After more than a decade of silence, EA is finally bringing back the Skate franchise with a fresh reboot titled Skate. The game drops into Early Access on September 16, 2025, and will be free to download on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and the EA App. Built by a new EA studio called Full Circle, the reboot focuses on one big idea: putting players and the skateboarding community at the center. The game takes place in a fictional city called San Vansterdam, which is designed from the ground up for skateboarding. But before we begin, don’t miss out on the three best Xbox games of September 2025.

According to EA, the city has several unique districts such as Hedgemont, Gullcrest, Market Mile, and Brickswich. Each area has its own look and feel, with different spots to discover like skate parks, back alleys, rooftops, and even a skateable abandoned church. The world feels alive and always changing, giving players lots to explore and revisit.

One of the main features making a return is Flick-It, the original analog control system that made the older Skate games so popular. Built using EA’s Frostbite engine, the controls have been upgraded for better response and realism. Players can perform both classic and new tricks, such as wallies, firecrackers, and slappies. EA confirms that players will also be able to get off their boards to explore or climb structures for new trick lines.

Always Online With a Shared World

Unlike previous Skate titles, skate. It is designed as a live-service online game, meaning players must always be connected to the internet even for solo play. EA and Full Circle describe the game as a “massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox.” This lets people drop into each other’s sessions, participate in live events, and discover what’s new in the city. The developers explain that this setup allows for constant content updates, real-time challenges, and a world that changes over time.

The game supports cross-play and cross-progression, meaning players can switch platforms and still keep their progress. Whether you’re on PC or console, you can skate with friends, share spots, and participate in the same events.

Build, Share, and Watch Others Skate

One of the most exciting features in skate. is the Quick Drop system, which lets players add ramps, rails, and objects into the world instantly. This helps players create their own skate spots or customize areas in real time. There’s also a Spectate Mode, called the Spectaport, where you can watch other players live as they skate different areas of the city. This makes the game feel more social and connected.

Another cool addition is the skate. Reel, a feature that lets players record, edit, and share their best tricks. According to The Gamer, 

This updated tool celebrates both old fans and new creators by making it easy to share clips across platforms.

Free to Play With Fair Monetization

EA has confirmed that Skate. will be free to download in Early Access. Players won’t have to buy the game, and can start skating right away. However, the game will have microtransactions. According to GamesRadar, 

These purchases are cosmetic only, such as clothes, board art, and character styles. EA promises there will be no pay-to-win mechanics or locked gameplay features behind paywalls.

During earlier playtests, EA introduced a virtual currency called San Van Bucks, which allowed players to test the in-game store. VideoGamer reports that any money spent during these tests will be refunded or converted when the Early Access version launches. This early testing was done to make sure the store worked properly and was fair.

Built With Community in Mind

One thing that makes this reboot special is how much Full Circle has involved the community in the development. Over one million players signed up for recent playtests, making it EA’s biggest testing phase ever. Player feedback has already shaped many features in the game, including challenge systems, environment tweaks, and even changes to customization.

As part of the launch, EA created a special campaign called Drop In to celebrate skate culture. Made with Uncommon Creative Studio, the video campaign features real skateboarders, community voices, and even a skater cinematographer. EA’s creative director Jeff Seamster explained:

“From the start, we’ve committed ourselves to building a great experience alongside our passionate community.”

This community-first approach is rare for major studios, and fans are watching closely to see if EA keeps this promise.

Concerns from Players and Fans

While many are excited about the new game, some fans have shared concerns. The requirement to always be online has worried players who want to skate solo or who may have poor internet. GamingHQ notes that some longtime fans feel this move could limit access and create issues if servers go down.

Another worry is about early microtransactions. Although EA says these will be cosmetic only, some players on Reddit say they’re uneasy about EA testing monetization before finishing other gameplay features. Some fans also feel that current character customization options are too basic or not fully polished.

What Comes Next for skate?

The game is launching in Early Access, which means it’s not fully finished yet. EA says they will continue developing the game over time, with help from player feedback. The Year One roadmap includes new features such as:

• Voice chat
• Trick expansions (like Darkslides and Impossibles)
• A full replay editor
• More customization options
• Community leaderboards
• Seasonal events and updates

PC Gamer and other sites suggest the full version may arrive in late 2026, but no official date is set. Until then, players will help shape the game as it grows.

Final Thoughts

Skate feels like more than just a reboot, it’s a project built for and with the skateboarding community. From the new open world of San Vansterdam to the return of Flick-It controls and the addition of creative tools, EA is trying to bring back what made the original series special while adding new ways to play and share. By going free-to-play and focusing on cosmetics rather than gameplay paywalls, they are also setting a new tone for live service games.

However, there are still things to watch. The always-online requirement and early monetization tests are big talking points. But if EA continues to listen, and if Full Circle keeps its promise to grow with the fans, skate. might just become the gold standard for online skateboarding games.