Session: Skate Sim News

[p]Hey Folks,[/p][p][/p][p]The session team continues to make progress on our core gameplay with some important updates in our FLOW release!
[/p][p][/p][h2]What’s been delivered?[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Goofy Stance[/h3]

• [p]All tricks and animations have been fully mirrored to the goofy stance, ensuring visual and gameplay parity with regular stance[/p]
• [p]ON & off board transitions have been fixed, and the player will no longer spin in place when getting On / Off board in goofy stance[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Flow & Friction Pass[/h3][p]This deliverable is the sum of all work in relation to design, functionality, tweaks/balancing, and the debug of many skate features[/p]

• [p]Includes revisions and updates to powerslides, reverts, manuals, wheel grip settings, and the “Pump multiplier” option for example[/p][p][/p]

[h3]Powerslide updates[/h3]

• [p]Powerslides are now aligned with player direction upon completion, and the board re-orients to your initial direction upon stick release, assuming you have not come to a stop.[/p]
• [p]Reworked the ability to control the depth of the powerslide, both frontside and backside[/p]
• [p]Improved the friction gradient & breaking rates in powerslides providing more opportunity to manage player speed in a line[/p]
  • [p]Including powerslides with all four wheels AND “tail” or “nose” powerslides, which previously did not influence player speed[/p]
• [p]We have added the ability to Slalom between frontside and backside powerslides while staying in the powerslide state[/p]
• [p]Performing a revert by entering a powerslide and completing the rotation with the triggers will allow you to better check your speed while “reverting”[/p]
• [p]Cleaned up the animation transitions in the powerslide states leading to an overall smoother feel[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Reverts Pass[/h3]

• [p]Reverts will no longer over rotate upon completion, ensuring the player is aligned with their initial direction but in their opposite stance[/p]
• [p]Reverts do not impact player speed[/p]
• [p]Revert sensitivity settings have been updated[/p]
• [p]Reverts “ON Bail” have been debugged[/p]
• [p]Revert animations were cleaned up leading to an overall smoother feel  [/p]

[p][/p][h3]Manuals[/h3]

• [p]You can now land in manuals without all four wheels touching the ground[/p][p]This applies to:[/p]
  • [p]Dropping off a ledge or grind into a manual[/p]
  • [p]When performing a revert in a manual[/p]
  • [p]When in a manual and changing directions 180 degrees[/p]

• [p]Manuals have been added to the trick display[/p]
  • [p]When “Trick Display” is set to “On” in the Options à Display Settings[/p]

[p][/p][h3]General[/h3]

• [p]Board Breaking[/p]
  • [p]When your board breaks you will now have the option to load a replacement from your inventory. This includes deck, griptape and deck / rail combos rather than a default orange blank board.[/p]
  • [p]The board replacement is preselected according to your inventory and will:[/p]

1. [p]Try to replace the same set-up[/p]
2. [p]If the same items are not available in your inventory – it will build your loadout based off the order your items are displayed in the store / apartment[/p][p][/p]

[h3]In-Game News[/h3]

• [p]We’ve added a news pop-up on game launch that allows us to share the latest news directly with players in game. Including our release notes for this update![/p]

[p]Beyond these updates, we’re happy to be providing some free content with this release! [/p][h2]
Free Content[/h2][p][/p][p]Welcome to Jacuzzi Unlimited[/p][p]Once Louis Barletta announced the launch of his brand, we knew we had to get it in game. You can now find Jacuzzi boards and apparel in your in-game skate shop![/p][p][/p][h3]Socks[/h3]

• [p] It’s long overdue but sock variants are finally in game![/p]
• [p] Socks are available in 2 Styles with multiple heights and colour Variants for each style – Socks are now available to all players in the skate shop! [/p][p][/p]

[h3]BUG FIXES[/h3]

