapeshifter Games" /><ref name="GIbiz: Shapeshifter Games" />

== Games developed == {{Main|List of Volition games}} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ {{sronly|List of games developed by Volition}} |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Platform(s) ! scope="col" | Publisher(s) |- ! scope="row" | 1998 | ''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War'' | Amiga, Windows | rowspan="2" | Interplay Entertainment |- ! scope="row" | 1999 | ''FreeSpace 2'' | Windows |- ! scope="row" | 2000 | ''Summoner'' | Mac OS, PlayStation 2, Windows | rowspan="10" | THQ |- ! scope="row" | 2001 | ''Red Faction'' | Mac OS, PlayStation 2, Windows |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2002 | ''Summoner 2'' | GameCube, PlayStation 2 |- | ''Red Faction II'' | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |- ! scope="row" | 2005 | ''The Punisher'' | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |- ! scope="row" | 2006 | ''Saints Row'' | Xbox 360 |- ! scope="row" | 2008 | ''Saints Row 2'' | Linux, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 |- ! scope="row" | 2009 | ''Red Faction: Guerrilla'' | PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2011 | ''Red Faction: Armageddon'' | PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 |- | ''Saints Row: The Third'' | Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 |- ! scope="row" | 2013 | ''Saints Row IV'' | Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | rowspan="4" | Deep Silver |- ! scope="row" | 2015 | ''Saints Row: Gat out of Hell'' | Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |- ! scope="row" | 2017 | ''Agents of Mayhem'' | PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One |- ! scope="row" | 2022 | ''Saints Row'' | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |}

=== Canceled === * ''Tube Racer''<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> * Untitled ''Harry Potter'' game<ref name="GamesRadar+: Harry Potter" /> * ''Descent 4''<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="Daily Illini: in their world" /> * ''Underground'' and a ''Batman'' demo<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /><ref name="GamesRadar+: Batman" /> * Untitled third ''Summoner'' game<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> * Untitled third ''Red Faction'' game<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History" /> * ''Insane'' and two sequels<ref name="Polygon: Insane canceled" /><ref name="News-Gazette: Dominatrix" />

== References == {{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Cyber city">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-cyber-city-more-high/191457933/ |title=CYBER CITY: More high-tech firms call Ann Arbor home |first=Mary |last=Morgan |newspaper=The Ann Arbor News |date=December 8, 1996 |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Downtown">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-tech-firms-downtown/191458081/ |title=TECH FIRMS: Downtown convenient, pricey |first=Mary |last=Morgan |newspaper=The Ann Arbor News |date=December 8, 1996 |page=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Got Game">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-got-game-local-compu/191458965/ |title=GOT GAME: Local computer game designers make their marks in a competitive business |first=Mary |last=Morgan |newspaper=The Ann Arbor News |date=October 10, 1999 |page=F1 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Reactor Zero">{{cite web |url=https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbor-tech-firm-plans-hiring-after-pc-development-for-red-faction-guerrilla-video-game/ |title=Ann Arbor tech firm plans hiring after PC development for "Red Faction: Guerrilla" video game |first=Nathan |last=Bomey |date=September 14, 2009 |website=The Ann Arbor News |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260315180136/https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/ann-arbor-tech-firm-plans-hiring-after-pc-development-for-red-faction-guerrilla-video-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Ann Arbor News: Success or failure">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-games-success-or-fai/191459110/ |title=GAMES: Success or failure called 'a total crap shoot' |first=Mary |last=Morgan |newspaper=The Ann Arbor News |date=October 10, 1999 |page=F3 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ars Technica: THQ bankruptcy">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/12/thq-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-will-continue-to-operate/ |title=THQ files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, will continue to operate |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=December 19, 2012 |website=Ars Technica |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216143737/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/12/thq-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-will-continue-to-operate/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Belleville News-Democrat: Layoffs 2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article284699721.html |title=Over 19K Illinois workers were part of mass layoffs in 2023. These companies let people go |first=Meredith |last=Howard |date=January 26, 2024 |website=Belleville News-Democrat |access-date=March 17, 2026 |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527063522/https://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article284699721.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Billboard: Hot Games">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-04-22.pdf |title=Hot Games Take Shareware Route |first=Brett |last=Atwood |magazine=Billboard |date=April 22, 1995 |publisher=BPI Communications |page=76 |via=World Radio History |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=November 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114160753/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-04-22.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Charlotte Observer: Game testers">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-game-testers-are/191460350/ |title=Game testers are paid to play |first=Chris |last=Farnsworth |agency=Knight Ridder |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer |date=November 4, 1999 |page=4D |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Chicago Tribune: on a mission">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-saints-on-a-mission-to/191459357/ |title='Saints' on a mission to outshoot forerunners |first=Wailin |last=Wong |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=August 18, 2013 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Chicago Tribune: rises again">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-saints-rises-again-und/191459402/ |title='Saints' rises again under new parent |first=Wailin |last=Wong |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=August 18, 2013 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: Building houses">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-building-houses-and-rel/191530010/ |title=Building houses and relationships |first=Shyema |last=Azam |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=August 7, 2003 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: Downtown development">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-downtown-development-br/191530320/ |title=Downtown development brings influx of new workers |first=Christina |last=Peluso |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=October 13, 2005 |page=A-8 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: in their