A new Skate game is currently in development at EA, and here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated return to this beloved skateboarding series.
Skateboarding enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting a new Skate game since the release of Skate 3 in 2010, particularly as the Tony Hawk series—also in need of a revival—has experienced some ups and downs. Many hoped for a Skate 4, but it has been confirmed that the next installment will be a reboot titled simply Skate.
Since then, we have gathered more details about the upcoming game, including the exciting news that Skate will be free-to-play. Here’s what we know about Skate thus far.
Is there a release date?
Skate will enter early access in 2025, although a specific date has yet to be announced.
Before its official launch, select players will have the opportunity to participate in closed playtests, which have been ongoing since 2022 on PC. The development team plans to expand testing to consoles starting in fall 2024.
This 2025 timeframe indicates that by the time Skate is released, it will have been approximately 15 years since the original Skate 3.
Platforms
Skate will be accessible on PC, Mac, and mobile devices, as well as on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
In a development update released in June 2024, the developing team explained that their aim is to “remove as many barriers to play as possible” by making the game available on all these platforms and incorporating cross-platform play and cross-progression functionality.
Skate Going Free-to-Play
Pre-pre-alpha gameplay of Skate.
During a ‘board room’ video on July 14, the team behind Skate shared their long-term objectives for the series. Instead of launching a straightforward ‘Skate 4’ as a paid title supported for just a few years, the developers are striving to create a model that can sustain the new Skate title for a more extended period.
As a result, Skate will launch as a free-to-play game with options for cross-play across various platforms. Currently, it remains unclear how the game will generate revenue. However, Full Circle General Manager Dan McCulloch emphasized that it will not be a “pay-to-win”experience. Therefore, players can likely expect premium cosmetics, seasonal passes, and other optional purchases.
One potential transaction could involve loot boxes, particularly the rumored and controversial “Swag Bags.” According to a report by Insider Gaming, playtesters have confirmed that loot boxes will indeed be present in Skate and can be obtained using in-game currency known as Stars.
Players earn Stars by completing various challenges. The loot boxes have been reported to be categorized into 2-Star and 3-Star tiers, with the latter containing the most valuable items.
Each box will offer five items, and players can anticipate unlocking various rewards such as furniture, clothing, and skateboard stickers. Notably, all items will be visible prior to purchase.
Insider Gaming’s playtesters indicated that as of now, there are only 16 different types of loot boxes available in-game, providing a possible total of 80 items players can unlock.
Skate Trailers
While the team behind Skate has yet to release an official trailer for the upcoming game, they have produced a series of developer diaries that showcase early gameplay footage and highlight their progress:
The first developer diary was released in 2021, which can be viewed here:
.A year later, the developers humorously provided an update video, reassuring fans they’re “still working on it.” Watch the update here:
.Brands like Vans, Chocolate, and Girls have already been featured in Skate. trailers, and the developers promise the community that additional collaborations will follow.
A June 2024 update from the team discussed gameplay enhancements, including various tricks players can execute, along with anticipated social features. More details can be seen here:
.Recently, the developer took to Twitter to announce the early access window, accompanied by some pre-alpha footage.
we’re incredibly stoked to announce that skate. will be launching in Early Access in 2025. we’ll share more details on what to expect in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/ZbFL3WycWu
— skate. (@skate) September 17, 2024
News & Leaks
The initial announcement video for the next Skate title introduced EA’s new development studio, Full Circle. This team, composed of seasoned developers and skateboarding enthusiasts, is crafting the next Skate experience from the ground up.
Led by Daniel McCulloch, the studio also features Deran Chung and Cuz Parry, who have all played pivotal roles in creating the original Skate game. The next title in the series will be set in a new city known as San Vansterdam.
Based on information from the latest Board Room episode, players will have the opportunity to personalize their character’s height, shape, clothing, and other attributes. The team emphasized their goal to strike a balance between realism and the stylistic flair reminiscent of previous Skate titles.
A skating game would be incomplete without a deck. Players can customize their characters’ boards with stickers, grip tape designs, wheel colors, and more.
These items will be available through the in-game store using both earned currency and premium options. However, the team reiterated that players will be rewarded for their time spent in San Vansterdam, even if they choose not to invest real money into in-game purchases.
That wraps up everything we currently know about Skate!
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