Session: Skate Sim News

[p][/p][p]Hey Folks,[/p][p]
As mentioned in our last Dev blog, we've been quietly working on core feature updates, focussing on delivering gameplay improvements, and pushing Sessions core to its full potential. Over the last year we have re-established our core team on Session, and we now have the programming base to push on![/p][p][/p][p]In light of the much awaited updates, and focus on core gameplay fixes, this Dev Blog will read more like a changelist. Instead of relying on reading though, we recommend you jump in the game and get your hands on your controller to experience the sum of these changes first hand! [/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]What has been delivered for this release?[/h2][p][/p][h3]Camera Overhaul[/h3][p]We’ve had some core camera issues since launch, making it harder to consistently land your tricks & lines. The focus on this overhaul has been on keeping the player & gameplay options clearly visible &  on screen at all times while also ensuring you can see what’s coming so you can adapt accordingly![/p]

• [p]Camera positioning & realignment speed overhaul while On Board[/p]
• [p]Ensure the camera provides visibility on what’s ahead to better help prepare for tricks, lines, and landings[/p]
• [p]Retain player on cam at all times - including on turning & at speed[/p]
• [p]Camera while grinding follows the player around curves[/p]
• [p]Camera logic & flow on banks, quarter pipes, and liptricks - it helps to see where you’re landing![/p]
• [p]Provides height on cam to provide improved landing visibility[/p]
• [p]The camera has better world avoidance techniques [/p]
• [p]Camera follows the player on bail instead of the board[/p]
• [p]Camera menu options updated / simplified[/p][p][/p]

[h3]Improved skate feel & fluidity [/h3][p]This deliverable is more the sum of many core changes, and not all benefits of this work are clear in the gameplay at this point in time. The bulk of the work done is on the code foundation that will facilitate future fixes in both feel & fluidity of the skater. This will also contribute to the flow and friction of the skater, and board, in relation to the game world!
[/p]

• [p]The New Physical Animation update is ALWAYS on, it was previously off by default.[/p]
• [p]We rebuilt the physics assets on the player characters - changing their posture and reaction to player inputs[/p]
• [p]Flow & Friction pass #1 - The foundation to the future Flow update this Summer![/p][p][/p]

[h3]Other feel & fluidity bug fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed Goat Feet bug when skating fast[/p]
• [p]Fixed Mongo Push Bug - causing the player to bail and bug when not completing a full push[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Frame rate Updates [/h3][p]We had previously supported non-optimal frame rate settings in Session, leading to extensive variations in gameplay bugs due to our gamecode structure. Reducing these options allows for a more consistent gameplay experience.[/p]

• [p]Removed - 45 / 90 / 120 FPS [/p]
• [p]FPS settings are 30 & 60 now - with 60 being ideal[/p]

[p][/p][h3]General Bug Fixes[/h3]

• [p]Skateshop - DLC Merch Cannot Be Sold / Removed From Inventory[/p]
• [p]Shop/Apartment - Equipping New Griptape Resets Board to a Blank Deck[/p]
• [p]On Board - Skater Turns Too Sharp When Skating Fast[/p]
• [p]On Board - Skater Flung Across Map After Respawning Near a Wall[/p]
• [p]Landing - Big Drop Landing Causes Instant Fall When Getting Back On Board[/p]
• [p]Missions Game loses focus when triggering talk prompt for NPC and walking away[/p]
• [p]Prog - Unable to Sprint, Set Marker or Push After Changing Map While Prompt is on Screen[/p]
• [p]Object Dropper - Object Dropper HUD Persists During Cutscenes[/p]
• [p]Loc Scoop+Flip tutorial mission uses inconsistent trick name for 360 Flip. [/p]

[p]Beyond these updates & fixes, we’re also happy to be providing a content update with this release![/p][h3]
Free Content[/h3][p]All players will be receiving the re-release of the New York Sewer map.[/p][p][/p][p]If you didn’t manage to get to the TMNT Sewer map while the content was up - we have re-released the map, minus the TMNT branding, for all players. Just head to “Extra Network” → “Sewers”. If you did manage to unlock the 122 ⅛  Sewers during the promo, you will now have access to both versions of the map, but wont lose the TMNT branded version of the map - nor the gear or Turtles.[/p][p][/p][p]Finally - This version of the Sewer map will be available for all players and will not be removed![/p][p]
[/p][h3]What’s Next:[/h3][p]We’re already knee deep in the code of the Goofy Stance update - working on much awaited gameplay updates and improvements for the community & Session core team!
[/p][p]Keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for more info as we proceed, and don’t forget to post your clips & tag @sessiongame for your chance to win some cool prizes from the team![/p][p]
Peace,
[/p][p] The crea-ture team[/p][p] [/p][p]crea-ture Discord Session Instagram Twitter Session Website[/p]

[p][/p][p]
Hey Folks,

We’ve been quietly working on core feature updates, focussing on delivering gameplay improvements, and pushing Sessions core to its full potential. It’s been a solid three years since we last released a roadmap and we know the community has been waiting patiently!

Here’s a snapshot of what's to come over for the balance of 2025, with the specifics of each update being shared in more detail as we approach the release date.

Here’s a teaser for our Early Summer release the “Foundation Update”:

[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
[/p][h2]What’s Next:[/h2][p]We’re happy to be sharing our Roadmap for 2025 with our early summer release right around the corner!

Keep your eyes peeled on our social spaces as we continue our roll out clips and updates.

Follow Session on Instagram for more info on a weekly basis,

The crea-ture team! crea-ture Discord Session Instagram Website Twitter Session [/p]

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!



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/


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?

[h3]Title Update :[/h3]
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.





[h3]Prague - Stalin Plaza[/h3]
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.

[h3]Object Dropper Assets:[/h3]


[h3]Skateshop gear:[/h3]
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…*



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!

crea-ture Discord Session Instagram Session Twitter

Hey Folks,

We’re happy to be releasing our latest map - and another European stop to the session Transit system, bienvenue a Paris!



Not only is Paris home to the 2024 Summer olympics as of next month, but it is a hotbed for
up and coming skaters, european skate tours, and skate culture in general.

From the Paris freestyle scene in the 80s to the revival of street skating in the 2020s, Paris has a rich history of street spots and iconic marble ledges. So join us on a cruise through our homage to some of the most iconic skate spots in the French capital.



In the words of RTJ - “Ooh, la la, ah, oui oui”

Much Love,
The crea-ture team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2877960/Session_Skate_Sim_Paris/

Update 10/07/24 : We've just added Cloud Saves, so you should have no trouble playing on PC or Steam Deck now.

Hey Folks,

If you wondered how Session: Skate Sim plays on Steam Deck, you can rest easy! Session is now fully compatible with Steam Deck!



You can take your skateboarding experience on the go, enjoying the game wherever you are. At the park, the beach or on your toilets. Whether you're perfecting tricks or exploring new spots, Steam Deck ensures a seamless and portable gameplay for Session.



Peace,
crea-ture Studios