Developer crea-ture Studios has released a new update for its simulationist skateboarding game Session: Skate Sim. The update, released alongside a trailer that you can check out below, brings with it a number of new features, including a complete overhaul to the game’s camera system.
According to the studio, the camera controls have been overhauled in terms of both its positioning, as well as its realignment speed. Through this, the in-game camera now provides a better view of incoming obstacles so that players can prepare for their next tricks and lines.
“We’ve had some core camera issues since launch, making it harder to consistently land your tricks & lines,” wrote the developer in its announcement. “The focus on this overhaul has been on keeping the player & gameplay options clearly visible & on screen at all times while also ensuring you can see what’s coming so you can adapt accordingly!”
The core gameplay has also seen some refinement in the update, with the New Physical Animation feature being permanently toggled on. The physics assets on player characters have also been rebuilt, allowing for better feedback for players with regards to their skateboarder’s posture and reaction to inputs.
When it comes to performance, the update has now removed the option to run Session: Skate Sim at 45, 90, and 120 frames per second. Players will instead only have the option to play the title at either 30 or 60 frames per second, with 60 FPS being stated as the ideal option.
The update also brought with it a re-release of the New York Sewer map for free. Originally part of a collaboration with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the map has been redesigned to remove all of the TMNT branding. Those that had managed to unlock the Sewers map during the promotional event will be able to access both versions of the map, including the TMNT branded one.
For more details about the update to Session: Skate Sim, check out the full patch notes below.
Session: Skate Sim patch notes:
Camera Overhaul
- Camera positioning & realignment speed overhaul while On Board
- Ensure the camera provides visibility on what’s ahead to better help prepare for tricks, lines, and landings
- Retain player on cam at all times – including on turning & at speed
- Camera while grinding follows the player around curves
- Camera logic & flow on banks, quarter pipes, and liptricks – it helps to see where you’re landing!
- Provides height on cam to provide improved landing visibility
- The camera has better world avoidance techniques
- Camera follows the player on bail instead of the board
- Camera menu options updated / simplified
Improved skate feel & fluidity
This deliverable is more the sum of many core changes, and not all benefits of this work are clear in the gameplay at this point in time. The bulk of the work done is on the code foundation that will facilitate future fixes in both feel & fluidity of the skater. This will also contribute to the flow and friction of the skater, and board, in relation to the game world!
- The New Physical Animation update is ALWAYS on, it was previously off by default.
- We rebuilt the physics assets on the player characters – changing their posture and reaction to player inputs
- Flow & Friction pass #1 – The foundation to the future Flow update this Summer!
Other feel & fluidity bug fixes
- Fixed Goat Feet bug when skating fast
- Fixed Mongo Push Bug – causing the player to bail and bug when not completing a full push
Frame rate Updates
We had previously supported non-optimal frame rate settings in Session, leading to extensive variations in gameplay bugs due to our gamecode structure. Reducing these options allows for a more consistent gameplay experience.
- Removed – 45 / 90 / 120 FPS
- FPS settings are 30 & 60 now – with 60 being ideal
General Bug Fixes
- Skateshop – DLC Merch Cannot Be Sold / Removed From Inventory
- Shop/Apartment – Equipping New Griptape Resets Board to a Blank Deck
- On Board – Skater Turns Too Sharp When Skating Fast
- On Board – Skater Flung Across Map After Respawning Near a Wall
- Landing – Big Drop Landing Causes Instant Fall When Getting Back On Board
- Missions Game loses focus when triggering talk prompt for NPC and walking
- Prog – Unable to Sprint, Set Marker or Push After Changing Map While Prompt is on Screen
- Object Dropper – Object Dropper HUD Persists During Cutscenes
- Loc Scoop+Flip tutorial mission uses inconsistent trick name for 360 Flip.
