New Skate Game Receives ‘Mixed Reviews’ on Steam: Fans Call It a ‘Soulless Cash-Grab’

After a long and highly anticipated wait, the new free-to-play reboot of the beloved Skate franchise has officially launched into Early Access on Steam. However, the release has been met with a wave of disappointment from the community, earning a “Mixed” user review score. While the core skateboarding mechanics are being praised, a significant number of players are criticizing the game for its lack of content, server issues, and a heavy-handed live-service model that feels out of place for the series.

The new Skate game, developed by Full Circle and published by EA, was expected to be a triumphant return for the franchise that many gamers grew up with. With a massive concurrent player count peaking at over 80,000 on Steam at launch, it’s clear the demand was there. However, a closer look at the user reviews reveals a deep divide. While some players are happy with the foundational gameplay, which many say feels as good as ever, others are pointing out a host of glaring issues that have soured the initial experience. This has led to the “Mixed” rating, a signal to potential players that the game is a “buyer beware” situation, even in its free-to-play state.

Why the Community is Divided: The Core Complaints

The “Mixed” review score on Steam is a direct result of several key factors that have frustrated both new and veteran players. The criticism is not just about minor bugs; it’s a fundamental critique of the game’s design and direction. Here’s a breakdown of the main issues raised in user reviews:

• Lack of Content: This is the most common complaint. Reviews state that the game world, San Vansterdam, feels “empty” and “soulless.” Fan-favorite modes from previous titles, such as “Hall of Meat,” “Game of Skate,” and a dedicated story mode, are completely absent. This has led many to feel that the game is more of a glorified tech demo than a full-fledged experience.
• Live-Service Focus and Microtransactions: As a free-to-play title, the game heavily leans into a live-service model. Players are reporting that a significant amount of customization options, a core part of the game’s identity, are locked behind paywalls. The presence of a fully functional cash shop in a game with so little content has led to accusations of it being a “cash-grab.”
• Technical Issues: Despite the long development cycle, the game launched with significant server problems, which made it difficult for many to even log in and play on day one. PC users have also reported crashes, poor voice acting, and a generally unpolished feel, which is a major red flag for a highly anticipated title.
• Missing Classic Features: Beyond the lack of content, many fans are upset about the removal of features that made the original games so special. The absence of a robust pro skater roster, in-depth mission design, and a proper narrative has made the new game feel like a stripped-down version of its predecessors.

The Silver Lining: What Players Are Praising

Despite the overwhelming negative feedback on certain aspects, it’s important to note what the positive reviews are highlighting. The core gameplay loop—the actual act of skating—is widely praised. Many players agree that the physics, controls, and general feel of the game are a triumph. The unique control scheme that the series is known for, which uses the analog sticks to control the feet of the skater, feels as good as ever. For those who just want to skate and create their own fun, the game provides a solid foundation. The potential for the game to grow with future content updates is also a point of optimism for some. Developer Full Circle has already released an extensive roadmap for new features, including a replay editor, player-created parks, and new game modes, but for now, the community is left to contend with the game in its current state.

What ‘Mixed Reviews’ Mean for the Future of the Game

A “Mixed” review score on Steam is a clear signal to both the developers and the gaming public. For developers, it means there are significant issues that need to be addressed to win back the trust of the community. For players, it’s a warning to proceed with caution. The high initial player count shows that there is a massive audience ready to play the game, but the rapid decline in reviews suggests that this audience is not happy with the current product. The free-to-play model offers a way for curious gamers to try the game with no risk, but the “mixed” score is likely to deter many potential players. It remains to be seen whether the developers can fix the game’s core issues and turn the review score around. The pressure is now on to deliver a truly robust experience that lives up to the legacy of the Skate franchise.