Definitive answer time...

We're stoked to see the level of interest and debate flourishing in the forum. This one's a hot topic, so rather than having people's heads and fingers explode as they furiously type points and counterpoints...here's the deal with getting off the board in Skate.

We are making a skateboarding game and as such we're 100% dedicated to getting skating right...that's a huge task, one not to underestimated. Of course we explored off the board, but because we wanted to ensure we got the act of skating right, we decided from the beginning to focus completely on skating and leave OTB for the future. With this decision made early on, we were able to design the world and features to account for this.


As the gameplay producer Jay Balmer puts it, "It's about what is the most fun to play. Walking seems like a good gameplay mechanic, but it is really about the skating and getting back up to the top to hit the rail again as soon as possible. Session Points make the game more fun because they keep you skating as much as possible. There are lots of feature ideas that are based on reality that actually make games less fun to play. Walking is authentic, but so is being injured and not being able to skate for two months. When it comes to playing a game, its about maximizing the fun."

Actually, everytime someone new plays the game we know we made the right decision. No-one comments on it and no-one seems to miss the ability to walk... they're too busy skating.

Once you get your hands on Skate, we're confident you'll understand what we're talking about.

Well its good to finally hear this from someone from EA

Thanks for clearing it up. It still stinks, but it won't ruin the game.

Great. Now I'm excited for Skate 2 before Skate is even out. I hope we get an east coast theme.

Message was edited by: ChvyVele (edited for language)

thats TOTALLY understandable, at the end of the day are we gonna be more mad about no walking, or bad skating...? thats what i thought.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to accommodate our needs. We all really appreciate it.

Although I am slightly disappointed with the lack of walking, I trust that EA knows what there doing. Being a large group of people that get paid to do what they do, I would figure they would know whats best.

There are some other issues that the community hear would like to clear up, if you would be so kind. But one issue, in particular, is whether or not you can play as the pros. I wouldn't see the point in advertising the fact that the pros are in the game so strongly if you couldn't play as them. And I know this game is about being you, so I wouldn't be disappointed if you couldn't, but its another question that has been avoided none the less.

Told you guys, ha ha. I wasn't really affected by this decision, thanks for giving a straight forward answer. I think it's going to help a lot of people on this site realize why you did it.

well thats reasonable i guess well have to get use to it.

I knew ChvyVele was right, ah well, it's not the end of the world. Still stinks though.

if you think about it, at most skate spots you dont get off your board. you only get off your board when you're skating stairs or a hill. if you're skating a ledge you hardly ever get off your board.

Yea i was prety upset when i first herd that but personally i never got off my board in project 8 i would find my way back to that spot.

Still somthin i would like to have in the game but o well ill live without it

This is easy to cope with keeping in mind that the actual skating and its tricks is focused on more to reach its best potential and if they added walking in it would push the release date back even more. Allthough walking would be nice, in the end I don't think that walking is gonna be a big deal since no-one commented that there was no walking because they were to into the skating. Walking will just be something to look forward to if there is a sequel.

Thanks for clearing things up, doesn't make a difference to me if you can walk or not we all know we are going to buy the game either way.

So, I wonder if Nomad got a stern talking to. :=)

I still think it kinda sucks... but what can i do eh.

P.s. Rudy4drums, how did you record your game play like that and without a HUD showing balance and score etc? I would really like to do something like that as well.

Thanks for that...I just hope we see it in the future.