Console enthusiasts eager for the next chapter in the beloved Skate franchise can now dive into the playtest of skate., the highly anticipated new game. This playtest, previously exclusive to PC players since mid-2022, is now open to Xbox and PlayStation users through the skate. Insider program. This marks a significant step forward as it's the first Skate game to hit consoles since Skate 3 in 2010, which delighted fans for years until EA seemingly put the series on indefinite hiatus in favor of other genres like FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games.
The persistent demand from the Skate community, often vocalized through the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led EA to announce a new dedicated development studio for the series. The excitement built up last Fall when it was revealed that skate. would enter early access in 2025. The recent announcement of console playtesting is a promising sign that the game is on track for that timeline.
The playtest was announced via skate.'s official Twitter account, and console players can join by registering for the skate. Insider program. A brief video from the development team touched on upcoming features, including more Black hairstyle options, and humorously referenced the playtest's initial "Fall 2024" announcement.
EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game 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. Although a version of the map leaked in 2023, it's likely to have evolved significantly since then. Fans can either participate in the playtest or wait for broader access to the game.
Skate Around in the Meantime
While skate. is set to enter early access in 2025, delays are not uncommon in the gaming industry. In the meantime, fans of the skateboarding genre have plenty of other titles to enjoy while they await the full release of this eagerly awaited addition to the Skate series.
