"Skate Game Demands Constant Internet Connection"

EA's much-anticipated revival of Skate will necessitate a continuous internet connection, as confirmed in an updated FAQ on the official blog by developer Full Circle. The team provided a straightforward response: "No," emphasizing that "The game and city are designed to be a living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is always online and always evolving." This design allows for dynamic changes, such as evolving city landscapes, live events, and other in-game activities.

The requirement for an "always on" connection implies that Skate cannot be played offline, regardless of whether players engage in multiplayer modes or prefer solitary gameplay. Full Circle explained that this online requirement is crucial "to deliver on [its] vision of a skateboarding world." They noted that this should come as no surprise to those who have participated in their playtests, particularly since the Always-On Playtest began in September 2024, aimed at testing the game in a constant live environment.

Looking ahead, Skate is slated for an early access launch in 2025, though a specific date has yet to be announced. The project was first unveiled during EA Play way back in 2020, described then as being in the "very early" stages of development. Since that announcement, Full Circle has engaged the community through closed community playtests of early builds and recently introduced microtransactions.

Players can now use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency called San Van Bucks, which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. Full Circle aims to refine Skate’s microtransaction system, encouraging a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They acknowledge the unusual nature of using real money during a playtest but view it as essential for assessing and adjusting the system before the official launch. They also reassured players that any money spent during the playtesting phase will be converted into San Van Bucks (SVB) and credited upon the reset for the Early Access launch, with potential price fluctuations being a normal part of the testing process.