EA’s Skate Revival Adds Microtransactions in Closed Alpha

EA’s Skate revival is already introducing microtransactions during its closed alpha test ahead of the game’s early access release later this year. 

The game, which was first announced five years ago, will be set in a new city known as San Vansterdam and will feature an in-game currency called San Van Bucks, allowing players to purchase various cosmetic items.

As reported by Insider Gaming, Full Circle, the game’s developer, explained that the addition of San Van Bucks aims to create a positive experience for players purchasing items from the in-game store.

The developer reassured players that any purchases made during the alpha test would be reverted to San Van Bucks before the early access launch, with the currency becoming available again once the game enters early access. Players will also need to ensure they use the same EA account to access their currency when it’s transferred.

While a full release date remains unclear, EA has confirmed that Skate will launch in early access later in 2025 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with full cross-play and cross-progression support.

The Skate series is known for its distinctive control system, called Flick-it, which allows players to perform tricks using quick, precise movements of either or both gamepad’s sticks.

The first game in the Skate series was developed by EA Black Box, published by Electronic Arts and released in 2007 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and mobile phones. The title is set in the fictional city of San Vanelona, a combination of San Francisco, Vancouver and Barcelona. It follows the journey of an ordinary skater rising to fame after a devastating accident. It is worth noting that originally, it was planned that the game’s soundtrack would feature Roadhouse Blues by The Doors, but in the final version, the soundtrack focuses more heavily on hip hop.

The sequel, called Skate 2, was developed by EA Black Box, published by Electronic Arts and released in 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. In a continuation of the original story, the earthquake shook San Vanelona, and then the city was rebuilt by MongoCorp into a place where skateboarding is illegal. The main protagonist, freed from jail, must once again develop mastery of skating while evading authorities.

The third installment in the series and the sequel to Skate 2 was developed by EA Black Box, published by Electronic Arts and released in May 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game brought a new setting, the city of Port Carverton, which embraces skateboarding, unlike considering it a crime as it was in Skate 2. The player character is referred to as The Legend, whose new mission is to build a successful skateboarding team and sell one million boards by completing various challenges. The game features several notable skateboarding professionals, including Danny Way, Darren Navarette, Terry Kennedy, Eric Koston, Chris Cole, Pat Duffy, Rob Dyrdek, and Jason Lee, who voices the character Coach Frank.

It is worth noting that in 2008, the game got a spin-off called Skate It. This title was developed by EA Black Box, EA Montreal, and Exient Entertainment for the Nintendo DS, Wii, and iOS in an attempt to take advantage of their motion controls to implement the series’ Flick-it control system. The game’s story starts with an earthquake that severely damages San Vanelona, and a new person skates through the ruins of the city to gain fame before traveling to real-life towns in Europe, China and Brazil to prove their skills.