world">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-youre-in-their-world-n/191529641/ |title=You're in Their World Now |first=Jennifer |last=Land |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=October 11, 2001 |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: look inside p1">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-a-look-inside-volition/191530602/ |title=A look inside Volition, Inc. |first=Drake |last=Baer |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=February 21, 2008 |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: look inside p2">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-a-look-inside-volition/191530661/ |title=A look inside Volition, Inc. |first=Drake |last=Baer |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=February 21, 2008 |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Illini: urban Champaign">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-illini-developing-an-urban-cha/191460265/ |title=Developing an Urban Champaign |first=Emily |last=Wahlheim |newspaper=The Daily Illini |date=January 27, 2005 |page=31 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Detroit Free Press: Reactor Zero">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-outrage-chief-is-back/191460755/ |title=Outrage chief is back into game design |first=Heather |last=Newman |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 2, 2007 |page=6G |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Edge: Saints Row 2 sales">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/saints-row-2-26m-shipped |title=Saints Row 2: 2.6m Shipped |first=Kris |last=Graft |date=February 4, 2009 |magazine=Edge |archive-date=February 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206032935/http://www.edge-online.com/news/saints-row-2-26m-shipped |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Edge: very different">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/thq-saints-row-2-quotvery-differentquot-gta-iv |title=THQ: Saints Row 2 "Very Different" from GTA IV |date=June 18, 2008 |magazine=Edge |archive-date=August 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808230607/http://www.edge-online.com/news/thq-saints-row-2-quotvery-differentquot-gta-iv |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Embracer: Annual Report 2019">{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1096896.pdf |title=THQ Nordic Annual Report 2018/19 |date=August 27, 2019 |publisher=THQ Nordic |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=July 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707191350/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1096896.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Embracer: Annual Report 2021">{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Embracer-Annual-Report-and-Sustainability-Report-2021.pdf |title=Embracer Group Annual Report & Sustainability Report 2020/2021 |date=August 25, 2021 |publisher=Embracer Group |access-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825223946/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Embracer-Annual-Report-and-Sustainability-Report-2021.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Embracer: Koch Media acquired">{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Koch-Media-GmbH-b.pdf |title=THQ Nordic AB (publ) acquires Koch Media |date=February 14, 2018 |publisher=THQ Nordic |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=July 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707191343/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Koch-Media-GmbH-b.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Embracer: Restructuring">{{cite press release |url=https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-comprehensive-restructuring-program-with-immediate-implementation/ |title=Embracer Group announces comprehensive restructuring program with immediate implementation |date=June 13, 2023 |publisher=Embracer Group |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 10, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260310055532/https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-comprehensive-restructuring-program-with-immediate-implementation/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Engadget: Jaros departure">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014-09-15-saints-row-creative-director-jaros-leaving-volition-for-valve.html |title=Saints Row creative director Jaros leaving Volition for Valve |first=Sinan |last=Kubba |date=September 15, 2014 |website=Engadget |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260315110625/https://www.engadget.com/2014-09-15-saints-row-creative-director-jaros-leaving-volition-for-valve.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Engadget: Koch Media acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/ |title=Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition |first=Alexander |last=Sliwinski |date=January 23, 2013 |website=Engadget |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215204016/https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer: Gearbox transition">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/gearbox-acquires-risk-of-rain-ip |title=Gearbox acquires Risk of Rain IP |first=Matt |last=Wales |date=November 18, 2022 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118002228/https://www.eurogamer.net/gearbox-acquires-risk-of-rain-ip |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer: Red Faction II ports">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47207 |title=Xbox, Cube and PC see Red |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=January 13, 2003 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260315110816/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47207 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer: Shapeshifter Games">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/former-saints-row-developers-join-clockwork-revolution-development |title=Former Saints Row developers join Clockwork Revolution development |first=Liv |last=Ngan |date=January 31, 2024 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 21, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260221155150/https://www.eurogamer.net/former-saints-row-developers-join-clockwork-revolution-development |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Koch Media acquisition">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/185966/How_Saints_Row_and_Metro_ended_up_with_Koch_Media.php |title=How ''Saints Row'' and ''Metro'' ended up with Koch Media |first=Kris |last=Graft |date=February 5, 2013 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514150832/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/185966/How_Saints_Row_and_Metro_ended_up_with_Koch_Media.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Outrage acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/92162/THQ_Acquires_Outrage_Launches_New_Studio_In_Seattle.php |title=THQ Acquires Outrage, Launches New Studio In Seattle |date=April 4, 2002 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608224744/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/92162/THQ_Acquires_Outrage_Launches_New_Studio_In_Seattle.