Skate Playtesting Now Includes Consoles

Summary

• Console players can now participate in the playtest for skate., the eagerly awaited new addition to the Skate franchise.
• The playtest is accessible through the skate. Insider program for Xbox and PlayStation users.
• skate. will be free-to-play, set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with additional gameplay features planned for the future.

Console enthusiasts are now able to dive into the playtest of skate., the much-anticipated new entry in the beloved Skate series. Previously, these playtests were exclusive to the PC version since mid-2022, but now Xbox and PlayStation users can experience the first new Skate game in nearly 15 years.

The last installment, Skate 3, was released back in 2010. Despite its dedicated fanbase, the franchise seemed to be put on indefinite hold by EA, which shifted focus to FPS, Battle Royale, and live-service games. However, persistent fan demand, underscored by the trending hashtag #Skate4, eventually led 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, and the inclusion of console testing marks a promising step toward that goal.

The playtest for Xbox and PlayStation was announced on skate.'s official Twitter account. Console players can join the playtest through the skate. Insider program, which requires registration. In a brief video, members of the development team addressed fan queries, confirming the addition of more Black hairstyle options and playfully referencing the initially announced "Fall 2024" playtest.

EA has confirmed that skate. will be a free-to-play, live-service game, though many details remain under wraps. The game is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, which draws inspiration from both San Vanelona and Port Carverton, as well as real-world locations. A leaked version of the map from 2023 may have evolved significantly since then. Fans interested in the playtest can register, or they can wait for skate. to become more widely accessible.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While skate. is slated to enter early access in 2025, gamers know that development timelines can shift. In the interim, fans of the genre have plenty of other skateboarding games to enjoy until the full release of the new Skate title.