The iconic snowboarding series SSX received a bittersweet glimpse of what could have been as recent concept art from SSX Project Gravity surfaced online. This project, envisioned as the spiritual successor to SSX and developed by Supernatural Studios, was ultimately canceled. The concept art, shared by former team member and art director Gordon Wang on ArtStation, offers a sneak peek into the ambitious vision for the game, which aimed to blend high-thrill snowboarding with futuristic elements reminiscent of the original SSX games.
The artwork, titled “Undisclosed Action Adventure Racing,” includes a mix of illustrations and in-engine screenshots, prototyped in Unreal Engine 5. It showcases alpine peaks and gravity-defying slopes, complete with rails for grinding, capturing the adrenaline-pumping essence that fans of the series cherished. This revelation has sparked nostalgia and curiosity among the gaming community, eager to see what might have been.
The Legacy of SSX
The SSX franchise dominated the snowboarding genre in the 2000s under Electronic Arts’ EA Sports Big brand. It all began with the release of SSX in 2000, quickly followed by fan favorites like SSX Tricky in 2001 and SSX 3 in 2003. The franchise sold over 3 million copies during its lifetime and earned numerous awards. It was praised for its intricate mechanics, memorable cast of characters, and catchy soundtrack.
After a seven-year hiatus, EA rebooted the series in 2012 with SSX for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, developed by EA Canada. This installment introduced exploration modes and received a generally favorable Metacritic score of 82. Despite its success, no sequels followed, leaving the IP dormant for over a decade. Meanwhile, other games like Ubisoft’s Steep, released in 2016, attempted to fill the void with more realistic gameplay, though they lacked SSX’s signature arcade vibe.
The Ambitious Vision of Project Gravity
Project Gravity was poised to revive the SSX franchise with a live-service, free-to-play multiplayer game. Codenamed by Supernatural Studios and published by 2K, the project was spearheaded by SSX co-creators Steve Rechtschaffner and Larry LaPierre. They founded Supernatural Studios in 2020, assembling much of the original talent, and described the game as an “arcadey, amazing-feeling, very accessible, competitive, and fun game.”
Development on Project Gravity continued until it was abruptly canceled in February 2024 when EA withdrew support. This decision came amid industry-wide challenges such as layoffs and a shortage of funding, reflecting broader trends affecting the gaming industry.
Industry Challenges and the Future of SSX
The cancellation of Project Gravity highlights the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where projects can be shelved due to financial constraints or shifting corporate priorities. According to industry insiders, the decision to pull the plug on Project Gravity was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of strategic realignments within EA and other major gaming companies.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on live-service models and multiplayer experiences, the future of franchises like SSX remains uncertain. However, the enduring popularity of the series and the recent interest generated by the concept art suggest that there is still a passionate audience eager for a revival.
“The SSX series has always been about pushing boundaries and delivering exhilarating experiences. The concept art for Project Gravity shows that the spirit of innovation is still alive,” said a former developer involved in the project.
While Project Gravity may never see the light of day, the legacy of SSX endures. Fans can only hope that one day, the series will make a triumphant return, capturing the hearts of a new generation of gamers.
For now, the gaming community is left to ponder what could have been, as they continue to celebrate the impact and influence of SSX on the snowboarding genre and beyond.