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamasutra: Saints Row postmortem">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/165134/GDC_2012_What_makes_a_Saints_Row_game_anyway.php |title=GDC 2012: What makes a ''Saints Row'' game, anyway? |first=Tom |last=Curtis |date=March 8, 2012 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427001854/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/165134/GDC_2012_What_makes_a_Saints_Row_game_anyway.php |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Developer: Descending to the Top">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/GDM_JuneJuly_1995/page/n39/mode/2up |title=Descending to the Top |first=Alexander |last=Antoniades |magazine=Game Developer |date=June–July 1995 |publisher=Miller Freeman |pages=57–59 |via=Internet Archive |access-date=May 9, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Developer: Descent 3 postmortem">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/game-developer-october-1999/mode/2up |title=Postmortem: Outrage's Descent 3 |first1=Jason |last1=Leighton |first2=Craig |last2=Derrick |magazine=Game Developer |date=October 1999 |publisher=Miller Freeman |pages=54–60 |via=Internet Archive |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Developer: Descent dispute">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-descent-i-games-yanked-from-gog-store-thanks-to-royalty-dispute |title=''Descent'' games yanked from GOG store thanks to royalty dispute |first=Christian |last=Nutt |date=December 30, 2015 |website=Game Developer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=December 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251221003505/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-descent-i-games-yanked-from-gog-store-thanks-to-royalty-dispute |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Developer: Saints Row 2022 reception">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-laments-polarising-saints-row-launch-teases-transformative-licensing-deal |title=Embracer laments polarising Saints Row launch, teases "transformative" licensing deal |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=November 22, 2022 |website=Game Developer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121093901/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-laments-polarising-saints-row-launch-teases-transformative-licensing-deal |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Game Informer: Secret History">{{cite magazine |url=https://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/03/30/the-secret-history-of-volition.aspx |title=The Secret History of Volition |first1=Ben |last1=Hanson |first2=Jeff |last2=Cork |date=March 30, 2011 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 26, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226025610/https://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/03/30/the-secret-history-of-volition.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gamecenter: Definition of Volition">{{cite web |url=http://gamecenter.com/Peeks/Volition/index.html |title=The Definition of Volition |first=Bernard |last=Dy |date=February 9, 1999 |website=CNET Gamecenter |archive-date=January 21, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000121130244/http://gamecenter.com/Peeks/Volition/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Agents of Mayhem">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-agents-of-mayhem-feels-like-saints-row-and-cou/1100-6449147/ |title=Why Agents Of Mayhem Feels Like Saints Row, And Could Be A Missed Opportunity |first=Oscar |last=Dayus |date=April 3, 2017 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919204917/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-agents-of-mayhem-feels-like-saints-row-and-cou/1100-6449147/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Agents of Mayhem reviews">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/agents-of-mayhem-review-roundup/1100-6452526/ |title=Agents Of Mayhem Review Roundup |first=Oscar |last=Dayus |date=August 18, 2017 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030025144/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/agents-of-mayhem-review-roundup/1100-6452526/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: FreeSpace acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/interplay-buys-freespace-ip-for-7500/1100-6409429/ |title=Interplay buys FreeSpace IP for $7,500 |first=Jon |last=Leo |date=June 7, 2013 |website=GameSpot |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=August 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815121558/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/interplay-buys-freespace-ip-for-7500/1100-6409429/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: FreeSpace release">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_06/05_release/index.html |title=New Releases |date=June 5, 1998 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=February 18, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990218080230/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_06/05_release/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Kulas departure">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/volition-founder-leaving-company/1100-6310560/ |title=Volition founder leaving company |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=April 28, 2011 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085030/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/volition-founder-leaving-company/1100-6310560/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Rubu Tribe announcement">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/outrage-reveals-rubu-tribe/1100-2716268/ |title=Outrage reveals Rubu Tribe |first=Shahed |last=Ahmed |date=May 7, 2001 |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260509084703/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/outrage-reveals-rubu-tribe/1100-2716268/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Saints Row 3 announced">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-3-revealed/1100-6200120/ |title=Saints Row 3 revealed |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=February 24, 2009 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919192053/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-3-revealed/1100-6200120/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Saints Row 3 sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-the-third-sells-55-million/1100-6401640/ |title=Saints Row: The Third sells 5.5 million |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=December 17, 2012 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919223228/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-the-third-sells-55-million/1100-6401640/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Silent Threat release">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_10/09_freespac/index.html |title=Silent Threat On Shelves |first=Harley |last=Jebens |date=October 9, 1998 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=April 22, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990422180828/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_10/09_freespac/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Six buyers">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/volition-had-six-interested-buyers-report/1100-6403122/ |title=Volition had six interested buyers – Report |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=January 30, 2013 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908053815/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/volition-had-six-interested-buyers-report/1100-6403122/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Summoner info">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_07/13_pc_volition/index.html |title=Volition Leaps to RPGs |first=Micheal |last=Mullen |date=July 13, 1999 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=April 12, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000412143458/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_07/13_pc_volition/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot: Volition website">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_12/14_pc_descent/index.html |title=Volition Continues Descent |first=Alan |last=Dunkin |date=December 14, 1998 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=January 19, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000119143104/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_12/14_pc_descent/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpy: Origins">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p7.html |title=GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins, Page 7 of 19 |first=John |last=Keefer |date=March 31, 2006 |website=GameSpy |archive-date=April 8, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060408155357/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p7.