But that could be changing very soon, asa newSkategame is on the horizon, and the genre seems to be getting renewed interest from the gaming populace. The aforementionedSessionandSkater XLhelped remind both audiences and gaming companies of the power of skating games, particularly those leaning into complex mechanics rather than gimmicks or peripherals, and the remakes of the first twoTony Hawk Pro Skatergames were a nice shot in the arm as well. As always, it’s hard to say what the future holds, but there’s reason for skateboarding fans to be hopeful moving into 2025.
Skate and Tony Hawk Could Make 2025 Skateboarding’s Year
A Free-to-Play Skate Game Is On the Way
After a few years of solid marketing,Skate 4is finally getting released next year, albeit in early access. This newSkategame, stylized asskate., has raised a few eyebrows due to its free-to-play status, with skeptics arguing that this shift could result in a tainting of what makesSkateso special. While it’s always good to be wary of predatory pricing schemes like microtransactions and lootboxes, comments fromSkate 4’s developers suggest that these facets won’t be too egregious, though of course only time will tell.
What will be important about the upcomingSkategame is its attention to detail as it pertains to mechanics. The olderSkategames succeeded with strong physics and realism, and ifSkate 4nails these elements, then it could be a wonderful and fitting return to form for the franchise. It will certainly be nice to have another properSkategame on the market, even if its live-service elements change how players interface with it.
A New Tony Hawk Game Could Be Forthcoming
Speaking on theLast Mealsshow,Tony Hawk recently teased a new game with Activision, implying that the once-iconicPro Skaterseries could be making a comeback at some point in the near future. Hawk was tight-lipped about this upcoming project, simply stating that he was “talking with Activision” about a new game, so it very well could be a while before audiences learn more about it.
At the same time, the25th anniversary of the firstPro Skatergameis coming up, which could align with an official reveal. Recent moves from Activision, mainly the advertising of the anniversary on social media channels, have led some to speculate about a new project being teased, and while this could be another full entry in the series, it could also be a remake ofPro Skater 3and4, chasing the 2020 remake of their two predecessors. Alternatively, and perhaps more notably, Activision could be pushing ahead with remakes of theTony Hawk Undergroundgames, which would be exciting for obvious reasons. TheTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2remake was a hit with fans, so both of these options seem plausible.
However one interprets Tony Hawk’s comments, it seems clear that Activision isn’t done with skateboarding games just yet. The originalTony Hawkgames were in rampant competition with theSkateseries, so it would be fitting to reignite the rivalry around the time ofSkate 4’s early access release, not letting EA steal the spotlight. If this were to happen, then skateboarding fans could be eating good in 2025 and beyond.
Skate 4
WHERE TO PLAY
The upcoming fourth entry in the skateboarding series, officially now called skate., is an upcoming video game from Full Circle and Electronic Arts. For now, the game has been confirmed to be free-to-play.
