Skate 3’s Wild Legacy: The Last Great AAA Skateboarding Game Turns 15

Introduced as a more authentic simulation-style replacement for the numerous arcade-inspired Tony Hawk skating games, the Skate series made a lasting impact on the gaming world during the peak of Xbox 360 and PS3. Gamers who were part of the industry at that time are familiar with the frequent comparisons between Skate and Tony Hawk, and the intense rivalry between these unique franchises was noticeable. It was intriguing to observe how Skate evolved as a series across releases, becoming less tied to reality but still relying on a strong in-game physics system. Now that skateboarding games have moved primarily to indie development or are defined by their imitative or derivative nature, it’s essential to commemorate Skate 3, which signaled the end of EA Black Box’s groundbreaking sports franchise—at least temporarily.








