The New Skate Series: What We Want to See Next

It’s been more than a decade since the last entry of the Skate series kickflipped its way into our hearts; its revolutionary flick control scheme, open-world skateboarding utopia, fisheye handheld third-person camera, photography & videography, and (for better or worse) the fun little glitches are what make the Skate games such a joy to play.

So much so that in its ten-year hiatus, other independent dev teams have attempted to fill that half-pipe-shaped hole within us since 2010 - most notably Skater XL and Session. Even Tyler, the Creator (rapper and vocal advocate of the series) snuck in “Skate Four” as a refrain of his song “I THINK”.

Unfortunately, that “hiatus” was due to the original developers of the first three titles Black Box Games being shut down in early 2013; so the prospect of a “Skate 4” was no more…

UNTIL: E3 2020 during the EA Play event, they announced “Full Circle” - a new studio formed to revive the brand that had onboard a few key developers from the original series! GNARLY!

However, it’s been some time since we dusted off the ol’ deck. The previous series all ran on the same engine, outdated since EA uses Frostbite for its titles; and transitioning gameplay from one to the other ain’t no ollie - so I’m assuming that the reboot will be a more concentrated experience... Though it won’t stop me from dreaming!

Here’s what I’d love to see the folks over at Full Circle do with the Skate franchise in the future!

IT’S TRICKY

Throughout the Skate saga, each iteration focuses on adding more depth and variety in the gameplay. Hippy jumps and inverts were added in Skate 2, with dark slides and underflips following suit in Skate 3; I think it’s about time to see how they implement more stationary elements like caspers, primo flips, and performing acrobatics like handstands while skating - perhaps even equipping a second skateboard and being able to jump from one deck to another? Just want to channel my inner Rodney Mullen / William Spencer.

CUSTOM BORED

The level of customisable detail was extraordinary as the series progressed - from your skateboard, skater, skate parks, and eventually your skate brand! As everything is never enough, I'd love to be able to completely customise my personal deck: from the colour of the screws to the griptape, or even the shape of the board!

But what needs the most attention is the character creator, and their limited fashion choices. Obviously, being a skateboarding game, skateboarding culture should and needs to be represented - from the short shorts and crew socks of the ‘70s to the supremely exorbitant “hype culture”... maybe I want to bomb a hill in a pencil skirt and Louboutins?

And when it comes to how your character looks… well, looking a little less generic would be an upgrade!

COWABUNGA CAMPAIGN, MY DUDES!

Personally, I love the story arc from each game’s campaign. It’s always simple, sweet, and never more than it needs to be: consistent in its amateur to professional premise in different flavours. One thing that could keep it fresh whilst giving the developers room to focus on the core gameplay would be to set the franchise in a different time period.

No, I’m not suggesting a Victorian era skate session down at the duchess’ stately home grounds (or maybe I am…Jane Eyrewalk’s “Pride, Prejudice, & Pop-Shuvits”?), but rather - starting the series off in the ‘80s or ‘90s. With a VHS camcorder perspective, back to basics feel that would be a unique and welcome change! Perhaps while Full Circle gets their bearings, the timeline can progress through the 1990s and 2000s until present day?

A CHANGE OF SCENERY

Whilst San Vanelona & Port Carverton were great skating destinations, I can’t feel but confined in California (and to some extent Americanised Barcelona?) for the last three entire games. The world of skateboarding is quite literally, worldwide! So why not take the opportunity to expand?

We’ve had a smattering of varied locations previously in the form of DLC - but nothing truly diverse as the sport itself. As inspiration for cities alone go: London, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and New York City offer some familiar yet distinctive environments to have fun with. But what I'm most keen to see is representation in blossoming skating scenes around the world - countries like India, Uganda, or the Caribbean would make a fantastic visual respite and exposure in rep all in one!

Whilst I’m at it, adding a day/night cycle in lieu of eternal daytime or perpetual darkness would be a lot of fun (if not admittedly potentially annoying). Whether it’s grinding at the golden hour, setting up spotlights at night and clearing a double set of stairs, or cruising downhill during dawn - a day/night cycle (or even a weather system) may seem irrelevant to the core game, though I think such aesthetic amenities would only enhance the experience.

VERTual Sessions

The fundamental concept of the Skate games dove-tail neatly with the social aspect of online gaming. Hanging out with friends in Port Carverton, making our own fun, playing games of 1UP, Hall of Meat, Own The Lot, and races have been a key part of the Skate experience.

I propose a fusion of the offline career mode and Grand Theft Auto V's Online open-world environment into one - whereby the story can be played solo and/or in a team with everyone’s custom skaters.

Though it might not be as exciting as performing tricks ‘n’ stunts for competitions and photoshoots, perhaps players could have the opportunity to be camera operators, skating and filming your friends!

Though these may be half-pipe dreams, I’m still stoked that a new Skate game is in the works! That, and if we could wait ten years to hear news of a sequel, I think we can wait a little longer for Full Circle to do the series justice! (also, if anyone over at Full Circle or EA wants to hire me, I am more than willing to hear your offer).

Have I missed anything obvious that we would love to see in future instalments in Skate? (trick question: of course I did), then tell us in the comments below!