Skate 4's Long Development: What Took So Long?

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The Skate franchise holds a special place in the hearts of skateboarding game enthusiasts. After a long hiatus, Skate 4, now simply titled Skate, is generating significant buzz. But one question remains: how long has this highly anticipated sequel been in development? The answer is more complex than you might think.

A Timeline of Skate's Development

The journey of Skate’s development has been a long and winding road, marked by fan petitions, hopeful rumors, and finally, official announcements.

  • 2010 - Skate 3 Release: Skate 3 hit shelves, receiving critical acclaim and quickly becoming a fan favorite. However, no immediate plans for a sequel were announced.
  • 2010-2018 - The Drought: For nearly a decade, fans clamored for a new installment. Social media campaigns and petitions urged EA to revive the franchise. #Skate4 became a rallying cry for dedicated fans.
  • E3 2018 - Hope Emerges: At EA Play 2018, amidst the fervent fan demands, EA acknowledged the desire for a new Skate game, hinting that they were aware of the community's passion. This sparked renewed hope within the fanbase.
  • 2020 - The Official Announcement: In June 2020, EA officially announced that Skate was in development. This announcement sent waves of excitement throughout the gaming community. The development was entrusted to Cuz Parry and Deran Chung, who were key figures in the previous Skate titles, under the banner of a new studio, Full Circle. This announcement confirmed that Skate 4 was not just a dream, but a tangible project.
  • 2020-2024 - Development and Anticipation: From 2020 to 2024, Full Circle worked on the game, providing occasional updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. This period was characterized by closed betas and community feedback sessions, emphasizing a collaborative approach to game development.

The Challenges of a Long Development Cycle

Several factors contributed to the extended development timeline of Skate:

  • Rebooting a Beloved Franchise: Reviving a beloved franchise comes with immense pressure. The developers aimed not just to create a sequel, but to recapture the spirit and innovation that made the original Skate games so special. This required careful planning and a commitment to quality.
  • Building a New Studio: Full Circle was a new studio, which meant building an entire team and infrastructure from the ground up. This process inevitably takes time.
  • Community-Driven Development: Full Circle emphasized community involvement, incorporating feedback from players throughout the development process. While valuable, this approach requires time to gather, process, and implement feedback.
  • Technological Advancements: The gaming landscape has evolved significantly since Skate 3. The developers likely invested time in leveraging new technologies to enhance the gameplay experience, graphics, and overall feel of the game.

The Future of Skate

As Skate progresses toward its eventual release, the skateboarding community remains eager to experience what Full Circle has been crafting. The developers have promised a game that not only honors the legacy of the Skate franchise but also pushes the boundaries of skateboarding games.

While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, the anticipation continues to build. The long development cycle reflects a commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience that meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes content as Skate nears its release. Join the Skate community to share your thoughts and excitement!