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 set to be a free-to-play game, taking place in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with additional gameplay features on the horizon.

Console enthusiasts can finally dive into skate., the much-anticipated addition to the beloved Skate series, through a newly opened playtest. While playtests have been available for the PC version since mid-2022, Xbox and PlayStation users now have the opportunity to experience the first Skate game in nearly 15 years.

The last release in the Skate franchise was Skate 3 back in 2010. Despite a loyal fanbase, the series appeared to be on indefinite hiatus as EA shifted focus to first-person shooters, battle royales, and live-service games. However, persistent fan demand, highlighted by the #Skate4 hashtag, prompted 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, with console testing marking a significant step towards that goal.

Announced through skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now join the playtest by enrolling in the skate. Insider program. A brief video from the development team addressed some fan queries, confirming the addition of more Black hairstyle options and humorously noting the playtest's initial "Fall 2024" announcement.

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game. Set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, which draws inspiration from San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locales, the game's full scope remains somewhat mysterious. A leaked version of the map surfaced in 2023, though it may have evolved significantly since then. Fans can sign up for the playtest or wait for broader access to skate.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While skate. is scheduled for early access in 2025, delays are common in game development. In the interim, fans of the genre can explore other skateboarding games to keep their skills sharp until skate. fully launches.