"I think the biggest thing for us was trying to focus as much as we could on current-gen," Boone told VideoGamer.com, discussing the reasons behind Saints Row 4's next-gen absence. "We've definitely been looking into [next-gen] just like everyone else does, but I think our philosophy is generally to try and do it right.

According to the game's senior producer Jim Boone, Volition's experience with PS2 launch title Summoner is partly to blame.

Saints Row 4 launches on current-gen consoles and PC this August. But why, unlike games like Assassin's Creed 4, Watch Dogs and Destiny, isn't Volition holding out for a next or cross-gen launch?

"Part of that is from our history," Boone continued. "When we did Summoner - that was a launch title for the PlayStation 2 - and our experience with that was... It was one of the most painful games I've ever worked on because obviously it's a launch title and it's just incredibly challenging to do. And I think from that we've learned."

This isn't the first time Volition has held a Saints Row title back from a next-gen console launch, either.

According to Boone, Volition deliberately held the original Saints Row back from the Xbox 360 launch window to avoid the problems it faced with Summoner.

"Saints Row 1 is a perfect example," he continued. "We specifically chose not to do that one as a launch title because of the kinds of lessons we learned on Summoner. So I think we've just woven that into our philosophy of, let's make sure we do the game right rather than feeling like we need to do a mad dash just to get it out on next-gen."

The studio, which was acquired by Dead Island publisher Deep Silver in January, is looking into next-gen for future projects, though.

"We certainly are looking - just like all other developers - at next-gen," Boone added, "but at least with Saints Row 4 that's current-gen and PC."

Saints Row 4 launches on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on August 23.

Source: VideoGamer.com Interview