EA has officially announced that early access for the highly anticipated game Skate will begin on September 16. Players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms will be able to dive into the game. This announcement marks a significant return for the beloved skateboarding series, coming 15 years after the release of its last installment, Skate 3, back in 2010.
The reboot of Skate was initially unveiled in 2021, conceptualized as a free-to-play live-service title designed to attract both long-time fans who have fond memories of the original games and new players looking to experience the genre. While details remained scarce during its early development, more information has gradually emerged over the past year, building excitement for its launch.
Key features of the new Skate include an always-online model, which will be supported by microtransactions. Gameplay promises to deliver impressive tricks and fluid mechanics, facilitated by a redesigned Flick-it system that aims to offer players precise control. The game will also introduce a fresh approach to its soundtracks and offer extensive customization options, allowing players to personalize their experience.
The timing of Skate`s return coincides with a notable resurgence in the popularity of skateboarding games. In recent years, the gaming landscape has seen various titles emerge as spiritual successors, such as Skater XL and Session: Skate Sim. Moreover, the franchise`s primary rival, Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater, made its own comeback with successful remakes of its THPS 3 and 4 games. The independent game development scene has also contributed significantly to this renewed interest, with acclaimed projects like the OlliOlli series (from the now-defunct Roll7) and The Ramp helping to usher in this vibrant new era for skateboarding games.