We’ve been seeing a good deal of hints and pre-release promotional content for the latest iteration of the Skate gaming series. Even though the new game was expected to be called Skate 4, Full Circle and Electronic have confirmed that the game will simply go by skate. (with the period included). This makes a lot of sense as this is the name that adorns posters and images on the game’s official website.
The biggest and most exciting bit of news, however, is that skate. will be a free-to-play game and won’t have any pay-to-win features. This is a milestone for Electronics Arts, given how much the company has commercialized its other offerings, such as the exorbitant amount you’d have to shell out to own all of the expansion, game, and stuff packs in The Sims 4.
The next chapter in the Skate series will have microtransactions, but we have it on good authority that in no way, shape, or form are these going to have anything to do with paid loot boxes.
All this and more formed part of the premiere episode of The Board Room, a new series where fans of the franchise can get a glimpse into the development of the next-generation Skate experience. The team behind the new game also answered numerous questions posed by the community of players.
The developers spoke at length about the microtransaction feature that skate. will implement. We assume that these will primarily be centered around cosmetic features, as some of the finer points of the game are taking inspiration from another Electronic Arts title. Apex Legends.
The team also discussed platforms and confirmed that as well as coming to PC, the game will also be available on current and next-gen consoles. The new Skate experience will also feature two mechanics that should be staples in modern gaming, cross-play, and cross-progression.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a release date for the game yet. The most that the developers said about that is that it will be released ‘when its ready.’ If you’re itching to play the new title, however, you’re in luck. As part of the development process, Full Circle and EA are implementing closed skate. playtests for insiders. Players will experience a pre-pre-pre-alpha build of the game and be required to provide feedback throughout development.
