Summary
Skate 4, styled simply asskate., received a humorous and unforgettable trailer during this year’s Summer Games Fest.The trailer was suggestive ofSkate 4’s narrative direction, hinting toward a comedic, anti-corporate story reminiscent ofSkate 2’s.
But of course, the potential hints aboutSkate 4’s story and premise were not the most memorable parts of the trailer. That honor would have to go to the surprise appearance of none other thanI Think You Should Leave’s Tim Robinson, playing a spokesperson for M-Corp, a likely rebranding of Mongocorp fromSkate 2. Robinson’s character in this trailer feels pulled directly fromI Think You Should Leave, as he channels the sketch show’s singular style of absurdist, chaotic humor to great comedic effect. Those who know a bit about Tim Robinson’s background were perhaps less surprised by his appearance in this trailer, as he is a fairly active skateboarder in real life, making him an oddly suitable candidate for a comedy-focusedSkate 4promotion. But his involvement shouldn’t stop there.
Skate 4 Needs Some I Think You Should Leave Easter Eggs
I Think You Should Leave Is Rife with Easter Egg Potential
For those unaware, Netflix’sI Think You ShouldLeavehas produced some of the most iconic jokes, gags, and memes in modern TV history. The sketch comedy venture is spearheaded by Tim Robinson, who appears in the overwhelming majority of its skits, often as an unlikable, over-the-top, or otherwise ridiculous character. The sketches are typically short, frantic, and bizarre, which allows them to resonate with a number of key audience demographics.
TheSkatefranchise is no stranger to cross-promotionand meta references, so it wouldn’t feel too out of place if certain elements fromI Think You Should Leaveshowed up inSkate 4. Setting aside potentially complex issues of licensing and miscellaneous litigious matters, it would be remarkably easy to incorporate some ofITYSL’s most recognizable memes, as the show is jam-packed with instant-classic characters, locations, and simple concepts that would work in a gaming context, such as:
For better or worse, cosmetics would probably be the best venue for someI Think You Should LeaveEaster eggs.Skate 4will be a live-service free-to-play title, meaning that it is destined to include some in-game purchases. With how belovedITYSLis, it would definitely make sense for EA to spring for some themed apparel or accessories to pad out the in-game store. Moreover,manyITYSLskits center on items of clothing, such as Calico Cut pants and Dan Flashes shirts, so there’s no shortage of content to draw from.
Such Easter eggs, aside from being a treat forI Think You Should Leavefans, would helpSkate 4maintain the comedic tone it set with its trailer, which many seem to be hoping for. While its actual mechanics (especially as they pertain to its live-service format) will be what makes or breaks the game, a strong sense of personality and charm will also go a long way. This is especially pertinent when comparingSkate 4to other recent simulation-style skating games likeSkater XLandSessionwhich, though mechanically rewarding and unique, do lack a certain style and flair that older series likeSkateandTony Hawk Pro Skaterhave in droves. With Tim Robinson gracing the screen forSkate 4’s most recent trailer, the game is perfectly positioned to loop in elements from his magnum opus.
Skate 4
WHERE TO PLAY
The upcoming fourth entry in the skateboarding series, officially now called skate., is an upcoming video game from Full Circle and Electronic Arts. For now, the game has been confirmed to be free-to-play.
