Skate Playtesting Now Includes Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now participate in playtesting for skate., the highly anticipated new entry in the Skate franchise.
• The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program for Xbox and PlayStation players.
• 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.

Console players are finally getting their chance to experience skate., the eagerly awaited new addition to the beloved Skate franchise, through an exciting new round of playtesting. Although playtests for skate. have been ongoing since mid-2022, they were initially restricted to the PC version. Now, Xbox and PlayStation players can also enjoy the first Skate game in about 15 years.

The last game in the Skate series, Skate 3, was released in 2010. Despite a dedicated fanbase, the franchise was seemingly put on hold by EA, shifting focus to FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, persistent fan support, highlighted by the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led 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 current console testing marks a significant step toward that goal.

Announced via skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now participate in the playtest by joining the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. A video clip featuring members of the development team responded to fan questions, confirming more Black hairstyle options and playfully referencing the playtest's initial "Fall 2024" announcement. Although specific gameplay features like the enhanced replay editor were not discussed, the team hinted at more exciting updates.

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 development, draws inspiration from San Vanelona and Port Carverton, as well as real-world locations. While a leaked version of the map surfaced in 2023, it's likely that it has evolved significantly since then. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait for broader accessibility when skate. launches.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While skate. is slated to enter early access in 2025, the gaming industry is no stranger to delays. In the meantime, fans of the genre can explore other skateboarding games to tide them over until skate. is fully released.