The New Skate Game Launches to “Mixed” Steam Reviews, Sparking Community Debate

After a decade-long hiatus, the long-awaited return of the Skate franchise has officially arrived in Early Access, but its launch has been met with a “Mixed” review rating on Steam. The new game, simply titled skate., is a free-to-play, live-service title that has divided the community, with veteran fans of the series expressing significant disappointment while new players are finding charm in its unique gameplay. The reviews reveal a clear split between those who expected a direct sequel to the beloved Skate 3 and those who are embracing the new direction of the franchise.

The game’s launch was not without its issues, as an influx of over 80,000 concurrent players on Steam caused server queues and technical problems. However, the most significant criticism leveled against the game has been its lack of content and a perceived shift away from the series’ core identity. Many players are calling the new title a “soulless cash-grab” that prioritizes microtransactions and a live-service model over the features and feeling of the original games. This has created a heated debate across social media and gaming forums, with the community split on whether the game lives up to the hype built over the past 15 years.

The Core of the “Mixed” Reviews

The “Mixed” rating on Steam is a direct reflection of the game’s divided reception. On one hand, players universally praise the fluid and responsive skating mechanics. The “Flick-It” trick system, a staple of the series, feels refined and as satisfying as ever. The gameplay itself, including the physics and the freedom to explore, is considered a high point. Video clips of players pulling off absurd, physics-defying stunts and ragdoll antics have gone viral, showcasing the game’s chaotic and entertaining potential. For many new players, this core gameplay loop is enough to make the experience enjoyable.

However, the praise for the gameplay is often immediately followed by a list of grievances. Long-time fans of the series point to the absence of iconic features from past games, such as the “Hall of Meat,” the “S.K.A.T.E.” missions, and a proper story mode. The game’s world, the city of San Vansterdam, is described by some as feeling “empty” and lacking the unique personality of the previous entries. The art style, which some have compared to a “gentrified version of Skate 3” or even a “Fortnite-esque” look, has also been a point of contention. The biggest concern for many is the live-service model, which they fear will lead to a constant push for microtransactions and battle passes, rather than a focus on a complete, single-player experience.

Live Service vs. Classic Experience: The Modern Dilemma

The “Mixed” reviews highlight a fundamental shift in the gaming industry’s approach to established franchises. While the original Skate games were premium, single-player titles with a focus on story and progression, the new game is a free-to-play multiplayer experience. This change has led to a lack of an offline mode, a major point of frustration for players who prefer to play without a constant internet connection. The developer, Full Circle, and publisher, Electronic Arts, have stated that the game will evolve over time, with new content, features, and events added via a live-service roadmap.

This business model is seen as a betrayal by a segment of the audience, who would have preferred to pay for a complete, finished game rather than a continuously monetized experience. On the other hand, the free-to-play model makes the game more accessible to a wider audience, which is a powerful high-CPC keyword for attracting new players and a major business driver for modern gaming. This model also allows the developers to gather feedback from a massive player base and make continuous improvements, which is the stated goal of the Early Access period. The future of the game will depend on whether Full Circle can address the community’s concerns and add the missing features that fans crave while maintaining its new live-service direction.

The Road Ahead for Skate

Despite the “Mixed” reviews, it’s important to remember that skate. is still in Early Access. This means the game is not a final product, and many of the features that players are missing could be added in future updates. Full Circle has already announced an extensive roadmap, with new seasonal events, challenges, player-created parks, and improvements to the replay editor and other features planned for the coming months. The success of the game will hinge on the developer’s ability to listen to player feedback and deliver content that bridges the gap between the new, live-service model and the core identity of the Skate series that fans fell in love with.