EA's New Skate Game Is Always Online, Reconfirmed For 2025 Launch
Here's why you cannot play the new Skate game offline.
www.gamespot.com
EA's upcoming free-to-play Skate game will not feature an offline mode, developer Full Circle has confirmed. In an FAQ, the developer said Skate will require a constant internet connection because of how the game was designed.
"The game and city are designed to be a living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is always online and always evolving," the studio said. "You'll see bigger things evolve, like changes to the city over time, as well as smaller things, like live events and other in-game activities."
Full Circle added: "In order to deliver on our vision of a skateboarding world, the game will always require a live connection."
Also in the FAQ, Full Circle reaffirmed that Skate is expected to launch this year into early access. The studio said the launch represents just the start for Skate, as the studio plans to add "new features, improvements, and content" over time.
Full Circle also let fans know that the early access launch for Skate "will be great," even if it is not completely finished. Fans can look forward to more news to come in the coming months.
Even though Skate is currently only available in a closed playtest, the game has microtransactions. Full Circle said these optional purchases "support ongoing development" of the game and ideally feel "fair and fun" for players.
"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 said.
Full Circle also clarified that if Skate has a successful launch and grows over time as planned, new gameplay areas will not be locked behind a paywall. "If a new area is added to the game world, you can access it for free," the studio said.
Additionally, Full Circle claimed it won't lock "cool" items behind a paywall as an incentive for people to spend money. While the in-game rewards system is still being worked out--including what people can buy with real money and earnable in-game currency--Full Circle said "there will be 'cool' things for you to earn and customize your character without having to spend real cash."
The new Skate was first announced in 2020, with series veterans Deran Chung and Cuz Parry--creators of the original games--returning. If Skate isn't your thing, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is coming this July.