• [p]Fixed Jam mission Softlock: Exiting game mid Jam will no longer block you from starting the Jam and game won’t crash upon trying to change missions.[/p]
• [p]Fixed inputs for 180 to 50-50 when using Front / Back Foot input mode.[/p]
• [p]Fixed FS / BS Revert registering opposite in Goofy / Regular's switch.[/p]
• [p]Fixed skater disappearing / fall during cutscenes.[/p]
• [p]Fixed nose and tail drags not having friction.[/p]
• [p]Removed invisible collision while on foot in Prague.[/p]
• [p]Fixed skater being flung far after bail
• Ragdoll velocity.[/p]
• [p]Fixed character spin when getting On / Off board.[/p]
• [p]Fixed small manual before Ollie / Nollie crank.[/p]
• [p]Fixed camera shake when walking / running while board is broken.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Camera Lens keyframe nullifying effects of FOV.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Powerslide over rotating while using Front / Back Foot inputs.[/p]
• [p]Fixed camera position defaulting to right side of screen when launching game / loading map.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Nollie / Fakie Bigspins and Body Varial trick registration.[/p]
• [p]Fixed misaligned feet while riding / pushing after respawning.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Daily Challenges being validated without performing required tricks.[/p]
• [p]Fixed not being able to Revert while in Nose Manual / Switch Nose Manual.[/p]
• [p]Fixed flip tricks appearing as Ollie directly after revert.[/p]
• [p]Fixed lag during Manuals in Paris missions.[/p]
• [p]Fixed lag while grinding / sliding while having lots of untracked missions available.[/p]
• [p]Fixed player being knocked down and reset out of Jam zone at beginning of Banks Jam round 2.[/p]
• [p]Fixed character jolt back when releasing powerslide input.[/p]
• [p]Late Shoves no longer flip.[/p]
• [p]Late Shoves function in all stances.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Manual Catch timings with backwards board.[/p]
• [p]Quarter Pipe typo fixed for “DIY Quarter” and “Ramp Quarter”[/p]
• [p]Fixed collision for movable object in Creature Park.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Goofy / Regular Switch Pressure Hardflip flipping too slow by default.[/p]
• [p]Fixed evoking Filmer Mode out of bounds leading to camera lowering / raising indefinitely.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Philly's Finest mission task “Grind the Ledge”[/p]
• [p]Reverts no longer cause character to jolt forward or backwards.[/p]
• [p]Fixed auto pop when holding cranking inputs on bank.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Session Marker decal appearing on quest giver NPC.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]QOL FIXES[/h3]

• [p]Objects are now selectable while out of bounds.[/p]
• [p]Skater no longer stands straight up when entering Powerslide stance.[/p]
• [p]Updated Rock Ride mission final task.[/p]
• [p]Updated NYC Banks Wall mission task description.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Known issues in this release[/h3]

• [p]When entering Powerslide stance while in-air & turning with the triggers before landing, the player will land in a permanent Powerslide stance until providing additional input.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Finally, we’re excited to present our latest DLC offering.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We’re stoked to be returning to the West coast for our latest map release, welcome to El Lay.[/p][p] [/p][p]The West coast is home to some of the greatest outdoor skateparks ever built, with the ideal culture and climate to nurture skating. We therefore wanted to pay our homage to this important local while making sure we’re adding a fun and all rounded skateboarding experience within this setting. We hope you enjoy the lines for days and we continue to hone the core skate experience in Session.[/p][p] [/p][p]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 skate parks along with creative additions from the crea-ture art team.[/p][p][/p][h3]Object Dropper x 6 Objects[/h3][p][/p][h3]Skater Gear[/h3]

• [p]Gym Jerseys (10 Variants) – DLC[/p]
• [p]Gym Shorts (10 Variants) – DLC[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Football Jerseys (10 Variants) – DLC[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Cargo Shorts (3 styles, 8 - 11 Variants) – DLC[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]What’s Next:[/h3][p]We’re continuing to work on gameplay improvements as we rework many of the core systems.[/p][p][/p][p]Finally - Keep your eyes peeled on the in-game news or our social channels for more info as we proceed @sessiongame.[/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,[/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/