What's Happening?
The developers of the upcoming Skate game have announced that player and board customization will be a central feature of the game. Players will be able to personalize their avatars, including body shape, height, and facial features, as well as customize their clothing and skateboards. The game will introduce a currency system called Rip Chips, which players can earn by completing challenges and missions. This currency will be used to purchase customization options and increase the player's Rip Score, an in-game leveling system. Additionally, the game will offer cosmetics through microtransactions using a premium currency called San Van Bucks. The developers have hinted at the possibility of sharing custom gear created by players, although this feature is not confirmed for the game's launch.
Why It's Important?
The emphasis on customization and user-generated content in the Skate game reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry towards personalization and community engagement. By allowing players to create and share their own content, the game fosters a sense of ownership and creativity, potentially increasing player retention and engagement. The introduction of microtransactions and a premium currency system also highlights the industry's shift towards monetization strategies that offer players additional content and customization options. This approach can lead to increased revenue for developers while providing players with more ways to express their individuality within the game.
What's Next?
As Skate prepares for its early access launch, the developers are likely to continue refining the customization features and exploring ways to integrate user-generated content into the game. The success of the game's most recent playtest, which saw over a million signups, suggests strong interest and engagement from the gaming community. Future updates may include more detailed information on the timeline for sharing custom gear and additional features that enhance the player experience. The game's launch on multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, as well as planned mobile versions, indicates a broad reach and potential for widespread adoption.
