What's Happening?
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the early-access release of the Skate reboot will begin on September 16 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players. This marks the return of the Skate series after a 15-year hiatus since the release of Skate 3 in 2010. The reboot, initially announced in 2021, is designed as a free-to-play live-service game aimed at both veteran players and newcomers. Skate will feature an always-online experience supported by microtransactions, with gameplay centered around the redesigned Flick-it system for performing tricks. The game will also offer new soundtrack approaches and extensive customization options.
Why It's Important?
The release of Skate comes at a time when skateboarding games are experiencing renewed interest, with recent successes like Skater XL, Session: Skate Sim, and the remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4. EA's decision to make Skate a free-to-play live-service game reflects broader industry trends towards online gaming and microtransactions. This approach could attract a wide audience and generate ongoing revenue through in-game purchases. The game's return is likely to impact the skateboarding game genre, potentially influencing future developments and encouraging competition among developers.
What's Next?
As the early-access release date approaches, EA is expected to ramp up promotional efforts to generate excitement and attract players. The game's performance and reception during early access will be crucial in determining its long-term success and potential updates or expansions. EA may also monitor player feedback to make adjustments and improvements. The release could spark further interest in skateboarding games, leading to more titles in the genre and collaborations with professional skateboarders or brands.
