Summary
- Console players can now participate in the playtest for skate., the eagerly awaited new addition to the Skate franchise.
- The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program for Xbox and PlayStation users.
- skate. is confirmed to be a free-to-play game, set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with more gameplay features on the horizon.
Console enthusiasts are finally getting the chance to dive into skate., the much-anticipated new entry in the beloved Skate series, through an exciting playtest. Previously limited to PC since mid-2022, this playtest now extends to Xbox and PlayStation players, marking the first Skate game release in about 15 years.
The last installment in the Skate franchise, Skate 3, hit the shelves back in 2010. Despite its dedicated fanbase, the series was put on hold by EA, who shifted focus to genres like FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, the persistent support from fans, evident through the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led EA to announce a new dedicated development studio for 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 toward that goal.
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 from the development team, answering fan questions, hinted at more Black hairstyle options and playfully mentioned the initially planned "Fall 2024" playtest.
EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game. While full details on gameplay features are still under wraps, it's known that the game is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam. This city, inspired by San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations, is still evolving. A map version leaked in 2023 might have changed significantly since then. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait for skate. to become more widely accessible.
Skate Around in the Meantime
With skate. slated for early access in 2025, fans are aware that development delays are not uncommon in the gaming industry. In the interim, enthusiasts of the genre can explore other skateboarding games while eagerly anticipating the full release of this new Skate title.