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar+: Batman">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/stealth/6-years-before-batman-arkham-saints-row-developer-volition-kept-working-on-a-stealth-batman-game-even-after-its-original-idea-got-scrapped-for-being-worse-than-gta-3/ |title=6 years before Batman: Arkham, Saints Row developer Volition kept working on a stealth Batman game even after its original idea got scrapped for being worse than GTA 3 |first=Ashley |last=Bardhan |date=May 14, 2025 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=November 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117085124/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/stealth/6-years-before-batman-arkham-saints-row-developer-volition-kept-working-on-a-stealth-batman-game-even-after-its-original-idea-got-scrapped-for-being-worse-than-gta-3/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar+: Harry Potter">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/a-zillion-years-before-hogwarts-legacy-pre-saints-row-volition-was-making-a-baldurs-gate-style-harry-potter-rpg-and-its-never-been-seen-by-the-public-before/ |title=A zillion years before Hogwarts Legacy, pre-Saints Row Volition was making a Baldur's Gate-style Harry Potter RPG and "it's never been seen by the public before" |first1=Jordan |last1=Gerblick |first2=Ashley |last2=Bardhan |date=May 12, 2025 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260509074509/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/a-zillion-years-before-hogwarts-legacy-pre-saints-row-volition-was-making-a-baldurs-gate-style-harry-potter-rpg-and-its-never-been-seen-by-the-public-before/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar+: IP trade">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/red-faction-painkiller-risen-and-more-get-closer-to-home-in-thq-nordic-and-koch-media-ip-trade/ |title=Red Faction, Painkiller, Risen and more get closer to home in THQ Nordic and Koch Media IP trade |first=Austin |last=Wood |date=May 5, 2020 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516024508/https://www.gamesradar.com/red-faction-painkiller-risen-and-more-get-closer-to-home-in-thq-nordic-and-koch-media-ip-trade/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar+: live on">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/series-like-saints-row-and-red-faction-will-live-on-at-a-new-developer-after-volition-shutdown/ |title=Series like Saints Row and Red Faction "will live on" at a new developer after Volition shutdown |first=Austin |last=Wood |date=September 1, 2023 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901180626/https://www.gamesradar.com/series-like-saints-row-and-red-faction-will-live-on-at-a-new-developer-after-volition-shutdown/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar+: too expensive">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/open-world/saber-interactive-ceo-says-saints-row-had-to-die-because-the-games-were-too-expensive-the-days-of-throwing-money-at-games-other-than-the-gtas-of-the-world-is-over/ |title=Saber Interactive CEO says Saints Row had to die because the games were too expensive: "The days of throwing money at games other than the GTAs of the world is over" |first=Jordan |last=Gerblick |date=March 17, 2025 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322134900/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/open-world/saber-interactive-ceo-says-saints-row-had-to-die-because-the-games-were-too-expensive-the-days-of-throwing-money-at-games-other-than-the-gtas-of-the-world-is-over/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Gematsu: shutdown">{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/volition-shuts-down-after-30-years |title=Volition shuts down after 30 years |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=August 31, 2023 |website=Gematsu |access-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831184310/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/volition-shuts-down-after-30-years |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIbiz: Kulas return">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/founder-mike-kulas-returns-to-volition-after-eight-years |title=Founder Mike Kulas returns to Volition after eight years |first=James |last=Batchelor |date=January 29, 2019 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 21, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260221125841/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/founder-mike-kulas-returns-to-volition-after-eight-years |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIbiz: Life after Agents of Mayhem">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/life-after-agents-of-mayhem-where-now-for-volition |title=Life after Agents of Mayhem: Where now for Volition? |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=October 9, 2017 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 5, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260305201554/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/life-after-agents-of-mayhem-where-now-for-volition |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIbiz: Revival Productions">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-joy-of-unretirement |title=The joy of unretirement |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=February 23, 2016 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130132007/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-joy-of-unretirement |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIbiz: Saints Row 4 sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/saints-row-iv-sells-over-1-million-copies-in-first-week |title=Saints Row IV sells over 1 million copies in first week |first=James |last=Brightman |date=August 28, 2013 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211023302/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/saints-row-iv-sells-over-1-million-copies-in-first-week |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIbiz: Shapeshifter Games">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/volition-alumni-on-building-shapeshifter-games-in-an-era-of-layoffs-and-closures |title=Volition alumni on building Shapeshifter Games in an era of layoffs and closures |first=James |last=Batchelor |date=February 29, 2024 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=October 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241015214219/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/volition-alumni-on-building-shapeshifter-games-in-an-era-of-layoffs-and-closures |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Homer Index: Lynn">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-homer-index-lynn/191647271/ |title=Lynn |first=Nathan |last=Smith |newspaper=The Homer Index |date=August 27, 1997 |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Agents of Mayhem release">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/out-this-week-january-20-2015 |title=Out This Week: January 20, 2015 |first=Lucas M. |last=Thomas |date=January 20, 2015 |website=IGN |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818104035/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/20/out-this-week-january-20-2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Interplay IP sale">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/08/interplay-is-selling-off-earthworm-jim-descent-freespace-and-more |title=Interplay Is Selling Off Earthworm Jim, Descent, Freespace, and More |first=Matt |last=Porter |date=September 8, 2016 |website=IGN |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204022659/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/08/interplay-is-selling-off-earthworm-jim-descent-freespace-and-more |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Koch Media acquired">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/14/thq-nordic-buys-saints-row-metro-dead-island-owner-koch-media |title=THQ Nordic Buys Saints Row, Metro, Dead Island Owner, Koch Media |first=Shabana |last=Arif |date=February 14, 2018 |website=IGN |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710000732/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/14/thq-nordic-buys-saints-row-metro-dead-island-owner-koch-media |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Rubu Tribe">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/04/outrages-rubu-tribe-cancelled |title=Outrage's Rubu Tribe Cancelled |date=April 4, 2002 |website=IGN |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310102624/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/04/outrages-rubu-tribe-cancelled |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Rubu Tribe announcement">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/07/cool-vibes-from-rubu-tribes |title=Cool Vibes from Rubu Tribes |date=May 7, 2001 |website=IGN |access-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-date=May 9, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260509084710/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/07/cool-vibes-from-rubu-tribes |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: The Punisher">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/07/pure-punishment |title=Pure Punishment |first=Douglas C. |last=Perry |date=January 7, 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216182747/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/07/pure-punishment |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Kotaku: Layoffs">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/big-layoffs-hit-agents-of-mayhem-developer-volition-1818844285 |title=Big Layoffs Hit ''Agents of Mayhem'' Developer Volition |first=Jason |last=Schreier |author-link=Jason Schreier |date=September 27, 2017 |website=Kotaku |access-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928013202/https://kotaku.com/big-layoffs-hit-agents-of-mayhem-developer-volition-1818844285 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimes: THQ acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-12-me-19795-story.html |title=THQ Acquires Volition in Stock Transaction |date=September 12, 2000 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025153545/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/sep/12/local/me-19795 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="MCV: Descent successor">{{cite magazine |url=https://mcvuk.com/development-news/parallax-founders-get-back-together-for-descent-successor/ |title=Parallax founders get back together for Descent successor |first=Matthew |last=Jarvis |date=February 11, 2016 |magazine=MCV/Develop |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 1, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201163633/https://mcvuk.com/development-news/parallax-founders-get-back-together-for-descent-successor/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News Journal: Green/Toschlog">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal-marriage-of-green-tos/191460508/ |title=Green–Toschlog |newspaper=The News Journal |date=November 9, 1999 |page=CE9 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Agents of Mayhem release">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-plans-agents-of-mayhem-for-17-release/article_3c291b4d-a61c-507e-9f29-7ad1497771e5.html |title=Volition plans 'Agents of Mayhem' for '17 release |first=Joel |last=Leizer |date=June 9, 2016 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Behind the scenes">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/behind-the-scenes-volition/article_635b88f1-cb51-5c65-b559-9c9a99b21f8a.html |title=Behind the scenes: Volition |first=Marcus |last=Jackson |date=March 13, 2016 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921190902/https://www.news-gazette.com/news/behind-the-scenes-volition/article_635b88f1-cb51-5c65-b559-9c9a99b21f8a.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Blazing Lizard">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/new-video-game-company-gives-glimpse-of-first-game/article_ce5d248e-3d55-516c-9e4d-7e93062727e0.html |title=New video game company gives glimpse of first game |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=August 13, 2007 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: council clears way">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/city-council-clears-way-for-volition-project/article_8d15aaf2-ca72-5376-87e1-eba1e2ce0e13.html |title=City council clears way for Volition project |first=J. Philip |last=Bloomer |date=January 15, 2003 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: counting on success">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-counting-on-success-for-saints-row-2/article_c6280b8c-b387-5f68-9c52-a3f16b9a7322.html |title=Volition counting on success for 'Saints Row 2' |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=October 12, 2008 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Decision time">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/decision-time-for-downtown/article_09b060d8-31b6-5754-aacf-8be396acec0e.html |title=Decision time for downtown |first=Mike |last=Monson |date=November 2, 2003 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Dominatrix">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/thq-dominatrix-to-get-full-game-treatment-preproduction-stops-on-insane-trilogy/article_69bf0670-3dfb-51c2-b2ce-0988afc6533f.html |title=THQ: 'Dominatrix' to get full-game treatment; preproduction stops on 'inSANE' trilogy |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=August 8, 2012 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Dream job">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-heads-dream-job-not-fantasy/article_84061de4-b0b3-5217-b550-9134e985abd9.html |title=Volition head's dream job not fantasy |first=J. Philip |last=Bloomer |date=November 9, 2003 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Founder leaves">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/founder-leaves-volition/article_86bbafe3-0220-56d0-9033-91fbc489934b.html |title=Founder leaves Volition |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=April 27, 2011 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Franchises acquired">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/swedish-firm-buys-red-faction/article_e46ee319-5988-53d9-bf14-ce6efd26a59a.html |title=Swedish firm buys 'Red Faction' |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=April 23, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: growing up fast">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-growing-up-fast/article_73e9b0ce-1eb2-5aa5-8509-420a53a36a21.html |title=Volition growing up fast |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=November 19, 2006 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: incentives approved">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/deal-is-struck/article_f14523e1-e096-50e7-b848-2de6572d881f.html |title=Deal is struck |date=April 25, 2014 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: incentives backed">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/officials-back-incentives-for-ds-volition/article_d24667c2-dcb0-5d56-a7a4-461fdc2c713a.html |title=Officials back incentives for DS Volition |first=Patrick |last=Wade |date=April 22, 2014 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521152324/https://www.news-gazette.com/news/officials-back-incentives-for-ds-volition/article_d24667c2-dcb0-5d56-a7a4-461fdc2c713a.