EA's eagerly awaited Skate revival will necessitate an "always-on" internet connection. In an updated FAQ posted on the official blog, developer Full Circle confirmed: "The simple answer is no," elaborating, "The game and city are crafted to serve as a vibrant, constantly evolving massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that remains perpetually online. Expect significant changes such as modifications to the city over time, along with minor updates like live events and in-game activities."
An "always-on" requirement implies that the game cannot be played offline, regardless of whether you engage in multiplayer modes or opt for solo play. Nevertheless, Full Circle insists that keeping Skate connected to the internet is essential to fulfill its vision of creating a dynamic skateboarding universe, thus ensuring the game demands a live connection at all times.
"This likely comes as no surprise if you’ve participated in our playtests," the developer noted.
That's because in September 2024, the team launched its Always-On Playtest. This new phase evaluates the game within a permanent live setting, with servers operating around the clock.
Set for an early access release in 2025, although no specific date has been confirmed yet, Skate was first announced during EA Play way back in 2020 but was described as being very early in development at the time. Since then, Full Circle has maintained communication with the community through closed community playtests of early builds and, most recently, introduced microtransactions.
Players can use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency known as San Van Bucks, which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. It seems Full Circle aims to trial Skate's microtransaction purchase system, advising players that they should enjoy a positive experience while buying items from the Skate store.
"The team recognizes that spending real money during a playtest is somewhat unconventional," they added in today's blog post. "However, we believe this is the optimal method to thoroughly evaluate and refine the system prior to launch. Should you notice prices or other elements changing over time, rest assured this is expected behavior. Additionally, any funds spent during playtesting will be refunded in San Van Bucks (SVB) when we reset for the Early Access launch."
