Skate Demands Constant Internet Connection

EA's much-anticipated revival of Skate will necessitate an "always on" internet connection, as confirmed by developer Full Circle in an updated FAQ on their official blog. The team provided a straightforward response: "No," explaining that the game is envisioned as a "living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is always online and always evolving." This design choice will allow for dynamic changes to the city and the inclusion of live events and other in-game activities.

The "always on" requirement means that Skate cannot be played offline, even for those who prefer solo play. Full Circle emphasized that this connectivity is essential to realize their vision of a vibrant skateboarding world. They noted, "That is probably not much of a surprise if you’ve been in our playtest," referencing the Always-On Playtest that began in September 2024. This phase is designed to test the game in a continuous live environment with servers running 24/7.

Scheduled for an early access launch in 2025, Skate has been in development since its announcement at EA Play in 2020. Full Circle has kept the community engaged through closed community playtests and recently introduced microtransactions. Players can use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency called San Van Bucks (SVB), which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. The developer aims to refine the microtransaction system during the playtest, stating, "We know that using real money during a playtest is a little unusual, but we think it’s the best way to properly assess and adjust the system before launch."

Full Circle also reassured players that any price adjustments or changes during the playtest are part of the process, and participants will receive the equivalent amount of SVB spent during the playtest when the game resets for the Early Access launch.