Feature Suggestion: Rip Chip Shop Cosmetics

Main Topic: Tix & Auto-Exchange - Issues & Suggestions

TL;DR:
I received a really positive response from my prior post regarding Tix & Auto-Exchange, so I wanted to provide an add-on specifically focused on increasing the value of Rip Chips. 

Description:
I wasn't originally planning to follow through with this concept, but given the positive response I wanted to provide an add-on.

This post is intentionally simple and created with community in mind. It doesn't rely on new systems or extended production pipelines. It focuses on expanding on what already exists and increasing the value of Rip Chips.

The goal was to keep the concept within the current shop system so that implementation or approval wouldn't feel like a major resource investment. 

How it works:

• Uses current shop framework
• Style (Rip Chips) mirrors Skater (SVB)
• Build (Rip Chips) mirrors Board (SVB)
• Rotational items regulate stockpiles naturally
• Items can be bundled at discounted prices

Note: All items are blank and simple variants of existing items in-game. I also tried to coordinate outfits for each bundle. The prices are placeholder.

This image shows a concept of "Style" items.

This image shows a concept of "Build" items.

This image shows a concept of The Shop with Rip Chips. "Style" Shop.

This image shows a concept of The Shop with Rip Chips. "Build" Shop.

Low Effort Re-Textures

All of the mock-ups attached are retextures of meshes that are already in-game. No new geometry, no new silhouettes, no brand dependency & no seasonal dependency.

Since these meshes already exist, expanding blank variations is a great way to increase cosmetic depth and longevity. 

There's realistically dozens of usable variations per color component, and with lore brands, opportunities are endless. 

I posted something similar when I submitted for the #skate-tshirt-contest. (The discord Auto-Mod kept stopping my message, so the message was broken up)

Cosmetics

Currently, new meshes only appear within seasonal releases or costume bundles/outfits.

If the shop continues to rely primarily on repeating meshes with limited diversity, it will limit microtransaction growth and player engagement.

There's a strong opportunity to expand the cosmetic pool with an abundance of simple to unique options that: 
- Increase a players personal expression
- Strengthen the cosmetic pool
- Add value to all currencies

I don't think it's about replacing the current cosmetic system, rather adding onto it.

While some of the costumes don't land for me, I truly respect the effort and talent put into the processes of asset creation. I may not love the costumes, but I know there's people who do.

Rip Chip Cosmetic Identity

If you're a daily player, Rip Chips have no value beyond a certain point.

They could represent a layer of customization that is currently missing. Basic blank textures could represent Rip Chip items, while lore driven concepts could fit in seamlessly without feeling out of place.

These cosmetic items can support stockpiled currency and potential "Currency Conversion" systems.

Rip Chips are the main source of engagement and progression, they need to scale with player investment.

Black & White Socks.

I know it's been said, but I can't leave them out.

As I mentioned, there's plenty of complex items throughout the current catalogue, yet we still don't have plain black or white socks.

Core outfit staples like plain black & white socks are foundational clothing items in everyone's wardrobe. While you read this, quickly stop and check what color your socks are; mine are black 😋

Every cosmetic item gains flexibility and value by having a blank black & white version to pair with it. We're five months into early-access, something this fundamental still being absent is a design choice. Unless the socks are planned for Brickswich or awaiting approval, I can't justify the decision. I'm being patient, but I'll always be realistic about the situation.

There was a Development Update that mentioned socks roughly a year ago, but there's never been any follow up since. The entire system was scrapped. Even brief clarification on whether black & white socks are still planned would go a long way.

It goes back to needing clearer communication. The silence creates uncertainty and decreases your trust level with players. 

Asset Development

I work in 3D development on live-service models, so I understand there's a lot of moving parts; pipelines, QA, and approvals exist. Your direction can change at moments notice and you need to stay on your toes, but considering community feedback is equally as important as development.

Coming from Grand Theft Auto, I'm no stranger to lore-friendly content. The game needs to lean into the cosmetic lore found throughout the city. I've seen a handful of players mention that they would enjoy some merchandise such as SV Pizza, M-Corp, Franks Furters. I'd personally love a "What The Buck" t-shirt. Dollarama for my fellow Canadians.

I also undersand there are limits to asset creation. There's only so many t-shirt shilhouettes or pant cuts that can be introduced before the catagloge starts feeling redundant or oversaturated. With that said, I honestly believe there's still so much room for more.

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I put this together in a couple hours to demonstrate how small adjustments could meaningfully improve the player experience. 

I have a lot of appreciation and respect for the development team and what they've built so far. The team is clearly capable of doing amazing things. Whatever is preventing these simple features from being implemented is ultimately holding the game back as a whole.

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I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read, enjoy the rest of the week!

Love to the skate. Team ❤️

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