skate.: Free-to-Play Return to San Vansterdam - Everything We Know
Last Updated: November 14, 2025
The long-awaited new era for the next-generation skateboarding title, simply titled skate., is actively being built by developer Full Circle. While not yet released, the game is taking definitive shape as a free-to-play, live-service evolution of the beloved franchise. Instead of a traditional release, the studio is developing the game alongside its community through ongoing playtests, revealing the sprawling city of San Vansterdam piece by piece and revamping its communication strategy with a remarkably transparent video series called "The Board Room."
This development approach marks a significant shift for the series, promising a continuous and collaborative journey for its growing community. "The Board Room" has established itself as the essential destination for all official news, raw development insights, and a direct line to the creators shaping the future of skateboarding games.
A New Development Rhythm for San Vansterdam
Full Circle has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering a connected and informed player base by developing skate. out in the open. Rather than waiting for major marketing beats, the studio provides regular, candid updates through "The Board Room" series. This format gives players a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the game's progress, from early physics tests and animation rigging to conceptual discussions about the world's design.
This transparent approach ensures that players are consistently in the loop and feel like part of the process. The faster, more direct cadence of information allows for immediate sharing of development milestones, quicker acknowledgment of player feedback from playtests, and a more dynamic conversation between the creators and the community. This evolution is designed to make players feel invested in the game's journey long before its official launch.
What We've Learned from The Board Room
The ongoing video series has laid out a clear blueprint for the game's core philosophy, catering to every type of skate. fan. Each episode provides a briefing on the team's progress and vision.
Key insights and confirmed features include:
- Official Updates & Gameplay: "The Board Room" is the primary source for major announcements. It's where Full Circle confirmed the free-to-play model and has showcased extremely early, pre-alpha footage of core mechanics, animations, and the in-development world.
- Community-First Mentality: The series consistently emphasizes that feedback from the "skate. Insider" playtesting program is directly influencing development, from the feel of the controls to the design of skate spots.
- Transparency on Development: In a welcome move, the team openly discusses challenges and shows unfinished aspects of the game. They provide an ongoing look at what they're working on, what's proving difficult, and what their long-term goals are for the game's features and world.
- A Look at What's Ahead: While a final release date remains unannounced, players get a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon for development, including new areas of San Vansterdam being built and new social features being conceptualized.
The Road to Launch: A Live-Service Foundation
The new skate. is being built from the ground up as a live-service game. This means that upon launch, the game will just be starting. San Vansterdam is intended to be an evolving city that will see new content, events, and features added over time through a seasonal structure.
One of the key pillars confirmed by Full Circle is the game's business model. skate. will be free-to-play on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with full cross-play and cross-progression support. The developers have been adamant about their monetization philosophy: no pay-to-win mechanics, no areas of the map locked behind a paywall, and no paid loot boxes. The focus will be on cosmetics and convenience items that do not grant a competitive gameplay advantage.
While specific systems like a "battle pass" have not been fully detailed, a seasonal progression model that rewards players with cosmetic items for their time in the game is the expected format for this type of live service title.
Community and Collaboration at the Core
By making the "skate. Insider Program" a central part of its pre-launch strategy, Full Circle is placing a heavy emphasis on a collaborative relationship with its players. Inviting players to test extremely early builds allows the studio to gather crucial feedback on the game's fundamental feel and features.
This level of collaboration and transparency is crucial for the long-term health of a live-service game. It fosters trust and manages expectations, allowing the community to see that their feedback is being heard and that the team is actively working to build a game that honors the legacy of the franchise while pushing it into the future. This open development process is the definitive source for what's happening now and what's coming next for skate.
skate. FAQ
What is the new skate. game?
skate. is the next entry in the iconic skateboarding series, developed by Full Circle. It is a free-to-play live-service game designed as an evolving platform with an emphasis on freedom, creativity, and social connection.
When is the release date for skate.?
There is no official release date. The developer's mantra is that the game will be released "when it's ready" to ensure a polished and stable launch.
Is skate. free-to-play?
Yes, Full Circle has confirmed skate. will be free-to-play. The studio has also stated it will not feature pay-to-win mechanics or paid loot boxes.
What platforms will skate. be on?
skate. is confirmed for release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It will support full cross-play and cross-progression, allowing you to play with friends and carry your progress across any platform.
How can I play skate. early?
You can sign up for the skate. Insider Program on the official EA website for a chance to participate in ongoing playtests. However, signing up does not guarantee access, as players are invited in waves.