Skate Playtesting Now Includes Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now participate in playtesting for skate., the eagerly awaited new installment in 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 enthusiasts are thrilled as they can now dive into the playtest of skate., the much-anticipated addition to the beloved Skate franchise. Although skate. has been undergoing playtests since mid-2022, these were initially limited to the PC version. Now, Xbox and PlayStation players have the opportunity to experience the first new Skate game in over a decade.

The last Skate title, Skate 3, was released back in 2010. Despite a loyal fanbase, the series seemed to be put on indefinite hold by EA, who shifted focus towards FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. Yet, persistent fan demand, symbolized 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 inclusion of console testing marks a significant step forward.

Announced through skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can participate in the playtest by joining the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. A brief video clip featuring members of the development team responding to fan queries was shared. Although specific gameplay features like the innovative replay editor weren't discussed, the team confirmed the addition of more Black hairstyle options and humorously acknowledged the playtest's initial announcement for "Fall 2024."

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game. While details on the full scope of the game remain somewhat sparse, it's set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam—a city still in development, drawing inspiration from San Vanelona and Port Carverton, as well as real-world locations. A leaked version of skate.'s map from 2023 suggests that the final layout might have evolved significantly. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait for skate. to become more broadly available.

Skate Around in the Meantime

With skate. slated for early access in 2025, fans are aware that delays are common in the gaming industry. In the interim, enthusiasts of the genre have plenty of other skateboarding games to enjoy before skate.'s full release.