COMMENTS FROM THE STUDIO
Hey Folks,
We’re back with our first dev blog since the release of our Paris map in July, and we’re going to be taking a different angle for this one!
For the first time since publishing our Steam Dev Blogs in May 2022, we will broaden our scope and provide some context on crea-ture studios along with Session project updates.
Prior to 2023 crea-ture was Session, and Session was crea-ture, but it’s been a while since this has been the case and it’s time we share some more info!
What’s happened since the 2023:
Since early 23, crea-ture has been working and growing on more than one front. This was a major direction change to what had been our day to day life working on Session, with all decisions and all efforts focussed solely on the output and success of Session.
Session has been a relative success since its launch, and it continues to outperform our humble expectations for a Skate Sim. This reality has led to unique challenges as we adapt our team and Studio to account for this success while also preparing for the future.
Day to day life at crea-ture is now focused on 3 major topics:
- Studio growth & establishment
- A second project
- Session production
The studio management, and team, needed to grow to enable the continued production on Session while also defining and establishing our direction beyond. This studio growth is also critical to allow us to build teams in new disciplines (Audio/UI-UX/Anim) and provide ample feedback, growth, and professional challenges for our current team.
In conjunction with the Studio growth and continued production on Session is the need to secure future development and revenue for the studio. This comes in the form of our second “To Be Announced” Project. This second project allows us to continue recruiting top talent and building the depth and breadth of experience here at crea-ture studios.
More info on our projects, current team, and open roles can be found on our website at https://www.crea-turestudios.com
https://store.steampowered.com/app/861650/Session_Skate_Sim/
Now to the Session…
Before we get into the specifics of this release there is a big ticket item for us to officially address… UE5 has been officially dropped.
After in depth study on the stability and feasibility the investment required to get our physics and core gameplay integrated with the change to the physics engine is too high. There are also no guarantees that we would be able to match, or improve, the core gameplay beyond what can be achieved in our current engine version. We have instead vouched for a more focussed approach to the core skate experience, starting with addressing the more general bugs for the majority of the player base.
What has been delivered for this release?
Title Update :
Fixed - Day 1 Bounce bug - this issue has been drastically reduced, but will never be fully gone. We have worked hard to get the best overall improvement in terms of tricks and terrain to minimize its overall impact.
Fixed - Ghost Pop - this issue has been addressed and greatly improves rail skating & flat drops. However, it is to be noted that speed has an impact on this and going too fast will still result in popping off a rail at the kink.
Stats sharing - All gameplay sliders now have an associated value on screen so that stats can be shared more readily amongst players.
DLC (Paid Content):
Prague - Stalin Plaza
For this map release we have stayed on the European continent - and wanted to go with a map that delivered a real life location in near one to one accuracy.
We’re excited to introduce Stalin Plaza in Letna Square, Prague - a unique and distinct DIY spot that provides fun and unique gameplay opportunities in a new and refreshing setting!
For inspiration don't be shy to check out @Stalinplaza on Instagram 🤟
As with all DLC maps, we like to provide some unique and fun skateable Object Dropper Assets. This latest batch is a mix of items you would find at Stalin Plaza along with creative additions from the crea-ture art team.
Object Dropper Assets:
Skateshop gear:
We’re excited to be adding two new outfits for this release, providing further customization options for your skaters apparel.
Each outfit component also comes with multiple colour & material variants:
*Please note that hair/hat combos will also be provided for all free hats in the future, but we need to test & improve our system with these new assets before rolling it out globally. On that note - the original early access hair/hat combos were cut due to production & budget constraints and not to be sold at a later date…*
What’s Next:
Following this release with the Bounce bug and “ghost pop” fix we will be proceeding with the integration of animation mirroring - or bringing true Goofy to Session while still working on fun and engaging maps & content.
Peace,
The crea-ture team!
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