The skate. series, once the golden child of skateboarding action, has made a comeback. After a long silence since the third entry in 2010, the new title launched on the 17th, peaking at over 90,000 Concurrent Players, yet it has been met with a 'Mixed' reception from the community.

The skate. series originated from EA’s Black Box, focusing on the gritty, tactile joy of skateboarding. While the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series turned board-riding into an arcade-style point-chasing spectacle, skate. carved a niche by prioritising simulation-like realism, anchored by the signature 'Flick-it' control scheme. Many feared the franchise was dead following the studio’s closure, but the reboot, announced at EA Play Live in 2020, reignited interest. Since its Early Access launch on the 16th, it has hit a peak of 92,655 Concurrent Players.

This reboot moves the action to the city of San Vansterdam, offering a sprawling playground for skating enthusiasts. It retains the classic 'Flick-it' controls while leveraging modern physics engines to heighten the sense of realism. Perhaps the biggest shift is the social aspect: up to 150 players can now roam the city simultaneously. Furthermore, the game has dropped its price tag entirely, significantly lowering the barrier to entry.

However, despite the hype, the reception as of the 18th remains 'Mixed' (with 10,375 reviews, sitting at 51% positive). While players have praised the faithful recreation of the 'Flick-it' controls and the addition of parkour-like movement, the criticisms are biting. Many feel the Early Access version is alarmingly thin on content, leaving little to do beyond repetitive missions and challenges. Others have noted the absence or dilution of classic modes and tricks, while some have taken issue with the lackluster dialogue and visuals that struggle to maintain immersion.

skate. currently has plans for a Season 1 update in October and a Season 2 update in December. Whether these seasonal injections of content can rectify the current shortcomings and sway player sentiment remains to be seen.

Elsewhere on the Steam global charts, Dying Light: The Beast has climbed to the top spot ahead of its early morning launch on the 19th, surpassing Borderlands 4. Meanwhile, Hades has surged into the top ranks, celebrating its fifth anniversary with a record-breaking 75% discount.