EA's Skate Gets Microtransactions Before Its Release Date

EA’s highly anticipated Skate revival is incorporating microtransactions into its latest alpha test, as reported by Insider Gaming. Developer Full Circle has introduced a virtual currency, San Van Bucks, used to purchase cosmetic items. This move appears to be a test run of the in-game store, with Full Circle aiming for a positive player experience during purchases. The team encourages player feedback to refine the system before the early access launch.

Importantly, Full Circle has warned alpha testers that all progress will be reset before early access begins. Any San Van Bucks purchased will be refunded and available upon early access launch.

Skate's early access launch is slated for 2025. Initially announced at EA Play in 2020, the game was then in very early development. Since then, Full Circle has maintained consistent communication with the community through closed playtests and its "The Board Room" video updates. The official game title, simply "skate," and its free-to-play status across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC were confirmed in 2022.