It’s been over 12 years since the release of Skate 3 on the PS3 and Xbox 360, a time so long ago as to almost seem paleolithic for some. Fans of the skateboarding video game franchise that debuted in 2007 have been clamoring for Skate 4 almost since the last game released, and now with a closed Skate 4 playtest recently beginning, it seems that launch day may finally be drawing nearer.
EA announced that a new entry in the Skate series of games was in development back in 2020, but hadn't provided many details after that other than the fact that the game would be launching soon. But on June 30, the development team released a brief video called “Still Working On It,” which showed off pre-pre-pre alpha gameplay footage of Skate 4. Sharp-eyed fans were able to dissect the video and discern a few new features that might be coming to the game, such as more realistic physics, an improved camera system, and maybe even parkour elements.
Shortly after it began, a leaker shared a video of the Skate 4 playtest, which in 15 minutes showcased a range of details about the game that were of course supposed to be kept confidential. Now, it seems that an early build of Skate 4 dating from September 2021 has also been posted online without the development team’s authorization, and EA has released a statement requesting that excited fans hold off from downloading and playing the leaked game.
In a blog post on July 13, EA clarified that the leaked Skate 4 build was “never intended for external use.” The company then goes on to remind people of the potential repercussions of breaking EA’s Terms of Service, such as losing access to all of the publisher’s titles. This includes games that have already been purchased, but does not include refunds. It’s also best to exercise caution when downloading files from unknown sources online.
Anybody who wants to check out Skate 4 in a more legitimate manner can always sign up for closed playtests. These will be ongoing and, while not everybody may get an invite right away, the Skate 4 team stated in the blog post that more players will be added “throughout the year.” That said, the use of the term “throughout the year” may provide a clue that the game won’t be coming out in 2022.
In the meantime, another Skate 4 video is slated to premiere on YouTube on July 14 at 9:00 AM, though it’s not clear what exactly will be revealed about the game. Perhaps fans will receive more details about the new features in Skate 4 that were hinted at in the “Still Working On It” video.
Skate 4 is currently in development.