Skate Playtesting Now Includes Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now participate in the playtest for skate., the eagerly awaited new entry in the Skate franchise.
• The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program for both 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 gamers can now dive into the playtest for skate., the highly anticipated addition to the beloved Skate franchise. While playtesting has been available for the PC version since mid-2022, Xbox and PlayStation players are now able to experience the first new Skate game in over 15 years.

The last release in the Skate series was Skate 3 back in 2010. Despite a dedicated fanbase, EA seemed to put the franchise on the back burner, focusing instead on FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, continuous fan support, highlighted by the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led EA to announce a new dedicated development studio. Last fall, it was revealed that skate. would enter early access in 2025, and the recent console testing is a promising step toward that goal.

Announced via skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation users can now join the playtest through the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. In a brief video, members of the development team addressed fan questions. While they didn't delve into specific gameplay features like the new replay editor, they confirmed the addition of more Black hairstyle options and playfully mentioned the playtest's initial "Fall 2024" announcement.

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game. Although details are still sparse, it is known that the skateboarding simulation will be set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam. This city, still under construction, draws inspiration from San Vanelona and Port Carverton, as well as real-world locations. A version of skate.'s map leaked online in 2023, but it may have undergone significant changes since then. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait for skate. to become more widely available.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While skate. is scheduled to enter early access in 2025, delays are common in game development. In the meantime, fans of the genre can explore other skateboarding games to keep the excitement alive until skate.'s full release.