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: incentives sought">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/ds-volition-seeking-city-incentives-to-remodel-expand/article_0528e9f5-f6bf-5df7-aa26-01e67445487f.html |title=DS Volition seeking city incentives to remodel, expand |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=April 18, 2014 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126023451/https://www.news-gazette.com/news/ds-volition-seeking-city-incentives-to-remodel-expand/article_0528e9f5-f6bf-5df7-aa26-01e67445487f.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Innovation Celebration 2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/updated-innovation-celebration-winners-announced/article_bdf39291-af92-5bb2-bd85-e612beaa9b1b.html |title=Updated: Innovation Celebration winners announced |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=February 27, 2014 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709081517/https://www.news-gazette.com/news/updated-innovation-celebration-winners-announced/article_bdf39291-af92-5bb2-bd85-e612beaa9b1b.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Layoffs 2011">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-to-lay-off-16-employees/article_a9c63c04-d52b-59bf-a879-40ad625cc5e5.html |title=Volition to lay off 16 employees |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=April 2, 2011 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Layoffs 2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/layoffs-hit-volition/article_d2b5e9d0-b8d2-5ae3-bc80-474de3ee7eec.html |title=Layoffs hit Volition |first=Ben |last=Zigterman |date=September 27, 2017 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: making believers">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/one-main-is-making-believers/article_680007c3-9dbe-504e-82ae-e80aadf998eb.html |title=One Main is making believers |first=J. Philip |last=Bloomer |date=November 14, 2004 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Motorola final day">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/friday-final-day-for-motorola-in-champaign/article_7ca2b0b3-22dc-5351-9178-72663cf6122f.html |title=Friday final day for Motorola in Champaign |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=August 25, 2007 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Motorola transition">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-jobs-may-provide-transition-for-motorola-employees/article_79ed3079-b716-53b9-8315-ff7cf1d42180.html |title=Volition jobs may provide transition for Motorola employees |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=June 23, 2007 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: One Main sequel">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/one-main-sequel-proposed/article_7f05560a-97c2-5126-953b-045b4fef7b95.html |title=One Main sequel proposed |first=Mike |last=Monson |date=July 21, 2004 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: prepares for move">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-prepares-for-move/article_6bd52e77-5179-568d-ad07-3c584cd479a6.html |title=Volition prepares for move |first=Debra |last=Pressey |date=May 31, 2004 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: QA facility">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-to-hire-120-employees-for-new-facility/article_9ead0ba4-8a35-56c3-b0be-3aa02582c5d6.html |title=Volition to hire 120 employees for new facility |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=October 31, 2007 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: QA facility close">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/video-game-firm-thq-to-close-area-facility-86-to-lose-jobs/article_4f610ab7-99bf-5a96-8421-fc39ef52f0c8.html |title=Video game firm THQ to close area facility; 86 to lose jobs |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=March 4, 2009 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Revival Productions">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/its-your-business-volition-founder-back-in-game/article_9ec9778b-7078-50b0-a40c-9f640efec836.html |title=It's Your Business: Volition founder back in game |first=Tim |last=Mitchell |date=March 6, 2016 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Rockstar Midwest">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/thq-auction-clouds-volition-future/article_0fe1ca7e-6c70-5363-b1a7-34bd434b0f01.html |title=THQ auction clouds Volition future |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=January 20, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124062735/http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/economy/2013-01-20/thq-auction-clouds-volition-future.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: shutdown">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/business/volition-shut-down-by-parent-company/article_cdba5fcf-a4a6-570f-b812-6e31b419dc25.html |title=Volition shut down by parent company |first=Debra |last=Pressey |date=August 31, 2023 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: Six groups">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/six-groups-considered-bid-for-volition/article_a1273fab-cab3-5d09-b77c-362f1aa48e1e.html |title=Six groups considered bid for Volition |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=January 29, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: sold separately">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volition-could-be-sold-separately-in-thq-auction/article_19933be4-923b-53aa-9740-1a87b091e951.html |title=Volition could be sold separately in THQ auction |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=January 9, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: squishy innards">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/science-technology/champaign-game-studios-saints-row-reboot-new-story-same-squishy-innards/article_f4867e1d-a49d-5b78-8b5d-da20c8165a29.html |title=Champaign game studio's 'Saints Row' reboot: New story, same 'squishy innards' |first=Ethan |last=Simmons |date=August 23, 2022 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825154445/https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/science-technology/champaign-game-studios-saints-row-reboot-new-story-same-squishy-innards/article_f4867e1d-a49d-5b78-8b5d-da20c8165a29.