Video Game Odds: Making EA Skate Again

Back in 2007, a little video game called Skate was born and everything was right in the gaming world. While some were loving the cartoon-like arcade antics of Activision’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, many of us were looking for some semblance of realism in our virtual skate parks.

Instead of hammering on buttons to do ridiculous and impossible combinations, Skate forced you to use the control’s right analogue stick to pop an ollie or kickflip. The controls weren’t super complex, but they did do a better job of illustrating the difficulties of skateboarding.

Skate went on to get positive reviews, and the second and third instalments soon followed. To most skateboard lovers, the trio is the pinnacle of skating games.

As Skate evolved, EA Sports added a ton of new features, and it looked like they had a money-making franchise on their hands, even eclipsing Hawk’s Pro Skater in sales. But before we could throw down another dark slide, EA pulled the plug on further Skate development and touted the genre was dead. The company’s bossman, John Riccitiello, even went on record to say there was no value in continuing the series, and that it had run its course.

In the years since, many have commented on both message boards and EA’s social media, asking for a Skate 4. However, it seems the big gaming company was scared off by Activision’s lackluster sales numbers for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, which was glitchy, and completely bombed. Maybe the subgenre needed a break, but that was six years ago. Is it time to tighten up the trucks once again?

Recently, a popular indoor skatepark and website The Berrics in L.A. (owned by pro skaters Steve Berra and Eric Koston) has been pushing a campaign to “Make EA Skate Again,” a play on Donald Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.” But this movement isn’t about building a wall or grabbing women by the … you know what. Instead, all fans of the game really want is to grab their controllers and be transported back to their 2010 bedrooms to relive the magic that was. Is that too much to ask? Their Instagram makeeaskateagain currently has over 40.2k followers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKWW459gVAV/

The above petition, and this failed White House petition, have clearly had some effect; EA is considering doing a fourth instalment, although no start or completion date has been set.

The company didn’t include the rumored game in their upcoming projects at the recent Gamescon 2016. But some claim the game could be in secret development so EA can surprise fans with a big announcement in the next year or two. But maybe that’s wishful thinking.

That’s where we come in. Below are the odds around Skate 4 including when we could see the update, odds on new features, who might star in it, and more.

For now, we’ll have to make due with Skate 3 in backwards compatibility form for Xbox One. Go and play! It’ll show EA there is still a market for great skateboarding games.

Skate 4 Announcement Odds:

While there are a lot of rumors and speculation online about a possible fourth installment to Skate, nothing has been officially listed yet. Let’s not forget that EA Sports is a business; if they say there is no money to make in the genre right now, you have to to take that at face value. Or do you? Below are the odds on when an announcement could be made.

Odds EA announces Skate 4 is in development …

• in 2016: 9/1
• in 2017: 3/1
• in 2018: 4/1
• never (i.e. Skate 4 won’t happen): 7/1

Odds that EA Sports is keeping its Skate 4 development a secret: 17/3

Features That Should Be Included in Skate 4 (Wishlist)

If EA Sports is secretly developing a Skate 4, or a development announcement is forthcoming, what should be included in the game? How can Skate 1, 2, 3 be improved? With the current powerful gaming consoles, we have the technology to go big. Many people would love to see a fully immersive online world where everyone can interact with not only other people online, but the environment around them. Below are some other ideas that make our wishlist for Skate 4. What would you like to see in the next iteration of the game? Which of these do you think will actually be included? Let us know in the comments!

• Improved graphics and gameplay
• Bigger maps
• Completely open and interactive world
• Improved Career mode
• Improved Create a Skater mode with face mapping
• Time shifts between morning, afternoon and night, as well as season changes
• MMO (massively multiplayer online)
• Fine tuned controls
• Develop a Skate 4 VR version
• Seamless step-offs/dismounts
• Flatland tricks and a fluent trick system
• More advanced in-game video editor
• Improved skate park creator
• Scooters, inline skate, and longboarding options
• Fictional skaters like Marty McFly
• More women pros
• Put Nyjah Huston on the cover and build franchise around him

Skaters Who Should be Included in Skate 4

(… who were not in previous Skate games)

Of course, if a Skate 4 is created, there will be a who’s who of pros added. Outside of the huge veteran names, who would you like to see added? First off, can we get more women skaters? I mean come on, it’s almost 2017 and they are ripping it up in tournaments.

Also, if EA really wants to throw something huge in the virtual skatepark, they should immediately sign Nyjah Huston. He is one of the top pros on the circuit and is only 21 years old. Of course, he’s not the only relative youngster doing big things. There are a lot of great young up and comers in the sport, highlighted in our recent write up on SLS Trick of the Year competition.

• Nyjah Huston
• Lizzie Armanto
• Leticia Bufoni
• Chase Webb
• Lacey Baker
• Nakel Smith
• Mar Barrera
• Rowan Zorilla
• Torey Pudwill
• Alana Smith
• Cristina Cociu
• Alec Majerus
• Mitchie Brusco
• Curren Caples
• Tyson Bowerbank
• Daewon Song
• Sabre Norris
• Mike Vallely
• Sean Malto
• Rick Howard

Feature Photo Credit: Mo312Mo Youtube