Shortly after the franchise's acquisition by Koch Media (the parent company of publisher Deep Silver), many wondered what the future might hold for Volition's Saints Row series. Prior to previous publisher THQ's bankruptcy filing and auction, the next title in the franchise — what is likely called Saints Row 4 — was slated for a 2013 release.

However, after the Koch Media purchased Volition for $22.3 million, the likelihood of that scheduling was called into question. Thankfully, Koch Media CEO Klemens Kundratitz has stepped in to clear up any confusion.

Speaking with Games Industry, Kundratitz revealed that THQ's 2013 plans for Metro and Saints Row have now transitioned into Deep Silver's plans. More specifically, he says he has "no doubt" that Metro: Last Light and Saints Row 4 will launch this year.

Before gamers get too excited it's important to note that Saints Row 4, if that is to be the final title (the game currently operates under the moniker "the next great entry in the Saints Row franchise"), is not really Saints Row 4. The game is actually an expanded version of the 'Enter the Dominatrix' DLC that was supposed to hit Saints Row: The Third last year.

In such a short time period it's unlikely any next-gen ambitions fans had for the franchise will come to fruition, but nevertheless this next Saints Row is bound to make a lot of money. After the Saints Row: The Third gained a cult following many gamers began to take notice, helping it become a 2012 Game of the Year contender.

As hardcore gamers took notice, so too did the casual crowd, who caught wind of the various zany pieces of marketing THQ created — the most famous of which is the sex toy bat. It's hard to gauge anticipation for Saints Row 4 at this point, but Koch Media also believes this next iteration is poised to make a killing. Even if it isn't the next-gen Saints Row we've been hoping for, it's a decent alternative for the time being.

Do you think that Saints Row 4 will hit its 2013 release date? Will it be the best selling entry in the franchise so far?

Saints Row 4 is slated for a 2013 release on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

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Source: Games Industry Biz