Skate Expands Playtesting to Include Console Players

Summary

• Console players can now participate in the playtest for skate., the highly anticipated new entry in the Skate franchise.
• This playtest is available via the skate. Insider program for Xbox and PlayStation players.
• skate. is confirmed to be free-to-play, set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, with further gameplay details to be revealed.

Console players can finally experience skate., the long-awaited addition to the popular Skate franchise, through a new playtest. While playtesting has been underway since mid-2022, it was previously limited to PC players. Xbox and PlayStation users now have the opportunity to enjoy the first new Skate game in over 15 years.

The last game in the Skate franchise, Skate 3, was released in 2010. Despite a dedicated fanbase, EA seemingly shelved the franchise, focusing on other genres. However, persistent fan support, particularly the #Skate4 hashtag, led to the announcement of a dedicated development studio and a new game. Last fall, skate. was announced for early access in 2025, and this console playtest represents significant progress towards that goal.

Via skate.'s official Twitter account, Xbox and PlayStation players can now participate in the playtest through the skate. Insider program (registration required). A short video featuring the development team briefly addressed fan questions. While specific gameplay details, such as the replay editor, weren't discussed, they confirmed additional Black hairstyle options and playfully acknowledged the "Fall 2024" playtest announcement.

Confirmed as a free-to-play, live-service game by EA, complete details about skate. remain scarce. The skateboarding simulation takes place in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, a city still under development, drawing inspiration from San Vanelona, Port Carverton, and real-world locations. A map version leaked in 2023, but it's likely to have undergone significant changes since then. Fans can register for the playtest or wait for the wider release of skate.

Skate Around in the Meantime

While early access is slated for 2025, delays are common in game development. In the meantime, fans of the genre have several other skateboarding games to enjoy before skate.'s full release.