Skate Requires Persistent Online Connection

EA's eagerly awaited revival of its Skate franchise will mandate a persistent, "always-on" internet connection.

In a recent FAQ update on the official blog, developer Full Circle offered a "simple answer: No," elaborating: "The game and its city are crafted as a living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is persistently online and continually evolving. You'll witness larger-scale developments, such as the city transforming over time, alongside smaller updates like live events and other in-game activities."

An "always-on" requirement prevents offline play entirely, even if you bypass multiplayer modes or enjoy playing solo. For Skate, however, Full Circle insists on this constant connection "to realize our vision of a dynamic skateboarding world; the game will always need a live internet link."

"This likely comes as no surprise if you've participated in our playtests," the developer noted.

This aligns with the team's launch of an Always-On Playtest in September 2024. This new phase "evaluates the game within a permanent live environment, with servers operational 24/7."

Skate's early access launch is slated for 2025, though a specific date remains unconfirmed. Initially announced during EA Play back in 2020, the project was then described as in "very early" development. Since that reveal, Full Circle has regularly updated the community through closed playtests of early builds and, last month, introduced microtransactions.

Players can spend real money on a virtual currency named San Van Bucks, which is then used to purchase cosmetic items. It appears Full Circle aims to trial Skate's microtransaction system, stating it wants players to have a "positive experience when buying items from the Skate store."

"We recognize that using real money during a playtest is somewhat unconventional, but we believe it's the most effective method to properly evaluate and refine the system before launch," the team explained in the latest blog update. "If you notice prices or other elements adjusting over time, please understand this is part of the process. Naturally, all money spent during playtesting will be refunded as San Van Bucks (SVB) when we reset for the Early Access launch."