Skate: Platforms, trailers, leaks & everything we know
EAA new Skate game is in development at EA, so here’s everything we know about our return to this sorely missed skateboarding game series.
Skateboarding fans have been clamoring for a new Skate game since Skate 3 back in 2010, especially since the Tony Hawk series – itself due for a revival – went off the rails somewhat. Many believed a Skate 4 would be made eventually, but it turns out that the next Skate game will be a reboot simply called Skate.
Since then, we’ve learned more information about the upcoming title, including the fact that Skate will be free-to-play. Here’s everything we know about Skate so far.
Is there a release date?
Skate will release in early access in 2025, though no specific window has been given.
Before that, select players will be able to try out the game in closed playtests. These tests have been going on since 2022 on PC, but the devs will expand to console starting in fall 2024.
This 2025 window means that, by the time Skate releases, it will have been about 15 years since Skate 3 came out.
Platforms
Skate will be available on PC, Mac, and mobile, as well as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
In a June 2024 development update, the devs explained they sought to “remove as many barriers to play as possible” by releasing on all of these systems and including cross-platform play and cross-progression.
Skate going free-to-play
Electronic ArtsDuring a July 14 ‘board room’ video, the team behind Skate revealed its long-term plans for the series. Rather than releasing a simple ‘Skate 4’ as a premium game and supporting it for a handful of years, the developers are instead looking to create a model in which they can support a new Skate title for much longer.
As a result, Skate is set to launch as a free-to-play title and feature cross-play across both different platforms. Currently, it’s unclear exactly how the game will make its money, though Full Circle General Manager Dan McCulloch stressed that it won’t be a “pay-to-win game.” Thus, it’s safe to expect premium cosmetics, season passes, and other voluntary transactions.
One such transaction could manifest in the form of loot boxes, specifically the previously rumored and controversial “Swag Bags.” According to a report from Insider Gaming, playtesters have confirmed that loot boxes do exist in Skate and can be unlocked using in-game currency known as Stars.
Users receive Stars by completing challenges. The unlocks have supposedly been separated into 2 and 3-Star loot boxes, with the latter featuring the most valuable items.
With each box containing five items, players can expect to unlock the likes of furniture, clothing, and skateboard stickers. The report additionally claims every item will be visible prior to purchase.
Playtesters told Insider Gaming that only 16 different loot boxes exist in-game at this point. Since each one features five different items, Skate currently boasts no less than 80 items unlockable through loot boxes.
Skate trailers
The team behind Skate has not yet created a trailer for the next game in the series. They have, however, created a series of developer diaries showing some early footage and demonstrating their progress:
The first developer diary was from 2021.
One year later and the devs cheekily provided an update video, reminding fans they’re “still working on it.”
Brands like Vans, Chocolate and Girls have already been featured in the skate. trailers, but the developers assure the fan base that there will be more collaborations to come in the future.
A June 2024 update from the devs dove into gameplay improvements, including various tricks players will be able to perform, as well as social features.
Most recently, the developer announced the early access release window with a tweet that included some pre-alpha footage.
News & leaks
The original announcement video for the next Skate title revealed EA’s new development studio named Full Circle. This team of veteran developers and skating enthusiasts will be building the next Skate experience from the ground up.
The studio is led by Daniel McCulloch, and it also includes Deran Chung and Cuz Parry, who were all involved in the creation of the first skate game. The next game in the series will also be set in a new city location known as San Vansterdam.
From the latest Board Room, we know that players will have the option to change the height and shape, wardrobe, and other features to their own desires. The team expressed that they are trying to find the perfect balance between realism and a stylistic approach, as seen in the other skate titles.
And of course, a skating game would be nothing without a board. You can deck out your character’s board in full with stickers, grip tape designs, wheel color, and more.
These items will be obtainable through the in-game store using both earned and premium currencies, but the team emphasized that the time spent in San Vansterdam will be rewarded even if you opt not to spend real money on in-game currency.
That’s everything we know about Skate! For more on upcoming games, check out our hubs on GTA 6, Indiana Jones & the Great Circle, and Gears of War E-Day.