"Skate Game Demands Constant Internet Connection"

EA's highly anticipated revival of Skate will require an "always on" internet connection, as confirmed in an updated FAQ on the official blog by developer Full Circle. The studio's response to whether the game can be played offline was a straightforward "No." They elaborated that Skate is designed to be a "living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox" that is "always online and always evolving." This means players will experience both significant changes to the city over time and smaller, dynamic in-game activities and live events.

The "always on" requirement underscores that Skate cannot be played offline, even for those who prefer solo play. Full Circle emphasized that this constant internet connection is essential to fulfill their vision of a vibrant skateboarding world.

The developer noted that this shouldn't come as a surprise to those who have participated in their playtests. In September 2024, Full Circle initiated the Always-On Playtest, which is designed to assess the game within a continuously running live environment.

Skate’s early access is slated for 2025, though a specific date has yet to be announced. Initially revealed at EA Play way back in 2020, the game was described as being in its very early stages of development. Since then, Full Circle has maintained engagement with the community through closed community playtests of early builds. Additionally, last month, they introduced microtransactions.

Players can use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency called San Van Bucks, which can then be used to acquire cosmetic items. Full Circle is keen on testing Skate’s microtransaction system to ensure a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They acknowledged that using real money during a playtest is unconventional but necessary to fine-tune the system before the game's launch. They also assured players that any San Van Bucks (SVB) spent during the playtest will be credited back upon the reset for the Early Access launch, explaining that fluctuations in prices and other elements are part of the testing process.