"EA's Skate Adds Microtransactions Pre-Launch"

EA has introduced microtransactions to Skate during its latest alpha test, gearing up for an upcoming release date announcement. As reported by Insider Gaming, Full Circle, the developer behind EA's free-to-play Skate revival, has integrated a virtual currency called San Van Bucks into the ongoing closed alpha test. Players can purchase these San Van Bucks with real-world money to acquire various cosmetic items. Full Circle aims to refine Skate's microtransaction system, emphasizing the importance of a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They've encouraged players to provide feedback to enhance the early access launch experience.

Full Circle has informed testers that all progress will be reset before Skate enters early access, and any purchases made during the alpha will be converted back into San Van Bucks, available again at the start of the early access period.

Skate’s early access launch is scheduled for 2025. The project was initially unveiled during EA Play in 2020, when it was described as being in the "very early" stages of development. Since then, Full Circle has kept the community engaged through closed community playtests of early builds and regular updates via their "The Board Room" video series. In 2022, the developer officially named the game 'skate.' and confirmed it would be a free-to-play title available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.