Every so often, a new game franchise comes along that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of players and hits the big leagues. Among these titanic entries into the halls of gaming fame stands the SSX series, a hallmark of extreme sports that has, unfortunately, dimmed in the years since its last 2012 release – but things could have been very different according to a new report.
Despite the silence surrounding the acclaimed snowboarding franchise, a glimmer of hope had sparked, only to be extinguished before its flame could truly catch. This is the sad story of Project Gravity, a spiritual successor to SSX.
Carefully crafted by the original series creators at SuperNatural Studios, Project Gravity promised to reignite the passion of sports fans across the globe. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, this project found itself buried beneath an avalanche of industry woes before it could ever see the light of day.
The news of Project Gravity‘s untimely demise was uncovered in a comprehensive IGN report, detailing the recent wave of layoffs that has besieged the gaming industry. Amidst the recurring reports of lost jobs and shuttered projects, the news of SuperNatural Studios’ ambitious endeavor stood out as a tragic reminder of what could have been.
Founded by SSX legends Steve Rechtschaffner and Larry LaPierre, SuperNatural sought to replicate the electrifying essence of their earlier works in the modern gaming era. With 2K originally tapped to publish, Project Gravity would have seen the return of the pulse-racing action and arcade trick system that defined SSX with the allure of a live-service, free-to-play model.
Ultimately, the partnership with 2K prematurely ended as the publisher withdrew from the project, leaving SuperNatural and its vision for a next-generation snowboarding title out in the cold. The implications of this cancellation extend far beyond SuperNatural Studios or the financial ledgers of 2K, reflecting a broader trend of instability and uncertainty within the video game industry.
As we’ve witnessed, high development costs and the threat of layoffs loom large over creators, often stifling innovation and forcing potentially groundbreaking projects to the sidelines. Those who were lucky enough to experience the thrill of the original SSX series will fondly remember the gravity-defying tricks and infectious energy that captured the imagination of players worldwide.
It remains a puzzle how this unlikely sports franchise managed to deliver such engaging gameplay, transforming snowboarding into a spectacle of pure, unadulterated joy that surpassed the sports genre. SSX Tricky, in particular, remains a high point for many, with incredibly high critic scores on several game-ranking publications.
Perhaps someday we’ll see a remake of this title, should EA decide to pursue it or sell the SSX IP to another studio. Until then, we’ll have to cherish the memories we’ve made racing down the spectacular courses of the franchise.
