skate. released in Early Access with a free-to-play model

Electronic Arts and Full Circle studio have released skate. in Early Access, marking the return of one of the most recognized skate game franchises. The game is available in a free-to-play model with cross-play support for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The decision to launch the game in this format aims to maximize accessibility, while the content will be expanded seasonally.

The game is set in San Vansterdam, a fictional open-world city designed for multiplayer sessions. The city is divided into four neighborhoods with distinct terrains and environments, from plazas to rooftops. Exploration is a cornerstone of the game, with an enhanced Flick-It control system and the ability to explore the map on foot to find new spots for tricks. The game also includes scene creation tools, allowing players to position ramps and rails in real-time.

Despite being free-to-play, the game offers optional packs containing cosmetic items. The Founder's Pack costs €24.99 and the Founder's Deluxe Pack costs €49.99. These packs include virtual coins (San Van Notes) and access to the Premium Skate Pass for the first season. The availability of these packs is until December 2nd, creating a sense of urgency for players who want early access to exclusive items.

Electronic Arts has confirmed that the game will be updated with seasonal content. The first season starts in October with events and a skate.Pass. Community-requested features, such as group voice chat and classic tricks like Impossibles and Darkslides, will be added in future seasons. This phased release strategy suggests that the base game can be seen as a foundation for what is to come, and that the full experience is not yet available in Early Access.

The release of skate. brings back an iconic franchise with a service approach and a promise of continuous content. While the free-to-play model makes it accessible, the feature release schedule and monetization structure indicate that the experience will be built and expanded over time.