Headup and developer Goon Squad have launched Skatesterre, bringing a fresh perspective on classic arcade skateboarding to modern hardware. Where classic arcade skateboarding meets a focus on speed, flow, and personal style, the title draws direct inspiration from golden-era genre staples like Skate or Die, Dave Mirra, Grind Session, and early Tony Hawk's Pro Skater entries.
Quick Facts
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S
- Developer: Goon Squad
- Publisher: Headup
- Collaborator: Pro skater Sterre Meijer (Surfsterre)
Arcade Flow Over Simulation
Rather than pursuing the hyper-realistic simulation style that dominated later eras of skating games, the development team built Skatesterre around a pick-up-and-play philosophy. The goal was to reduce frustration and let players feel like pros quickly through an intuitive control scheme, fluid movement, and a deep combo system.
Players link together kickflips, grabs, manuals, and grinds across diverse levels packed with rails, ramps, gaps, and hidden routes. Progression rewards experimentation, encouraging players to read environments as continuous lines to maximize their score multipliers.
Collaboration With Sterre Meijer
The game centers around Dutch skateboarder Sterre Meijer, widely known online as Surfsterre. Producers at Headup followed her journey on social channels and reached out to build a project around her authentic style and independent approach to skating.
The team worked closely with Sterre and her brother to ensure her likeness, personal energy, and fashion sense were accurately represented. Completing mission objectives across the game's urban playgrounds and skate parks unlocks a wide variety of fashion items and outfits, letting players customize their look as they progress.
Audio and Availability
To channel the atmosphere of early 2000s extreme sports titles, Skatesterre features a high-energy soundtrack packed with underground skate punk and skate rock.
Skatesterre is available now on Xbox Series X|S.