Skate Playtesting Now Includes Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now participate in playtesting for skate., the eagerly awaited new addition to 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 to be revealed.

Console enthusiasts can finally dive into skate., the much-anticipated new entry in the beloved Skate franchise, through a new round of playtesting. While skate. has been available for playtesting on PC since mid-2022, this marks the first time Xbox and PlayStation players can experience the game, nearly 15 years after the release of Skate 3 in 2010.

Despite the franchise's strong fanbase, EA seemed to have shelved the Skate series in favor of more lucrative genres like FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, persistent fan demand, highlighted by the #Skate4 hashtag, eventually led EA to announce a new dedicated development studio for the series. Last fall, it was revealed that skate. would enter early access in 2025, and the inclusion of console testing is a promising step toward that goal.

Announced through skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now join the playtest by registering for the skate. Insider program. A short video clip from the development team addressed fan queries, confirming the addition of more Black hairstyle options and humorously referencing the originally announced "Fall 2024" playtest date.

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game, though specific gameplay details remain somewhat scarce. The game is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, which draws inspiration from San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. Although a version of the map leaked online in 2023, it's likely that the final map may have evolved significantly. Fans can either sign up for the playtest or wait until skate. becomes more widely available.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While skate. is slated to enter early access in 2025, delays are not uncommon in game development. In the meantime, fans of the skateboarding genre have other games to enjoy until the full release of the new Skate title.