For those who spent their formative years perfecting the impossible grind in virtual parks or executing gravity-defying flip tricks, the digital skate scene of the early 2000s holds a special, almost sacred place. Then, as quickly as a bail from a high ramp, the genre seemed to fade, leaving a void only partially filled by fleeting moments of nostalgia. Yet, something has shifted. A seismic rumble beneath the industry`s pavement suggests that skating games are not just back, but potentially carving out a new golden era. But is this revival a fleeting kickflip or a permanent addition to the gaming landscape?
A Blast from the Past: The Golden Age and the Great Decline
Back when baggy pants and pop-punk soundtracks defined a generation, skateboarding games were kings. Titles like Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater didn`t just sell millions; they captured the rebellious spirit and exhilarating freedom of skating, making it accessible to anyone with a controller. Later, EA`s Skate series redefined simulation, offering a more nuanced, tactile experience that felt closer to the real thing. But as gaming evolved, with increasingly complex narratives and expansive open worlds, the seemingly simpler joys of chaining combos and perfecting lines took a backseat. The well, as it were, appeared to run dry.
The Architects of Revival: Nostalgia and New Blood
The current resurgence isn`t merely a coincidence; it`s a testament to the enduring power of passion. Jason Mann, a developer behind the delightfully tranquil longboarding game Driftwood, hits the nail on the head: “If I had to guess, it`s probably that the people who grew up with the Skate and Tony Hawk series are getting old enough to make their own games, or at least have a bigger sway on consumer spending.” This demographic shift is critical. The kids who once spent hours perfecting a 900 are now seasoned developers, producers, and decision-makers, armed with the resources and the nostalgic drive to bring back the games they loved. It’s a literal passing of the torch, or perhaps, a dusting off of old decks, reimagined for a new generation.
Industry`s Grind: Pragmatism in a Turbulent Market
While passion is a powerful motivator, the current climate of the gaming industry cannot be ignored. With frequent layoffs and high-profile cancellations, there`s a palpable sense of caution. In such an environment, investing in established, beloved intellectual properties becomes a “tactical retreat” – a safer bet in uncertain times. Reviving a franchise like Skate, which has a proven track record and a built-in audience, offers a degree of predictability that new, untested IPs simply cannot. The early access launch of EA`s Skate, free-to-play and aiming for a live-service model, is a pragmatic move to engage a massive audience, even if it leaves some long-time fans cautiously optimistic about the monetization structure.
A Spectrum of Shred: Diversity in the Digital Park
What makes this comeback particularly exciting is its sheer diversity. It`s not just about AAA giants; the indie and AA spaces are brimming with creativity:
- Authentic Simulators: Games like Session: Skating Sim and SkaterXL offer deep, physics-driven experiences for purists who crave realism.
- Arcade Awesomeness: The OlliOlli series continues to deliver addictive, stylish 2D platforming action, while Bomb Rush Cyberfunk injects a vibrant, cel-shaded energy reminiscent of past classics, and even has a sequel in the pipeline.
- The Unexpected Guests: Perhaps most amusingly, skateboarding mechanics are appearing in games far removed from the genre`s traditional boundaries. Remember Thirsty Suitors? Or the recently released Sword of the Sea (more surfing, admittedly, but we`ll take it)? And then there`s last year’s GameSpot GOTY, Metaphor: ReFantazio, where the protagonist skates on a sword. As one might quip, if I had a nickel for every time a character skated on a sword in a major RPG, I`d have two nickels. Which isn`t a lot, but it`s peculiar that it happened twice. This infiltration into other genres highlights the fundamental joy and appeal of movement and flow that skating offers.
The Numbers Don`t Lie (Usually)
The anecdotal evidence is strong, but market data paints an even clearer picture. Mat Piscatella, a senior director and analyst at Circana, confirmed that EA`s Skate revival is off to a “phenomenal start,” ranking among the top 5 titles in weekly total active players across most platforms. These are numbers typically reserved for titans like Fortnite or Grand Theft Auto. It`s an astounding debut for a genre once considered niche, especially for a series dormant for 15 years. This isn`t just a flicker of interest; it`s a significant blaze.
“Tony Hawk games were what games like Call of Duty and Madden are today: annualized releases with a loyal audience that would buy the new version every year.”
– Mat Piscatella, Senior Director and Analyst at Circana
This historical context from Piscatella reminds us that skating games once commanded massive, loyal audiences. The question now is whether the industry can capitalize on these “pulses” of renewed interest and transform them into sustained momentum.
Beyond the Kickflip: Sustaining the Momentum
The challenge ahead is clear: how to maintain this newfound popularity. Developers and fans alike hope for more than just remakes and revivals. Jeffrey Spicer, a producer on Session, emphasizes that “there is always a core group of individuals that want a game that allows them the freedom and expression presented in real-life skating.” This core desire, combined with growing player bases, suggests a hunger for fresh experiences. The call for “full-fledged story modes” and a bit more “grit” in future titles indicates a desire for depth beyond just trick-scoring. The ambition is not merely to relive past glories but to build new ones, creating experiences that resonate with both veterans and newcomers.
The Enduring Appeal of the Roll
Whether it`s the thrill of bombing a hill in Driftwood, the precision of a perfectly landed combo in OlliOlli, or the sheer spectacle of a fantasy protagonist shredding on a broadsword, the appeal of skating remains universal. The developers themselves are not just creating games; they are, as Spicer puts it, “keeping a torch lit for future generations to find skating.” This resurgence is more than just a passing trend; it`s a reaffirmation that, in a world often too rigid, the freedom, expression, and joy of riding on wheels (or blades, or swords) will always find an audience. After all, “Be it getting new kids on their first board or getting old skaters to dust off their set ups, skating is for everyone.” And now, it seems, that includes everyone with a game controller too.
Callum Darby