Why isn't Saints Row 3 running on DirectX 9 or DirectX 11?

Saints Row: The Third primarily utilizes DirectX 9 for its graphics rendering, as it was developed during a time when many games were still optimizing for that API. While newer versions like DirectX 11 offer enhancements such as improved graphical fidelity and performance, the game's engine was built around DirectX 9, making it unlikely to support later versions without significant redevelopment efforts. As a result, it remains compatible with a broader range of hardware, especially older systems that may not support DirectX 11.