Volition has released a new developer diary for Saints Row 4 which discusses the series' unique tone and praises the fans who have stuck with the franchise over the years.
When Saints Row was originally released in 2006 there were few open world games to contend with but Volition contends it was the irreverent tone and range of customisation options which enabled the series to take off.
Steve Jaros, Saints Row 4's creative director, says "We never forget the people who've stuck with us this entie time. Without Saints Row 1 and 2, there'd never be a Saints Row 3. Without Saints Row 3, there'd never be a Saints Row 4.
"So finding ways to go and have the game evolve, but evolve in such a way that it doesn't alienate [fans]; that makes them feel like they're part of the journey rather than being forced to come along for ride they never wanted, is something that's very important to us."
Jaros adds, "It takes a lot of work to make something this beautifully stupid."
Saints Row 4 is set to be released on August 20th in North America and on August 23rd in Europe for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Earlier today, it was announced that a modified version of the game has finally been certified for release in Australia.