EA and Full Circle have confirmed that the highly anticipated Skate reboot will officially enter early access in 2025, though it will not include an offline mode. Unlike previous entries in the series, the new Skate will require a live internet connection at all times and will adopt a free-to-play model supported by microtransactions.
Skate: Always Online, Free-to-Play, and Evolving
Originally revealed in 2020 after nearly a decade-long absence since Skate 3 launched in 2010, excitement around the new Skate has steadily grown. Following its first wave of playtests in 2022 and expanded tests across platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, players have been eager for more details — and now they finally have them.
According to the first entry in Full Circle’s new blog series The Grind, Skate is designed to be a “living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox.” As a result, the game will not offer any offline play when early access begins. Instead, players will experience dynamic changes to the in-game city of San Vansterdam, including live events and ongoing updates that will evolve the world over time.
Microtransactions and San Van Bucks System
As seen during previous playtests, Skate will feature microtransactions through an in-game currency called San Van Bucks. EA states that purchases made during the playtest phase will carry over to the early access version. For example, if players spent $20 worth of San Van Bucks during the test, that balance will be transferred into the full early access version.
The development team emphasized that all microtransactions are intended to be fair and will directly support the ongoing growth of the game. Extensive testing is being conducted, especially on PC and PlayStation platforms, to gather feedback and address any potential issues related to the game’s monetization system.
Large Playtest Wave Coming This Summer
For those hoping to get a taste of Skate before its full early access release, EA confirmed that a significant wave of playtest invites will be sent out in June. Participants will have the opportunity to experience early features of San Vansterdam and provide valuable feedback.
More updates regarding Skate’s early access plans, features, and live service elements are expected to be revealed over the coming months as the community edges closer to the long-awaited next chapter in the series.
