Skate for Windows

Skateboarding game with realistic physics

skate. is a premium sports game from Electronic Arts. In this immersive and fast-paced skateboarding experience, you get to revisit the award-winning franchise in an all-new engine, featuring more realistic game physics as well as a host of new content. Players can skate around different locations and skate parks, or create their own. More importantly, the developers have teased new features to the game.

Fans of the franchise have been waiting for almost a decade since 2010’s Skate 3, and skate. is undoubtedly worth it. For new players, think of it as a physics-focused alternative to Skate City.

Difficult yet rewarding

skate. comes as the fourth main entry to the eponymous franchise, tracing its origins to the 2007 game of the same name. It was soon followed by two sequels in 2009 and 2010, plus a 2008 spin-off. After more than a decade, the franchise returns with this game, leveraging the latest technology while keeping the core of its identity—grounded and difficult skateboarding.

As such, it features realistic game physics, which makes sloppy tricks look awful and funny thanks to its treatment of a ragdoll-like response. More importantly, it appears to keep a similar control system as its predecessors, although it has markedly more fluid responses. For existing players, getting used to the controls is easy. However, for new players, get ready for a steep learning curve.

Additionally, the game takes place in an all-new setting that combines fictional and real life. The set designs are impressive, with custom textures retaining a certain level of detail despite the fast pacing that the game usually has. Also, as mentioned, the game features freerunning to a certain extent. Whether it becomes an event of its own or simply additional off-board mechanics, is for the player to discover.

For fans who have waited for another Skate game, this is a great return to form. Not only does it make a comeback to modern systems, but it also manages to retain some of the qualities that made it stand out in the first place. Expect a sleeker game response, an all-new world to explore, and additional movement options aside from running, walling, and moving around on your skateboard.

Development updates

The fourth installment in Electronic Arts' cult skateboarding series, now simply titled "skate.," is now here after being announced four years ago. Unlike traditional promotional methods, EA introduced the game through a humorous live-action sketch featuring Tim Robinson during the Summer Game Fest. This unconventional marketing approach aligns with the game's unique development path.

Originally thought to be a closed chapter after Skate 3 in 2010, the series saw a resurgence in popularity around 2014 due to YouTube creators leveraging its ragdoll physics for comedic content. This led to the game being playable on Xbox again in 2016 and eventually culminated in the announcement of the new Skate in 2020.

Developed by Full Circle, a remote-only studio created by EA, skate. is set to be a free-to-play, live-service MMO available on PC and consoles. While it remains to be seen if EA's free-to-play model will be well-received, it promises a fresh and unique experience in the skateboarding game genre.

What's to come

• Free-to-play, live-service MMO: skate. will be a free-to-play game with live-service elements, meaning it will continually evolve with new content and updates over time.
• Enhanced "flick-it" control scheme: The game will iterate on the series' signature control scheme using new physics and animation technologies for a more realistic and fluid experience.
• Player customization: Significant emphasis is placed on customization, including the ability to change the color of socks and other apparel, a highly requested feature among fans.
• "Quick Drop" system: This innovative feature allows players to customize the city environment in real time by adding elements like rails to boost trick potential. These modifications can be shared in multiplayer, allowing for real-time challenges.
• Throwdowns: Players can instantly challenge others as they skate around the city, turning the entire environment into a giant, interactive skate park.
• Persistent world: The game world will continuously grow, with new areas opening up and new music being added to the soundtrack over time.
• Active playtesting: Full Circle is actively seeking new playtesters to contribute to the game's development and plans to expand playtesting from PC to consoles later this year.

What is skate. insider?

The skate. insider program is designed to allow players to get early access to the game during its development phase and provide valuable feedback to shape its future. Unlike typical closed beta or alpha testing, insiders are brought into the game much earlier than usual. Anyone aged 18 and above can sign up for the program, though invitations to playtest will be based on specific testing goals at different stages of development. Registration can be done online, but participation is not guaranteed immediately as access will be scaled gradually to ensure a smooth experience.

Feedback from playtesters is crucial, and those selected will receive instructions on how to provide it. Testers are required to respect the pre-release feedback agreement, meaning discussions and sharing of content like text, screenshots, videos, and streams must be kept to designated channels. The playtesting schedule will evolve with development, and while currently available on PC and mobile, console testing will begin in the latter part of the year. Participation in one playtest does not exclude players from future tests; they remain eligible for subsequent selections.

Where to play skate.?

The new skate. game will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and potentially mobile. It will feature cross-play and cross-progression, allowing players to connect and compete across all supported devices, as well as continue their progress seamlessly between platforms.

Potential drawbacks

Despite its numerous strengths, skate. has its drawbacks. One major con is the steep learning curve, which can be frustrating for new players who are not familiar with the franchise's control mechanics. The realistic physics, while a selling point, can also make the game feel unforgiving, especially to beginners who might struggle with executing tricks properly.  Another issue is the potential for repetitive gameplay; while the open-world design and custom skate parks offer variety, the core mechanics can become monotonous over time. Additionally, the game’s emphasis on realism might not appeal to players looking for a more arcade-like, fast-paced skateboarding experience.

Similar and alternative programs

For players looking for alternatives to skate., there are several other skateboarding games worth considering. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is an excellent choice, offering a more arcade-like experience with a focus on high scores and combo tricks. It’s known for its fluid controls and nostalgic appeal. 

Skater XL provides a middle ground with its emphasis on realistic physics but with a slightly more accessible control scheme compared to skate. Session: Skateboarding Sim Game is another alternative that focuses heavily on realism and physics-based gameplay, appealing to players who enjoy technical challenges. For those interested in a more casual experience, Skate City offers a simplified yet enjoyable skateboarding experience with a focus on style and aesthetics rather than technical difficulty.

A return to form for the franchise

skate. marks a triumphant return for the franchise, blending modern technology with the core elements that originally captivated fans. Its realistic physics and challenging gameplay make it a rewarding experience for dedicated players, though its steep learning curve and potential for repetitiveness may deter some newcomers. Nonetheless, for those willing to invest the time and effort, it offers a deeply immersive and satisfying skateboarding simulation.