Skate Launch Draws Huge Crowd but Fails to Impress Reviews

Skate Launch Draws Huge Crowd but Fails to Impress Reviews

EA’s latest live-service title, Skate, has premiered with impressive numbers, particularly regarding player engagement. In its first 24 hours, it attracted over 80,000 peak concurrent users, making it one of the standout launches of 2025. However, the enthusiasm around its launch is tempered by a mix of negative reviews that could impact its future.

According to SteamDB, Skate has garnered a massive player base, maintaining around 75,000 players at peak times. This remarkable interest places the game high on Steam’s most-played list. Yet, the reviews reflect a different narrative. With only 48% of players recommending the game, it has received a “Mixed Reviews” tag on Valve’s store.

Promo image for Skate
Skate is set in San Vansterdam, a massive sprawling city with multiplayer elements. Screenshot via EA

Players have voiced concerns regarding various aspects of Skate. Some criticize the graphics and art style, describing it as “cartoonish,” similar to what I thought during my preview. Additionally, several users have pointed out performance issues with the replay editor and clunky levels that cannot be manually improved, marking a departure from the customizable maps in Skate 3.

Many features from earlier installments are missing, leading some reviewers to assert that Skate fails to be a true successor to its predecessor, a series that has attracted a dedicated following over time. This is disappointing for fans who expected more from the franchise.

Overall, the myriad of concerns I noted in my preview remains present in the full launch. Given that the title is in early access, there is still potential for improvements to address these issues. Whether EA can respond effectively to player feedback and enhance the game to overcome the initial backlash remains to be seen.

Will the developers be able to fix the problems in time to retain their substantial player base? It’s crucial that EA listens to community feedback to turn Skate into the game that fans want it to be.

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Have players successfully adapted to the gameplay changes in Skate? Many users still find themselves adjusting, as the gameplay mechanics differ significantly from what they’ve come to expect from previous titles.

Are there multiplayer options available in Skate? Yes, the game includes extensive multiplayer features as it’s set in the vibrant city of San Vansterdam, encouraging social interaction among players.

What are some common issues reported by players? Aside from performance glitches and art critiques, players have mentioned a lack of certain features seen in prior games, which has caused disappointment.