Skating games have been enjoying renewed popularity thanks to games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 topping charts. Like the Tony Hawk's franchise, Skate is a classic skating series that laid low for a few years, but it is now ready to make a return. Armed with a rather unconventional marketing style, EA is determined to breathe new life into the series, even if it takes a while.
Gamers have been receiving a slow but steady trickle of information regarding Skate. Perhaps the most exciting news is that in addition to being free-to-play is its cross-progression. This will help gamers continue their progress regardless of where they are gaming, which will be extremely convenient for a free game with multiple platforms and a focus on style.
Skate Is Back
Development of Skate is led by a new studio EA has formed called Full Circle. The studio has already broken many past conventions with the upcoming title, and this is seen with Skate's eccentric marketing style which has allowed gamers to see the game in its earliest stages, complete with all the glitches that come with it. By signing up on the site, gamers also have the chance to be early play-testers. Though a release date has yet to be announced, the unique pre-pre-pre alpha gameplay trailer does let gamers know that progress, however slow, is being made.
It has also been revealed that Skate will be free-to-play, which is a notable change in direction for the series. Despite this, the game will not be pay-to-win either, and as the developer revealed during a live stream in July 2022, there will be no map areas locked behind paywalls, nor will there be loot boxes or paid gameplay advantages. Additionally, the game will feature cross-platform play, allowing friends in different gaming ecosystems to still play together. It will also include cross-progression, which means that players will be able to continue their Skate adventure on all their different gaming platforms.
Skate and Cross-Progression Is a Match Made in Heaven
Skate will be available on most platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and even mobile. With the game being free-to-play, gamers will be able to download the game to as many platforms as possible without purchasing the game multiple times. Using cross-progression, gamers will also be able to progress their game from wherever they are. This will especially come in handy with the mobile ports which will allow gamers to continue their game on the go. It appears the next Skate game is striving to be as accessible as possible, and developers are trying to pose the fewest barriers for gamers to get to the fun. If the plan is executed correctly, Skate could be a success story illustrating how innovation can benefit both gamers and developers.
It appears that Skate is still a while away, though progress is still being steadily made. Its new approach is a welcome one, as it allows players to decide how they want to experience the game, and it does not put walls between friends on different platforms. The addition of cross-progression is the cherry on top, and it paints a good picture of the upcoming game.
Skate is currently in development for Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
