Skate Will Launch in Early Access on September 16, 2025
After years of anticipation, EA has officially announced that Skate will launch in early access on September 16, 2025, across PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S as a free-to-play release. The announcement came alongside the reveal of the game’s cover art and a short trailer that not only confirmed the release date but also gave players another look at San Vansterdam, the game’s central hub city.
This new Skate marks the fourth entry in the franchise, arriving 15 years after 2010’s Skate 3 and developed by EA’s Full Circle studio. Unlike its predecessors, this iteration embraces the modern gaming landscape with a live-service model, cosmetic-focused microtransactions, and an always-online requirement. For fans who grew up with the original trilogy between 2007 and 2010, it’s both a nostalgic return and a bold departure.
“Skate is not just a return, it's a complete evolution of the franchise that's built to last,” said executive producer Mike McCartney in a press release. “Our goal with Skate is to capture the freedom, creative expression, and community of skateboarding, and share it with as many people as possible. From day one, our priority has been to honor the legacy of the franchise while pushing it into a bold new future - one built in partnership with our players.”
The developers emphasize that community feedback will shape development during early access. While some players remain skeptical about the game’s free-to-play, live-service approach, the structure at least provides an opportunity for Full Circle to refine the game based on player responses.
Creative head Jeff Seamster added:
“Community is the heart of skateboarding, and it’s the heart of Skate. From day one, we've aimed to create an open, welcoming space shaped by players. We've built this game alongside our community—listening, learning, and evolving together. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just dropped in, Skate is a place to express yourself, connect, and grow. No gatekeepers, no barriers—just a city built for skating and a community that keeps it alive. Early Access is a huge milestone in that journey, and we're hyped to keep growing San Vansterdam with our crew around the world.”
Now that Skate finally has a release date after years of rumors, leaks, and closed playtesting, fans only have a few weeks left before they can drop in and see whether this modernized return captures the spirit of the originals. For many, the true test will be whether Full Circle nails the gameplay and atmosphere of skateboarding, even if surrounded by the trappings of a live-service model.
What do you think about Skate’s live-service approach? Are you excited to dive into San Vansterdam, or does the always-online, free-to-play model put you off? Let us know in the comments!