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: staying on target">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/champaign-based-volition-staying-on-target-with-games/article_3020c2ed-0b70-55a0-afe8-532da54138dd.html |title=Champaign-based Volition staying on target with games |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=September 6, 2009 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: THQ bankruptcy">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/thq-volition-related-entities-file-for-bankruptcy-work-expected-to-continue-as-normal/article_549ce78b-a9ec-5ba3-b606-dfebc450f510.html |title=THQ, Volition, related entities file for bankruptcy; work expected to continue as normal |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=December 19, 2012 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: up for sale">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/volitions-red-faction-franchise-up-for-sale----again/article_b7ee9ad4-c9b5-5e11-b23e-936705a17e39.html |title=Volition's 'Red Faction' franchise up for sale – again |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=February 28, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: very positive future">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/updated-volition-chief-sees-very-positive-future/article_9d2eb7fb-f349-5cbe-a193-38fa5089f6ba.html |title=Updated: Volition chief sees 'very positive' future |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=January 23, 2013 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="News-Gazette: year to forget">{{cite web |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/2008-became-a-year-to-forget-for-some-area-companies/article_569d5cab-e2aa-5f28-8145-8a783f9cce63.html |title=2008 became a year to forget for some area companies |first=Don |last=Dodson |date=January 11, 2009 |website=The News-Gazette |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Outrage: Parallax split">{{cite press release |url=http://www.outrage.com/3c_press_release.html#reorg |title=Parallax Software Reorganizes Into Two New Companies |date=December 1, 1997 |publisher=Parallax Software |via=Outrage Entertainment |archive-date=August 18, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818044326/http://www.outrage.com/3c_press_release.html#reorg |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Palladium-Item: Descent">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/palladium-item-descent/191459852/ |title=Descent |first=Rachel E. |last=Sheeley |newspaper=Palladium-Item |date=August 27, 1995 |page=E4 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Palladium-Item: local connection">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/palladium-item-popular-computer-game-has/191459784/ |title=Popular computer game has local connection |first=Rachel E. |last=Sheeley |newspaper=Palladium-Item |date=August 27, 1995 |page=E1 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="PC Gamer: commit murder">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/volition-would-commit-murder-to-make-freespace-3/ |title=Volition would "commit murder" to make Freespace 3 |first=Tom |last=Senior |date=February 8, 2011 |website=PC Gamer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 8, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208213409/https://www.pcgamer.com/volition-would-commit-murder-to-make-freespace-3/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PC Gamer: Descent dispute">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gog-holds-interplay-sale-but-removes-descent-from-store/ |title=GOG holds Interplay sale, but removes Descent from store |first=Tom |last=Sykes |date=December 30, 2015 |website=PC Gamer |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 22, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122174508/https://www.pcgamer.com/gog-holds-interplay-sale-but-removes-descent-from-store/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: Franchises acquired">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/22/4252414/nordic-games-thq-ip-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/ |title=Nordic Games acquires THQ's Darksiders, Red Faction and more in $4.9M bid |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=April 22, 2013 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 24, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224034929/https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/22/4252414/nordic-games-thq-ip-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: FreeSpace Tactics">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/12/7381221/freespace-tactics-board-game-kickstarter/ |title=FreeSpace's space combat could return as a board game |first=Dave |last=Tach |date=December 12, 2014 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=May 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512132756/https://www.polygon.com/2014/12/12/7381221/freespace-tactics-board-game-kickstarter |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: Insane canceled">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/8/6/3224188/thq-cancels-production-on-guillermo-del-toros-insane-video-game/ |title=THQ cancels production on Guillermo del Toro's 'Insane' video game |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=August 6, 2012 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 26, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226152641/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/8/6/3224188/thq-cancels-production-on-guillermo-del-toros-insane-video-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: life and near death">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4151624/saint-row-4-volition/ |title=Agent of Mayhem: The life and near death of Saints Row's Volition |first=Christopher |last=Grant |date=April 12, 2013 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 23, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223072153/https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4151624/saint-row-4-volition/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon: New Saints Row">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/14/20805385/new-saints-row-game-thq-nordic-volition-timesplitters-dead-island/ |title=New Saints Row game 'deep in development' at Volition |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=August 14, 2019 |website=Polygon |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304163327/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/14/20805385/new-saints-row-game-thq-nordic-volition-timesplitters-dead-island/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RPS: Overload">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/descents-true-spiritual-successor-overload-is-out-today |title=Descent's true spiritual successor Overload is out today |first=Dominic |last=Tarason |date=May 31, 2018 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 22, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222121643/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/descents-true-spiritual-successor-overload-is-out-today |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Saints Row 2022: Credits">{{cite video game |title=Saints Row |developer=Volition |publisher=Deep Silver |date=August 23, 2022 |scene=Credits}}</ref>

