While the heyday of the skating game is long past, 2020 is the year that is seeing something of a resurgence. While Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 1+2 is looking to bring back some classics in a big way, those hoping for a simulation take will have to wait a bit longer.
Skater XL, which was set to release on July 7, has now been postponed to later in the month. Players looking to shred will have to hold out for another three weeks. Skater XL's new date for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One is July 28.
Noticeably absent from the list of platforms is the Nintendo Switch version. Easy Day Studios stated that they will be announcing a new launch day for Nintendo's hybrid "in the coming weeks." The developer notes via Twitter that it will be showing off new content and features that will be present at the launch of the Switch version alongside "polishing the game."
Skater XL is just the next 2020 skateboarding game to hit a delay, albeit not as severe. Glass Bottom Games' SkateBIRDwas recently delayed by an entire year. The ripping aviary skater is making its new debut in 2021. SkateBIRD's case is similar to Easy Day Studios in that the delay is due to what the Glass Bottom called "normal iteration stuff." This decision was also fueled by the new goal of adding a proper story mode. In both cases, the delays are in no way a byproduct of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has delayed games like Kerbal Space Program 2.
Skater XL, a sandbox skating simulator, is looking to fill the void publisher Electronic Arts left behind as the SKATE franchise went dormant. It has been kicking in Early Access since 2018 with next month marking its release of version 1.0. Skater XL made its missions statement by pushing the narrative behind its gameplay and controls.
There is also the unavoidable elephant of the genre making its comeback in October. Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 1+2 is bringing back the original two Tony Hawk titles in a remaster/remake effort. While Skater XL is bringing a more authentic experience for the skating enthusiast, Pro-Skater 1+2 is bringing the lunacy alongside it's beloved soundtrack with some omissions.
While three weeks isn't as severe a delay as some games are currently facing, it is nonetheless always a disappointment when such things happen. As for the Nintendo Switch version, sometimes making it work on Nintendo's hybrid takes a bit more time.
Skater XL is officially launching on 28 July for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
