Skate Playtesting Now Includes Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now playtest skate., the highly anticipated new entry in the Skate franchise.
• The playtest is available through the skate. Insider program for Xbox and PlayStation players.
• skate. is confirmed to be free-to-play, set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with more gameplay features to come.

Console players are finally getting the chance to play skate., the eagerly awaited new entry in the beloved Skate franchise, through a new round of playtesting. While these tests have been ongoing for skate. since mid-2022, they were previously limited to its PC version. Now, Xbox and PlayStation players can experience the first Skate game in about 15 years.

The last game in the Skate series was Skate 3, released in 2010. Despite its dedicated fanbase, the franchise was seemingly put on hold by EA in favor of more FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service titles. However, the persistent demand from fans, highlighted 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 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 clip, members of the development team responded to fan questions, confirming the addition of more Black hairstyle options and playfully addressing the initially announced "Fall 2024" playtest.

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game, though specific details about its features remain somewhat elusive. The skateboarding simulator is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, a work-in-progress inspired by San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. A leaked version of skate.'s map surfaced online in 2023, but it's likely that the map has evolved since then. Fans can either 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, delays are common in the gaming industry. In the meantime, fans of the genre can enjoy other skateboarding games before skate. fully releases.