It’s been over a decade since we last shred in the Skate series, and fans have been yearning for its return ever since. After its announcement in 2020, the wait for this much-anticipated reboot is almost over, and we’re finally getting a glimpse of what’s in store. Buckle up and get ready to grind through all the juicy details we have about Skate.
Release Date: A Glimpse Into the Future
Skate is officially set to drop into early access sometime in 2025, although EA hasn’t shared a precise date. We’re still in the dark about how long this early access period will last before the official launch.
Platforms: Get Ready to Roll Across Multiple Devices
With no official release date yet, platform details aren’t top priority. But, based on the game’s timeline, we can confidently predict that Skate will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, at the very least. PC was initially a question mark since previous games didn’t hit the platform. However, Skate’s official Twitter account dropped a video of a live-action skater nailing a kickflip over an old computer monitor, which then came to life with the Skate logo. The accompanying text, “PC_Confirmation.exe,” confirms Skate’s arrival on PC.
The first Board Room video series revealed that Skate will be launching as a free-to-play title. It will also be fully cross-play and cross-gen, meaning you can drop in with friends on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and even mobile.
Trailer: A Peek Behind the Curtain
The first “trailer,” released in summer 2021, was more of a teaser called “We’re Working On It.” It showed developers talking about the game’s early stage and reactions from players who have reportedly seen it, but no actual gameplay or even pre-rendered assets.
The follow-up, “Still Working On It,” offered a more substantial peek with actual in-game footage, albeit still a bit rough around the edges. The trailer showcased glitches and bugs, emphasizing that the developers are still hard at work. They’re actively seeking feedback to refine the game’s direction, prioritizing tools for players to express themselves and customize their experience.
The Board Room series offered further insights into Skate’s vision. The team stressed their commitment to staying true to the core elements that made the originals so beloved: the toybox, chaos, physics interactions, and overall feeling. However, they also clarified that this isn’t a sequel, reboot, or any rehash of past titles. Instead, Skate is being treated as a platform that will constantly evolve over time. This means we can expect regular additions of new items, features, events, and content.
Gameplay: Expanding the Skateboarding Horizon
While we haven’t been treated to a deep dive into the gameplay yet, we can piece together some details based on hints dropped in the trailers. We know that this will be a skateboarding game in the style of its predecessors. But, there’s plenty of exciting new stuff on the horizon.
One key highlight mentioned in the trailer is the ability to climb. This suggests we’ll have some parkour elements, allowing us to get off our boards and navigate the environment for epic trick setups.
The mention of an open world suggests that Skate will feature a seamless, expansive playground, unlike the zoned approach in Skate 3. This feels like a natural and long-awaited evolution.
Another intriguing element is the emphasis on player customization. We’ve heard hints about a robust character creator, letting us deck out our skaters with cool clothes, accessories, and even customize our boards. The extent of this customization remains to be seen, but the early hints sound promising.
The latest trailer showcases new movement mechanics beyond traditional boarding. Players can now luge on their boards, ditch them altogether for parkour and swinging, and even run through the environment. There’s also the possibility of a level editor system, which could significantly enhance the game’s longevity.
Preorder: A Free-to-Play Experience
It’s no surprise that there’s no information about preorders since Skate will be free-to-play. We’re still in the dark about when we’ll be able to download it. Don’t expect a physical copy until the 1.0 release. When it drops into early access in 2025, it’ll likely be a digital release, following the trend of other early access games.
