Skate 4 trailer, playtests, and everything else we know

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Skate 4 has been officially renamed Skate and now has a 2025 release window. That's right, one of the most anticipated upcoming games is still very much on the way, with the developers continuing to provide relatively regular updates as to what's actually in store for the next long-awaited entry in the series.

We know that it will be released in Early Access soon, and playtests on consoles will kick off in a few months. We also know it won't be a direct follow-up or sequel to the games that came before it, which is why it's officially called Skate. Earlier this year there was also an episode of The Board Room from Full Circle, the developers, that specifically went over activities that players will be able to take part in.

Basically, there's a lot of information. So, below, we've gathered everything we know so far about Skate 4, or Skate as it's officially known, with details on release dates, gameplay, platforms, playtests, and more.

Skate 4 release date speculation

The good news is that  Skate 4 will be released in Early Access sometime in early 2025. This news came via EA and Full Circle on September 17, 2024. We also got a snappy video of gameplay along with the announcement, which you can see for yourself below.

When EA revealed the game in 2020, it was noted that Skate 4 was in the early stages of development. So we've been waiting for any form of release for a while now, even if it is just Early Access. Console playtesting is also set to come in Fall 2024, and more announcements are scheduled to be revealed in the coming months. So, keep your eyes on this page as more updates head our way.

Skate 4 free-to-play

Skate 4 will, indeed, be free-to-play. As revealed during a developer stream in mid-July 2022, the devs confirmed Skate 4 – or Skate as it is in fact known – will not come with a premium price tag, but will also not be pay-to-win.

There will be "no map areas locked behind a paywall," the devs said, while affirming the next Skate game will not have loot boxes or "paid gameplay advantages." The devs also cited Apex Legends as a good example of a game doing free-to-play well, as they stressed Skate 4 is designed for all players, even those of us who do not wish to spend money on it.

Despite reports to the contrary, the developers have stated again and again in 2023 that there will be no paid loot boxes in the new Skate. What sort of monetization actually will be present remains to be seen.

Skate 4 cross-play and cross-progression

In the same stream that confirmed Skate 4 will be free-to-play whenever it lands, the devs said the game will also boast cross-platform play and cross-progression play. This means that PC, PlayStation and Xbox players can all buddy up if they so choose, and with a mobile version of Skate 4 also in the works, those playing on IOS or Android will be pleased to know cross-platform options will be supported on mobile too.

Skate 4 trailer

There's close to no gameplay in sight, but Skate 4 received its first meaningful "premiere trailer" at Summer Game Fest 2024. Check it out for yourself above, including some insights on the game from the developer.

Skate 4 playtest

Yes, there is a Skate 4 playtest, and you can sign up to try and get access to the closed build. According to the official EA page, here's what to expect: "As a Skate insider, you have the chance to play early versions of the game and provide feedback throughout our development journey," the sign-up blurb reads. "We need to scale access to Skate gradually as development progresses to ensure a smooth experience, and that means we can’t guarantee how soon you’ll get to play."

You can sign up to playtest Skate 4 right here, but keep in mind that the game is still in very early development. The playtest will initially only be available on PC via Origin, but there are plans to include other platforms in future playtests. As per the latest news regarding the game's new 2025 release window, console playtesting should start sometime in "Fall 2024."

Skate 4 platforms

EA has confirmed that Skate 4 will come to PC - this will be the first installment of the series to arrive on PC.  According the Skate FAQ, Skate 4 is set to be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4,  and PS5 along with PC. It also states that the devs "are currently exploring mobile."

Since Skate is coming out sometime in 2025, we are also guessing that you'll be able to play it on the PS5 Pro, which will be released later in 2024. So, it looks like no matter your platform of choice, you'll be able to wheel around to your heart's content.

Skate 4 gameplay

The Skate series was famous for letting you define your own style of skating. The animations and physics were set up in such a way that you felt as if you had the freedom to decide how your skater moved and presented themselves in the parks – particularly as you began using the innovative FlickitT dual analog control system to develop your own skill-based tricks and string them together to create unique lines.

Every indication we've had from EA so far would indicate that Skate 4 gameplay will look to update this award-winning formula for a new generation of players. The publisher has also confirmed that it's investing in "user generated content, exploration, and community" for Skate 4, noting how key the community has been to making the Skate series stand the test of time.

Skate 4 developer

Skate 4 is being developed by a brand new studio called 'Full Circle', which was founded to help guide the Skate franchise into the future. Full Circle is based in Vancouver – where EA Sports and Respawn Entertainment are located – and it's staffed with a mixture of Skate series veterans from EA Black Box (including creative leads Deran Chung and Cuz Parry) and developers fresh to the session.

The former general manager of Xbox Live, Daniel McCulloch, is overseeing the studio as general manager. In a statement, McCulloch explained:  "The fans wished Skate back into existence, and we want them to feel involved in the process from development to game launch and beyond… We want them to feel like they are a part of Full Circle."

Skate 4 leaks

Skate 4 leaks hit the internet back in April 2022, marking the first time early Skate 4 gameplay was shown to the public. The Skate 4 pre-alpha footage leak showed in-development greybox gameplay, and from it you can get a sense of where developer Full Circle is placing its focus.

There's a large-scale world full of lines to shred, off-the-board free-roaming for exploration, tricks centered around precise movement, and delicate animations to help pull it all together. Which is to say, it's everything you'd want from a long-awaited Skate sequel.

Keep track of all the upcoming releases with our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming PC games.