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 players are finally getting the chance to dive into skate., the highly anticipated new entry in the beloved Skate franchise, through a new playtesting phase. Previously, such tests were exclusively available for the PC version since mid-2022, but now Xbox and PlayStation users can experience the first Skate game in approximately 15 years.
The last Skate game released was Skate 3 back in 2010. Despite its dedicated fanbase, the franchise seemed to be on an indefinite hiatus by EA, who shifted focus towards FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service titles. However, the persistent support from fans, signified 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 recent inclusion of console testing marks a significant step toward that goal.
Announced via skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation console players can now join the playtest through the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. In a brief video, members of the development team answered fan questions, confirming the addition of more Black hairstyle options and playfully acknowledging the initial "Fall 2024" playtest announcement. Although specific gameplay features like the enhanced replay editor were not discussed, the team promised more details soon.
EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game, but detailed public information remains limited. What is known is that the skateboarding simulator is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, a city inspired by San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. A version of skate.'s map leaked online in 2023, though it may have undergone significant changes since then. Fans eager to try the game can register for the playtest or wait until skate. becomes more widely accessible.
Skate Around in the Meantime
While skate. is slated to enter early access in 2025, the gaming community understands that release dates can shift. In the meantime, fans of the genre have several other games to explore before the full release of the new Skate title.
