Skate Game Demands Constant Internet Connection

EA's highly anticipated revival of Skate will necessitate an "always on" 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 its city are crafted to be a dynamic, ever-evolving massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox. This design means players will witness both significant changes to the city over time and more subtle updates through live events and other in-game activities.

An "always on" requirement implies that the game cannot be played offline, even for those who prefer single-player modes. Full Circle insists that an internet connection is essential to fulfill their vision of a vibrant skateboarding world. They noted, "That is probably not much of a surprise if you’ve been in our playtest," referring to the Always-On Playtest initiated in September 2024. This phase aims to test the game in a continuous live environment, with servers operating 24/7.

Skate’s early access is slated for 2025, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed. Initially announced at EA Play way back in 2020, the game was described as being in its early stages of development. Since then, Full Circle has engaged the community through closed community playtests of early builds and, more recently, introduced microtransactions.

Players can now use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency known as San Van Bucks, which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. Full Circle is keen on testing Skate’s microtransaction system to ensure players have a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They acknowledged that using real money in a playtest is unconventional but necessary to refine the system before the official launch. The team also reassured players that any amounts spent during the playtest will be credited back in San Van Bucks (SVB) upon the reset for the Early Access launch, and that price adjustments are part of the testing process.