Skate Story: Everything We Know

If The Artful Escape and Skater XL had, by some random miracle, merged together to form just the one standalone product, then there’s a good chance that it would look a little something like Sam Eng’s upcoming Skate Story. Truth is, though, we’re still trying to figure out what it even is, let alone the DNA that helped formulate the concept, in general. Needless to say that we’re all for the idea of embarking on a satanic expedition as a vert-loving skateboarder, nonetheless. Because why not, eh?

We’ve still a ways to go yet, but progress is certainly underway, so there’s a good chance that we’ll be seeing some more of Skate Story before year’s end. But until then, here’s everything else you should take note of before slapping down a pre-order on either your console or PC. Let’s talk, fledgling demon skater.

What Is Skate Story?

Oh boy, here we go. Skate Story is, for lack of a better word, unusual. It’s unusual simply because, well, it’s a skateboarding game in which players must travel to the moon, and you know, swallow it, apparently. As a demonic rider, you will need to strike a deal with the Devil and venture out to remove the shackles of which you are bound to—a journey that will take you across vast and twisted locales crammed to the brim with demons, souls, and a forgetful frog, even. Again, unusual, but oh so intriguing.

According to the devs, “you are a demon in the Underworld, made out of glass and pain. The Devil has given you a skateboard with a simple deal: Skate to the Moon and swallow it — and you shall be freed.” Alright then.

Story

You will take on the role of a demon—a plagued soul who’s been tasked with venturing out to the moon and eating it whole. Shackled to a skateboard and under the watchful gaze of the Devil itself, you will need to master the art of the board and power through a myriad of biomes—an Underworld, of sorts, that will pose countless obstacles and sinister characters, all of whom have the joint goal of impeding your maiden voyage to the moon. Needless to say that you’ll need to keep your wits about you if you’re planning on making it through to the other side, and in one piece, no less.

“Ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through the ash and smoke of the Underworld as you take on a seemingly impossible quest,” reads the elevator pitch. “Skate fast to destroy demons and save other tortured souls on your journey from a fragile beginner to a hardened skater.”

Gameplay

On paper, Skate Story sounds like your run-of-the-mill skateboarding game. Only it isn’t, as it also incorporates elements of combat, rhythm, and other unholy bits and pieces, too. Yet at its core, it will still devote the bulk of its time to the art of skateboarding—a craft in which players will need to master the fundamentals and develop a sense of adventure for the sake of progressing deeper into the story.

“Skate through nine layers of The Underworld,” reads the description. “Cruise through streets and surreal landscapes full of waxed ledges, unholy gaps, and tortured demons. Push your way through precarious paths and shred freeform skate spots. Discover and create your own challenges as you explore the world and master your board.”

“Skate fast to destroy vicious demons, help a forgetful frog, and save other tortured souls on your journey from fragile beginner to a hardened skater,” it continues. “Push through hell and discover The Devil’s greatest weakness: humility, perseverance, and a disgustingly sweet backside tailslide.”

Development

On the off chance that you missed the initial announcement made back in 2020, Skate Story is being created by Sam Eng, an independent developer who’s been pouring heart and soul into the project for the best part of three or four years. Going by Sam’s streaming handles, Skate Story will be available on a multitude of platforms, including ex-gen consoles and PC.

It is worth mentioning that, while the game will be aiming to release across consoles and PC, its creator did tease the idea of potentially bringing it to VR at some point in the distant future. Of course, there are no definite plans yet, but in the words of Sam Eng, “let’s see what happens.” Fingers crossed on that one.

Trailer

Skate Story caught your eye? If so, then be sure to check out the latest trailer that Sam Eng put out a little earlier this year. You can catch a glimpse of what’s to come in 2024 in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

At the time of writing, Skate Story is expected to arrive on PC at some point in 2024. It hasn’t been said yet whether or not it’ll breach the console shores, but if all goes according to plan, then there’s a good chance that it will also come to Xbox, PlayStation, and perhaps even Switch at some stage in the (hopefully) not-so distant future. Here’s hoping, anyway.

As far as launch editions go, Sam Eng has only teased the one, which is the standard copy. You can go ahead and add that to your wishlist on Steam here. Alternatively, you can pre-order it on any of the console storefronts today.

For more updates on the project, check out the indie developer’s social handle here. If anything even the slightest bit noteworthy comes knocking at any point between now and its eventual release, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Skate Story when it releases on consoles and PC next year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.