Skate's return, eagerly anticipated by fans, took a rocky yet intriguing step into the gaming world this September. Developed by Full Circle and published by EA, the new iteration of the beloved franchise landed in Steam Early Access against a backdrop of high expectations. However, the initial reception from the gaming community has been a blend of excitement and critique.
The game currently holds an underwhelming 46% positivity rate out of approximately 6,000 reviews on Steam. Many fans, who had long awaited the revival of the Skate series, found themselves voicing their disappointment, primarily directing their criticism at what they perceive as a monetized, content-thin experience. The game's live-service model, while familiar to modern gamers, has become a sticking point, with players balking at the paywalls surrounding customization options—a stark contrast to the readily accessible features in previous releases.
Launch Day Challenges
The initial foray into the digital skatepark was not without its hiccups. On day one, Skate's servers were overwhelmed by over 80,000 concurrent players eager to relive the grinding and flipping thrills of yesteryears. Unfortunately, this led to frequent crashes and performance issues, marring what could have been a triumphant debut. The absence of beloved elements like the Hall of Meat, S.K.A.T.E. missions, and a narrative-driven story mode added fuel to the fire of discontent among the series' longtime followers.
Furthermore, the game's art direction has sparked debate. A stylistic shift toward more cartoonish graphics has drawn comparisons to the vibrant, playful aesthetic of Fortnite, straying from the realism that the series was originally lauded for. This pivot, along with the lack of an offline mode, serves as a point of division among fans who cherished the series for its prior authentic skateboarding vibe.
Path Forward
Despite these early stumbles, Skate's journey in Early Access is ongoing, and it's clear that Full Circle has avenues available to address its community's concerns. Given its free-to-play nature, the barriers to entry are minimal, allowing players to test and, potentially, influence its development trajectory without financial commitment.
The development team has committed to considering player feedback, hinting at potential future updates that could reinstate favored features or tone down the monetization methods. As the game progresses through Early Access, there is opportunity for it to evolve, redeem itself, and align more closely with the legacy cherished by its fanbase.
For now, Steam Early Access provides skateboarding enthusiasts with a chance to strap on their virtual decks and dive into a game that, despite its flaws, offers the familiar allure of skateboarding—a sport that is as much about creativity and expression as it is about perfection.
