Skate Game 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 the official blog. The developer's straightforward response was a "simple answer: No," emphasizing that the game is envisioned as a "living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox" that remains online and continuously evolves. This design will feature both significant updates, such as alterations to the city over time, and smaller, dynamic elements like live events and other in-game activities.

The "always on" requirement ensures that the game cannot be played offline, impacting even those who prefer solitary gameplay or avoid multiplayer modes. Full Circle insists that this online connectivity is crucial to realizing 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, designed to evaluate the game within a continuously running live environment.

Although Skate's early access is slated for 2025, a specific launch date has yet to be announced. First unveiled at EA Play way back in 2020, the game was described as being in its "very early" stages. Since then, Full Circle has engaged the community with closed community playtests of early builds and, more recently, introduced microtransactions.

Players can now use real-world money to acquire a virtual currency known as San Van Bucks, which can be spent on cosmetic items. Full Circle aims to refine Skate's microtransaction system, seeking to ensure a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They acknowledge that using real money during a playtest is unconventional but believe it's essential for fine-tuning the system before the game's launch. They also assured players that any money spent during the playtest would be converted into San Van Bucks (SVB) upon the reset for the Early Access launch, explaining that fluctuations in prices or other adjustments are part of the testing process.