<ref name="Shacknews: Insane">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/66804/guillermo-del-toro-reveals-insane |title=Guillermo del Toro Reveals 'Insane' from Volition |first=Xav |last=de Matos |date=December 11, 2010 |website=Shacknews |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112004947/https://www.shacknews.com/article/66804/guillermo-del-toro-reveals-insane |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Shacknews: Interplay IP sale">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/96699/earthworm-jim-descent-and-other-interplay-ips-are-up-for-sale |title=Earthworm Jim, Descent, and other Interplay IPs are up for sale |first=David |last=Craddock |date=September 8, 2016 |website=Shacknews |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=November 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102152812/https://www.shacknews.com/article/96699/earthworm-jim-descent-and-other-interplay-ips-are-up-for-sale |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Shacknews: Layoffs 2011">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/67985/thq-cuts-staff-at-kaos |title=THQ cuts staff at Kaos, Volition |first=Steve |last=Watts |date=April 1, 2011 |website=Shacknews |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260315180859/https://www.shacknews.com/article/67985/thq-cuts-staff-at-kaos |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Smile Politely: resident developer">{{cite web |url=https://www.smilepolitely.com/culture/volition_champaign-urbanas_resident_developer/ |title=Volition: Champaign-Urbana's resident developer |first=Jonah |last=Koslofsky |date=January 10, 2014 |website=Smile Politely |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808114343/https://www.smilepolitely.com/culture/volition_champaign-urbanas_resident_developer/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="THR: The Punisher">{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000874859 |title=Video game rating board don't get no respect |first=Paul |last=Hyman |date=April 8, 2005 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=October 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001000420/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000874859 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="UIUC: ascent with Descent">{{cite magazine |url=https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=548 |title=Mike Kulas's ascent with Descent |magazine=Department of Computer Science University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Alumni News |volume=1 |issue=8 |date=Summer 1997 |publisher=University of Illinois Alumni Association |pages=14–17 |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407065550/https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=548 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="USA Today: Briefly">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/usa-today-briefly/191458315/ |title=Briefly... |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 20, 1995 |page=6D |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ventura County Star: Outrage acquisition">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-thq-adds-outrage-ent/191459479/ |title=THQ adds Outrage Entertainment |newspaper=Ventura County Star |date=April 11, 2002 |page=D3 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ventura County Star: Summoner publisher">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-thq-and-volition-pro/191458776/ |title=THQ and Volition produce game |newspaper=Ventura County Star |date=August 9, 1999 |page=E6 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ventura County Star: Tech firms">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-changes-tech-firms/191460177/ |title=CHANGES: Tech firms reposition |first=Roger |last=Harris |newspaper=Ventura County Star |date=September 6, 2000 |page=D8 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="Ventura County Star: THQ acquisition">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-thq-buys-volition-p/191460133/ |title=THQ buys Volition; PASW sells off PSI |first=Roger |last=Harris |newspaper=Ventura County Star |date=September 6, 2000 |page=D1 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=March 15, 2026}}</ref>

<ref name="VG247: commit murder">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/some-volition-developers-would-commit-murder-to-create-freespace-3 |title=Some Volition developers would "commit murder," to create FreeSpace 3 |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=February 8, 2011 |website=VG247 |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116172132/https://www.vg247.com/some-volition-developers-would-commit-murder-to-create-freespace-3 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VG247: Koch Media acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/thq-has-been-sold-off-buyers-announced |title=THQ sold: buyers include Ubisoft, SEGA, Crytek, Koch, Take-Two |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=January 23, 2013 |website=VG247 |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=February 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216205129/https://www.vg247.com/thq-has-been-sold-off-buyers-announced |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VG247: Saints Row 4 release">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/08/21/saints-row-4-out-now-in-us-launch-trailer-suggests-we-get-this-shit-started/ |title=Saints Row 4 out now in US, launch trailer suggests we "get this s**t started" |first=Brenna |last=Hillier |date=August 20, 2013 |website=VG247 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003043102/https://www.vg247.com/2013/08/21/saints-row-4-out-now-in-us-launch-trailer-suggests-we-get-this-shit-started/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VGC: Gearbox transition">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/volition-will-become-part-of-gearbox-after-disappointing-reception-to-saints-row/ |title=Volition will become part of Gearbox after disappointing reception to Saints Row |first=Chris |last=Scullion |date=November 17, 2022 |website=Video Games Chronicle |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117174203/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/volition-will-become-part-of-gearbox-after-disappointing-reception-to-saints-row/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VGC: Saints Row 2022 reception">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracers-ceo-disappointed-by-saints-rows-polarising-reception/ |title=Embracer's CEO says he's disappointed by Saints Row's 'polarising' reception |first=Tom |last=Ivan |date=September 21, 2022 |website=Video Games Chronicle |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925035615/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracers-ceo-disappointed-by-saints-rows-polarising-reception/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Volition: History">{{cite web |url=http://www.volition-inc.com/v_history.cfm |title=Information – History |year=1999 |publisher=Volition |archive-date=January 23, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000123101440/http://www.volition-inc.com/v_history.cfm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Wired: Doom Killers">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/1995/06/scans-8/ |title=Scans |first=Marc |last=Laidlaw |author-link=Marc Laidlaw |date=June 1, 1995 |magazine=Wired |access-date=March 15, 2026 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920053452/https://www.wired.com/1995/06/scans-8/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

== External links == * {{Official website|https://www.volitiongames.com/}}

{{Volition}} {{Embracer Group}} {{Authority control}}

Category:1993 establishments in Illinois Category:2000 mergers and acquisitions Category:2023 disestablishments in Illinois Category:American companies disestablished in 2023 Category:American companies established in 1993 Category:American subsidiaries of foreign companies Category:Champaign, Illinois Category:Companies based in Champaign County, Illinois Category:Deep Silver Category:Defunct video game companies based in Illinois Category:THQ Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2023 Category:Video game companies established in 1993 Category:Video game development companies