Skate Game Demands Constant Internet Connection

EA's highly anticipated revival of the Skate series will necessitate an "always on" internet connection, as confirmed by developer Full Circle in an updated FAQ on their official blog. The team provided a straightforward response: "The game and city are designed to be a living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is always online and always evolving." This means players can expect both significant updates, such as changes to the city, and smaller updates like live events and other in-game activities.

An "always on" internet connection is essential for Skate, even for those who prefer solo play or avoid multiplayer modes. Full Circle explained that this requirement is crucial to achieving their vision of a dynamic skateboarding world. They noted, "That is probably not much of a surprise if you’ve been in our playtest," referencing the ongoing Always-On Playtest which began in September 2024. This phase is designed to test the game in a continuous live environment with servers operating 24/7.

The early access launch for Skate is slated for 2025, though an exact date remains unconfirmed. Initially announced at EA Play in 2020, the game was described as being in its very early stages of development. Since then, Full Circle has engaged the community through closed community playtests and recently introduced microtransactions.

Players can use real-world currency to purchase a virtual currency called San Van Bucks (SVB), which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. Full Circle aims to refine the microtransaction system before the game's launch, stating, "We know that using real money during a playtest is a little unusual, but we think it’s the best way to properly assess and adjust the system before launch." They also reassured players that any money spent during playtesting will be converted to San Van Bucks upon the reset for the Early Access launch, with adjustments to prices and other elements being a normal part of the testing process.