EA's Skate Gets Microtransactions Before Its Release Date

EA's highly anticipated Skate revival is incorporating microtransactions into its latest alpha test, ahead of its official release. As reported by Insider Gaming, developer Full Circle has introduced a virtual currency called San Van Bucks, used to purchase cosmetic items. The team aims to gather player feedback on the in-game store experience, ensuring a positive purchasing journey for players at early access launch. They've emphasized that any purchases made during the alpha will be refunded as San Van Bucks and reinstated at the start of early access, as progress will be completely reset before the official launch.

Skate's early access launch is slated for 2025. Initially announced at EA Play in 2020 as being in very early development, Full Circle has maintained consistent communication with the community through closed playtests and its "The Board Room" video series, providing regular updates on the game's progress. The official title, skate, was revealed in 2022, along with confirmation of its free-to-play status across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms.