EA's eagerly awaited revival of Skate will mandate a persistent internet connection.
In a revised FAQ on their official blog, developers Full Circle provided a straightforward response—stating: "No offline play. The game's persistent world is designed as an evolving multiplayer skateboarding sandbox, requiring constant connectivity. Expect dynamic changes ranging from city transformations to live events and activities."
This "always-online" policy prevents offline gameplay, even for solo sessions. Full Circle emphasizes connectivity as core to their vision, noting: "To realize Skate’s living skateboarding universe, the game mandates an active internet connection at all times."
"Players familiar with our playtests won’t find this surprising," the studio added.
This aligns with September 2024's Always-On Playtest initiative, where developers stress-tested the game in a 24/7 live server environment ahead of launch.
While Skate’s early access release is slated for 2025, no specific date has been confirmed. Originally revealed during EA Play in 2020 as an early-stage project, Full Circle has since engaged the community through exclusive playtests and recently introduced microtransactions.
The in-game currency San Van Bucks, purchasable with real money, unlocks cosmetic items. The studio aims to refine the system, stating: "We want players to enjoy seamless purchases from the Skate store during testing."
"While spending real money during testing is unconventional, it’s crucial for system optimization," clarified the team. "Price fluctuations reflect ongoing adjustments. All playtest purchases will be reimbursed as San Van Bucks for the Early Access launch."
