EA recently revealed that their upcoming game, Skate (skate.), will not have an offline mode and reconfirmed 2025 as the release window for its early access launch.
EA’s Skate is Always Online
Spotted by Gamespot, EA recently posted The Grind: Vol 1, a blog post where they discuss the development progress of the title and answer some FAQS. One of the questions asked in this section was whether Skate has an offline mode. The developers answered, stating that the “simple answer” is “no.” They elaborated that the game and city are designed to be “a living, breathing, massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is always online and constantly evolving.”
The developers explained that Skate is always online, allowing players to witness the game’s evolution over time, including updates to the city, live events, and other in-game activities. To deliver on their vision of a skateboarding world, the game must maintain a live internet connection at all times.
Skate Early Access Reconfirmed for 2025
Before discussing Skate’s lack of an offline mode, the developers were asked whether they are still planning to launch in 2025. EA confirmed that Early Access for Skate will arrive later this year, and their vision is: “an ever-growing, ever-evolving skateboarding sandbox that expands over time with the feedback of players living in San Vansterdam.”
The developers added that the early access version of Skate is not considered the “finished version,” but rather a “starting point” from which they will add features, improvements, and content over time.
Why Does Skate Have Microtransactions in the Playtest?
The developers also touched on the topic of having active microtransactions during the playtest for Skate. They understand that “using real money during a playtest is a little unusual”, but it’s required for them to “properly assess and adjust the system before launch”. The developers have confirmed that “skate. isn’t a pay-to-win game”.
They have also confirmed that whatever real money players have spent during the playtest will be refunded as SVB (San Van Bucks). For example, if players pay $20 on SVB during the playtest, they will receive a $20 refund of SVB during early access. However, “prices or other things” might change over time.
What are your thoughts on EA’s Skate not having an offline mode? Let us know in the comments or on our new community forum!
For more information from Insider Gaming, read about Capcom teasing Resident Evil 9 in a RE4 Remake video. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
We need Tony Hawk Underground 1+2 remake and American Wasteland