Summary
- Console players can now participate in the playtest for skate., the eagerly awaited new installment in the Skate franchise.
- The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program for both Xbox and PlayStation users.
- skate. is set to be a free-to-play game, taking place in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with additional gameplay features on the horizon.
Console enthusiasts are now able to dive into the playtest of skate., the much-anticipated new addition to the beloved Skate franchise. Previously, playtests were exclusively available for the PC version since mid-2022, but now Xbox and PlayStation players can also experience the first Skate game in nearly 15 years.
The last entry in the Skate series was Skate 3, released back in 2010. Despite its dedicated fanbase, EA had seemingly put the franchise on hold, focusing instead on genres like FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, the persistent demand from fans, encapsulated by the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led EA to announce a new development studio dedicated to reviving the series. Last fall, it was revealed that skate. would enter early access in 2025, and the inclusion of console testing is a promising step towards meeting that timeline.
Announced via skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now join the playtest through the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. A brief video clip featuring members of the development team was shared, addressing fan queries. Although specific gameplay features, such as the new and improved replay editor, were not discussed, they confirmed the addition of more Black hairstyle options and humorously acknowledged the initial "Fall 2024" playtest announcement.
EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game. While detailed information about the game remains sparse, it's set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, which is still being developed and draws inspiration from San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. A version of the map leaked online in 2023, though it's likely to have evolved since then. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait for broader access to skate. in the future.
Skate Around in the Meantime
While skate. is slated to enter early access in 2025, fans are aware that development timelines can shift, a common occurrence in the gaming industry. In the interim, those eager for skateboarding games have several other titles to explore before skate. fully launches.
