Skate’s Early Access on Consoles Starts as EA Invites Players to Join the Playtest

Electronic Arts Unveils Early Access for Skate

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced the impending release of Skate, which is set to enter early access in the spring. Game enthusiasts can get a sneak peek through a closed playtest currently in progress, available across various platforms including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. EA’s Insider Playtest website indicates an increase in player invitations to experience the game ahead of its full launch.

The Journey of Skate’s Development

Since its initial announcement in 2020, titled skate., updates on the game’s development had been relatively sparse. However, glimpses of the pre-alpha build emerged through leaking reports from insider playtests, building excitement among fans.

EA is now redirecting its attention to consoles, opening up its testing process to a broader audience. Interested players can easily enroll as insiders through the game’s official site, increasing their chances to participate in upcoming console playtests on both PlayStation and Xbox.

Skate in an Evolving Gaming Landscape

The revival of the Skate franchise comes at a pivotal time in the gaming industry, which is increasingly dominated by live-service games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals, all thriving with ongoing updates and community events.

This games-as-a-service model has compelled EA to make difficult choices; it has led to the discontinuation of several long-standing franchises, including The Simpsons: Tapped Out and UFC 3. Despite these challenges, EA continues to find success, particularly with The Sims 4, which transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2022 and welcomed an impressive 15 million new players in 2024, a feat remarkable for a title that has been out for a decade.

What to Expect from the New Skate

The upcoming Skate title is set to launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with plans for a mobile version to follow at a later date. While a specific release date has yet to be announced, EA has indicated that early access could potentially roll out in early 2025.

As anticipation builds, the community looks forward to experiencing what this latest entry in the beloved franchise has to offer. Stay tuned for more updates on the playtest and early access developments.

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