Summary
- Console players can now participate in playtesting for skate., the eagerly awaited new addition to the Skate franchise.
- The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program on Xbox and PlayStation.
- skate. is confirmed to be a free-to-play game, set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with more gameplay features expected to be revealed soon.
Console enthusiasts are finally getting their hands on skate., the highly anticipated new entry in the beloved Skate franchise, through a new round of playtesting. Previously, these tests were exclusive to the PC version since mid-2022, but now Xbox and PlayStation players can dive into the first Skate game in over 15 years.
The last installment in the series, Skate 3, was released in 2010. Despite a dedicated fanbase, EA seemed to shelve the franchise in favor of more lucrative genres like FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, persistent fan demand, highlighted by the #Skate4 hashtag, prompted EA to announce a new dedicated studio to revive the series. Last fall, it was revealed that skate. would enter early access in 2025, and the inclusion of console testing marks a significant step forward.
Announced through skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now join the playtest by registering for the skate. Insider program. A short video from the development team hinted at more Black hairstyle options and playfully addressed the playtest's initial "Fall 2024" announcement, though specific gameplay features like the new replay editor were not detailed.
EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game, though many details remain under wraps. The game is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, a developing urban landscape inspired by San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. While a version of the map leaked in 2023, it's likely that significant changes have been made since then. Fans can either join the playtest or wait for broader access to skate..
Skate Around in the Meantime
While skate. is set to enter early access in 2025, it's worth noting that game development timelines can shift. In the meantime, fans of the genre have plenty of other titles to enjoy before the full release of the new Skate game.
