Now that *skate.* has been introduced to the public, fans have shared their initial thoughts on the latest installment in the EA series, and the feedback has been less than favorable. Many have expressed that it feels lacking and too reminiscent of *Fortnite*.

The most recent addition to the *Skate* franchise is available in early access after a 15-year wait for some enthusiasts. As previously indicated, it is free-to-play. With no entry fee, players have flocked to see what the excitement is about, and SteamDB indicates that thousands have tried the game. With a peak of nearly 100,000 players in the last 24 hours, it is fair to say the title has garnered reasonable popularity; however, many of those players have shared their dissatisfaction on Steam.

It is important to note that *skate.* is still in early access, and the developers have shared this prior to the early access launch across all platforms: “The Early Access launch includes what we deem as the essentials of *skate.* such as the Flick-It trick system from earlier games, which we’ve honed for contemporary players. There will also be plenty of content to engage with alongside other players in San Vansterdam. Our vision is that the “full” version will evolve from Early Access, with additional challenges, features, live events, and gameplay enhancements based on user feedback.” With that context, let’s delve into the player responses.

With over 8,000 reviews currently available on Steam (showing a “Mixed” reception) just two days post-launch, fans have thoroughly explored why they find the latest title unsatisfactory. Although almost every review on the Steam page highlights the excellent ‘feel of the gameplay’ and the effectiveness of the trick system, the other aspects have left players disappointed.

One user, SadBoiStabler states, “There is no skate culture present. There is no trace of the street skating underground here,” arguing that the game is a more polished version of what made the previous trilogy exceptional. Another fan, Lusk8, directly counters the developers’ assertions by stating, “They received a lot of feedback over the last 2 or 3 years. I played the pre-alpha more than a year ago. They listened to the criticisms? I doubt it,” claiming that Full Circle had since 2020 to incorporate player feedback from pre-alpha gameplay but chose to take a different route. Fan Anakin Skywalker concurs, saying, “It’s as if they didn’t heed the fans.”

Both players (and others who have shared their views) were disappointed by the absence of gameplay modes like Hall of Meat, a narrative mode, and S.K.A.T.E. Death Races, which provided previous titles with a clear identity; nonetheless, most players acknowledged that skating does feel enjoyable. One reviewer, Ciri, was particularly displeased with their experience, stating, “You could’ve told me this is a new game mode inside of *Fortnite*… and I would’ve believed you,” reflecting the sentiments of other players who dislike the Fortnite-like art style of *skate.*

On Reddit, fans have been expressing similar sentiments. They have pointed out the absence of skate culture, the lack of a coherent storyline, and the overall missing elements that made earlier games exceptional. Nearly all fans across both platforms have observed the irony that there’s “no S.K.A.T.E.” in a game named *skate.*

In summary, fans appear discontented with the path EA has taken with the new *skate.* installment, but it is essential to recognize that the new title is only two days old and remains in early access (even though development has been underway for a longer duration). There may still be an opportunity for Full Circle and EA to rectify the situation before full launch.

Bonfire Studios has officially revealed their eagerly awaited debut game, “Arkheron,” an innovative PvP experience situated in an enigmatic Tower. After its first teaser in January 2025, the game is scheduled to be released on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. “Arkheron” presents an asymmetrical PvP format where 15 trios vie to climb the Tower by gathering potent items referred to as Relics, battling rival teams, and securing Beacons to evade the Abyssal Storm.

Established by Rob Pardo, a former game designer at Blizzard Entertainment with 17 years of involvement in titles such as “StarCraft” and “World of Warcraft,” Bonfire Studios aims to deliver enjoyable, rewarding gameplay and cultivate inclusive communities. “Arkheron” is set within a lore-rich Tower, providing a battle royale format with a unique twist. The primary gameplay mode, Ascension Royale, pushes teams to gather Relics, fulfill quests, and vanquish competitors to ascend.

The Relics system is fundamental to “Arkheron,” enabling players to equip items such as crowns, amulets, and weapons, each possessing distinct abilities. Players can customize their item combinations to match their preferred gameplay style, and obtaining complete sets of items yields bonuses, with the ultimate reward being the transformation into an Eternal, which unlocks a formidable fifth ability.

“Arkheron” includes three gameplay modes: Ascension Royale, Training Mode, and Practice With Bots. Training Mode provides players with an opportunity to experiment with Relics and hone their skills, while Practice With Bots creates a supportive environment for newcomers. A playtest for PC participants will take place on Steam from September 19 to 21, 2025, across regions such as North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and Korea/Japan.

For additional details and to register for the playtest, check out the Bonfire Studios website. “Arkheron” aims to present a thrilling and strategic PvP experience as players strive to ascend the Tower.

CGMagazine recently delved into the cinematic realm of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, with contributions from Dayna Eileen, Brendan Frye, Ridge Harripersad, and Shakyl Lambert covering over 50 films across different genres. Each participant highlighted their top three films, demonstrating the festival’s diversity and innovation.

**Charlie Harper** by Dayna Eileen emphasizes Tom Dean’s reimagining of a love story through a compilation of relationship clips, lauded for its clever script. **Eternity**, also by Dayna Eileen, provides a witty perspective on the choices of eternal love, featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller. **Hamnet**, a poignant narrative starring Jessie Buckley and Jacobi Jupe, received the People’s Choice Award, recognized for its emotional resonance.

**Rental Family** by Ridge Harripersad, featuring Brendan Fraser, examines themes of humanity and societal challenges in Japan. **The Christophers** by Ridge Harripersad showcases Steven Soderbergh’s chamber comedy with Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, acclaimed for its sharp humor. **Tuner**, another selection by Ridge Harripersad, blends various genres with remarkable performances from Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall.

**Normal** by Brendan Frye is a neo-western infused with social commentary, starring Bob Odenkirk, Lena Headey, and Henry Winkler. **Obsession** by Brendan Frye is a gripping horror that delves into desire and accountability, featuring strong performances from Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette. **Dead Man’s Wire** by Brendan Frye, helmed by Gus Van Sant, is a true-crime drama with Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, and Colman Domingo, noted for its tension and social critique.

**The Furious** by Shakyl Lambert, directed by Kenji Tanigaki, is an action-filled film reminiscent of “The Raid,” starring Xie Miao and Joe Taslim. **Frankenstein** by Shakyl Lambert, directed by Guillermo del Toro, presents a compassionate interpretation of the classic novel, with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi delivering memorable performances. **No Other Choice** by Shakyl Lambert, directed by Park Chan-wook, serves as a darkly comedic satire on capitalism, featuring Lee Byung-hun, commended for its cinematography and editing.

TIFF 2025 presented a broad spectrum of films, each offering distinct narratives and outstanding performances, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.