Skate’s Flick‑It Controls Nail the Feel — EA’s Live‑Service Reboot Now Needs Some Attitude
EA and developer Full Circle are bringing Skate back as a live-service reboot that enters early access on Sept. 16. The pre-release build mixes the series’ signature dual-stick “flick-it” controls with an open world called San Vansterdam, plus live-service features like daily missions, a battle pass and microtransactions.
- Release: early access on Sept. 16 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.
- Developer / publisher: Full Circle and EA.
- Core features: dual-stick “flick-it” controls, open world, park editor, 150-player servers and seamless multiplayer.
- Live service: daily missions, battle pass, microtransactions and cosmetic “Product Boxes”.
- Pre-release notes: parkour and diving mechanics show physics/animation issues in the current build; visuals and soundtrack are still being iterated.
Core controls and world
The game keeps Skate’s signature control scheme, where tricks are performed by twisting the right stick rather than pressing face buttons. In addition, the world is a true open map split into four quadrants that unlock through the main story.
Players can complete story missions that introduce mechanics, and they can chase scattered challenges around the city to earn in-game currency for clothing and customization. The build also lets players dismount to parkour and scale buildings, and it supports quick placement of skating obstacles across the map.
Live-service systems and monetization
Skate launches into early access as a live-service game. Specifically, it includes daily missions, a battle pass and in-game microtransactions. The game offers cosmetic items and “Product Boxes” that can be acquired through in-game progression or purchased.
Full Circle has positioned the game as free-to-play at launch, and seasons will add new content over time. The studio plans to iterate on features during early access based on community feedback.
Movement, physics and multiplayer
The pre-release build adds parkour and a diving mechanic for off-board movement. However, testers report instances of ragdolling and stiff animations when diving or hitting objects, which can produce exaggerated physics on impact in the current build.
On the multiplayer side, Skate runs 150-player servers, and the release build features seamless multiplayer integration that allows players to teleport to other players. Additionally, the game includes park editing tools for placing jumps and rails to customize play spaces.
Soundtrack, visuals and tone
The soundtrack in the pre-release build mixes licensed tracks from bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Cloud Nothings with a number of unlicensed songs. Full Circle plans to add more music each season and has indicated playlist options may expand.
Visually, the game’s current aesthetic favors bright, clean lighting and a polished “city of the future” look. NPCs include robotic characters and a drone companion that guides some story missions. Full Circle has said visuals and other elements remain subject to change during early access.
Early access and platforms
Skate enters early access on Sept. 16 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Full Circle and EA are using the early access period to refine movement, visuals, audio and live-service systems with community input.
