EA officially announces SKATE

New skating IP from EA set for release in 2007 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Pro skater Danny Way

News of EA's new skating title emerged from PSM only a few days ago, and EA has now officially announced the development of SKATE for release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2007.

The game is in development at EA Black Box in Vancouver and is said to feature innovative controls, authentic cameras and a fully reactive skateboarding city. Just because the game doesn't feature a superstar skateboarder in the title, it doesn't mean it won't feature some of the sport's top pros. So far EA has only confirmed the presence of Danny Way and PJ Ladd, but the PSM preview reports that up to 14 pro skaters will be included.

"Our game offers a skate mecca for both skaters and gamers in search of the definitive authentic skating video game experience," said Scott Blackwood, executive producer, EA Black Box. "We're focused on capturing the actual feeling of skating with the innovative control system, the physics driven animations, and the intelligent cameras working together to really deliver the closest thing to being on a board."

Being a next-gen title, EA is looking to raise the bar for gameplay and visuals. SKATE will feature a unique control system that is meant to capture the true feeling of skating and, according to EA, won't simply be a blend of button mashing gameplay found in past skating games. Visuals are to be brought to life thanks to physics-driven animation, which EA claims will ensure no two tricks will ever be the same.

Expect to see and hear a lot more of SKATE in the coming months.