EA has introduced microtransactions to Skate during its latest alpha test, signaling an upcoming release date announcement. According to Insider Gaming, Full Circle, the developer behind EA's free-to-play Skate revival, has added these microtransactions to the ongoing closed alpha test. Players can now use real-world money to purchase a virtual currency known as San Van Bucks, which can then be used to buy various cosmetic items. Full Circle aims to refine Skate’s microtransaction system, ensuring a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store." They emphasize the importance of player feedback to enhance the experience at the Early Access launch.
Full Circle has informed testers that all progress will be reset before Skate enters early access, and any purchases made during the alpha will be converted back into San Van Bucks, which will be available again when early access begins.
Skate's early access is scheduled for 2025. Initially announced during EA Play in 2020, the game was described as being in its "very early" stages of development. Since then, Full Circle has kept the community engaged through closed community playtests of early builds and regular updates via their "The Board Room" video series. In 2022, the developer officially named the game 'skate.' and confirmed it would be released as a free-to-play title on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
