EA Unleashes Skate Gameplay Trailer, Confirms Early Access Launch

The long wait is over—Electronic Arts and developer Full Circle have officially dropped a brand-new gameplay trailer for skate. (the much-anticipated return of the Skate franchise, once dubbed “Skate 4”). Alongside the footage, EA confirmed that players will finally get their hands on the game when it launches in Early Access on September 16, 2025.

This isn’t just another peek behind the curtain—it’s a bold kickflip into the future of skating games, signaling that skate. is not just a reboot but a full-on reinvention of what digital skateboarding can be.

San Vansterdam: A City Built for Skaters

The trailer highlights the new open-world setting, San Vansterdam, a sprawling urban playground brimming with character. From sleek downtown plazas to raw, graffiti-stained back alleys, the city feels alive and built with one purpose: to skate it, shape it, and share it.

Neighborhoods like Hedgemont and Market Mile make appearances, each serving as a canvas for players’ creativity. Full Circle has emphasized tools like Quick Drop, which let players instantly drop ramps, rails, and other skateable objects into the environment. That means skaters can literally sculpt lines on the fly, transforming the city into their personal park.

A Return to Flick-It, With Fresh Tricks

Longtime fans will be relieved to know that the iconic Flick-It control system is back. First introduced in the original Skate trilogy, the twin-stick mechanic gave players fine control over their tricks, making every kickflip and heelflip feel personal.

In skate., Flick-It has been rebuilt in the Frostbite engine, with more precision and new tricks in the mix. Expect slappies, firecrackers, wallies, and even vertical exploration elements like climbing and gliding—mechanics that expand skateboarding into multi-layered terrain.

Skating as a Community

Perhaps the biggest change isn’t technical—it’s philosophical. Full Circle wants skate. to be a “living, breathing world” that evolves with its players. From the earliest Insider playtests to the full Early Access launch, the game is being built with community feedback at its core.

This is reflected in its seasonal model: expect fresh drops of tricks, cosmetics, soundtrack additions, and even new areas to explore. More than a static release, skate. is being positioned as an evolving skate culture hub—part game, part digital skatepark.

Free-to-Play, Without the Catch

In one of the industry’s bolder moves, EA confirmed that skate. will be free-to-play across all major platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and EA App). A mobile version is also planned for the future.

The monetization model will rely on cosmetic purchases and seasonal passes, with in-game currency dubbed “San Van Bucks.” Full Circle has been clear: there will be no pay-to-win mechanics, loot boxes, or locked gameplay advantages—just cosmetic flair and creative expression.

A Skateboarding Renaissance?

The trailer positions skate. as something bigger than a simple revival. This isn’t nostalgia-fueled fan service—it’s a modern skateboarding platform, equal parts game, creative tool, and community hub. It’s a reminder that digital skating isn’t just about chaining tricks together, it’s about sharing a culture.

For fans who grew up with Skate 2 and Skate 3, this feels like the franchise’s most ambitious step forward yet. For newcomers, it’s a chance to join an online movement where style, creativity, and community matter just as much as landing a 900.

On September 16, 2025, the wait ends—and San Vansterdam opens its streets.