Skateboarding games have spent years chasing realism. Skatesterre is heading in the opposite direction, straight back to the era of impossible combos, massive scores and one-more-run addiction.
Developed by Goon Squad and published by Headup, the newly released title channels the spirit of arcade classics such as Skate or Die, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX, Grind Session and the early Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games. The result is a fast, accessible skating experience that prioritises flow, fun and freedom over simulation.
Built in collaboration with Dutch professional skateboarder Sterre Meijer, Skatesterre blends retro arcade DNA with a contemporary identity. According to producer Dieter, the goal from day one was simple: recreate the magic of classic skateboarding games while making them feel fresh for a new generation.
That mission was driven by genuine passion. Before joining the studio, the game’s lead developer was already an avid skateboarder who had built a mini-ramp in his garden and spent years experimenting with skateboarding game prototypes. Combined with Dieter’s own love for the genre, the project quickly gathered momentum.
The partnership with Meijer became a key part of the game’s identity. After following her journey on social media, Dieter felt she embodied the creativity, individuality and inclusivity shaping modern skateboarding culture. A meeting in the Netherlands soon turned into a full-fledged collaboration.
Authenticity became the watchword. The team spent considerable time refining Meijer’s in-game appearance, even rebuilding large parts of her character model to ensure it captured her style accurately. Beyond aesthetics, her personality influenced the game’s overall tone colourful, playful and unapologetically individual.
That philosophy extends to the gameplay itself. Rather than forcing players down a prescribed route, Skatesterre encourages experimentation. Levels are designed to become sprawling combo playgrounds where ramps, rails and obstacles merge into a single flowing line.
Powered by Unreal Engine and enhanced with modern quality-of-life features, the game aims to deliver the instant gratification that made arcade skateboarding titles so beloved while adding customisation and contemporary polish.
For Goon Squad and Headup, the ambition was never just to recreate the past. It was to bottle the joy of skating, the thrill of landing a trick, discovering a new line and pushing for one more perfect run.
And if Skatesterre succeeds in making players say just one more go before losing another hour, the developers may have landed their biggest trick yet.
