Easy Day Studios have released their Skater XL behind the scenes video, featuring Tom Asta, Tiago Lemos, Evan Smith, and Brandon Westgate. The video goes over the photogrammetry process of 3D scanning the skaters into the game, with over 100 DSLR cameras.
There is a lot of work that goes into transforming a real life human into a digital one. That journey begins with photogrammetry. The photogrammetry process involves taking shots of a person and clothing items on a rig of over 100 DSLR cameras which are then processed via several steps into three dimensional digital objects.
The 3D objects are then “skinned” to the underlying skeleton of the character, a process that involves telling all the points on the 3D object how to bend and move as the underlying bones of the character are animated. This makes sure joints, fingers, clothes, etc. all retain a realistic shape and volume throughout the range of motion of skating.
The team also revealed all of the soundtrack artists, you will hear in the game. The full soundtrack will be revealed at launch.
- Modest Mouse
- Band of Horses
- Getter
- Interpol
- Future Islands
- Animal Collective
- Silversun Pickups
- STARHEADBODY
- Built To Spill
- Cende
- Kratos Himself
- The Shivas
- Westkust
Skater XLÂ launches on July 28 digitally on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and at brick and mortar retailers for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The Nintendo Switch version will be released later this year.
Here are the key features in Skater XL.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Skater XL is unique in that it doesn’t have any tricks programmed into it, only control of the movement through the thumbsticks. Each thumbstick is connected to the corresponding foot of the skater and as the player moves the stick, the board instantly responds. Much like a musical instrument, the player has complete freedom, whether it be pushing to nail a line or skating free from.
PLAY AS REAL-LIFE PRO SKATERS
The game is launching with highly renowned pros TIAGO LEMOS, BRANDON WESTGATE, EVAN SMITH, and TOM ASTA. Each skater will have their own gear that fits their style.
REAL LIFE ICONIC SKATING LOCATION
In Skater XL, players can shred legendary real-world skate spots that are home to some of the most iconic skaters and tricks in the world.
CUSTOMIZABLE CHARACTERS
The possibilities are endless for players to personalize their Skater XL experience. Players can customize their entire look, including their skater’s gear with different tees, hoodies, hats and shoes.
COME PLAY IN THE SANDBOX
Each area is yours to explore. With the freedom of an open-environment, players will be able to push themselves, perfecting the subtle nuances of a highly technical trick or free form skate.
THRIVING COMMUNITY
Dive into a passionate community with more than 50,000 members in Discord who create online zines, video parts, fakeskate brands, and hundreds of mods. Players can become part of a bigger ecosystem and join the digital skateboarding subculture where they can share their creativity
If you missed our Skater XL preview, make sure to read it here.
Easy Day Studios has been showing off Skater XL recently in an effort to highlight the addition of some real pro skaters, a firmer launch date and a new downtown LA skating area. All those things are important, but it’s not what will end up making or breaking the game when it releases in July 2020 on PC and consoles. The core of the game — the skating mechanics, the vibes the game gives off and the community the studio nurtures — is really what will end up determining if the game has legs or not.
