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# EA’s *Skate* Revival Scheduled for 2025 Early Access, Offline Play Not Available

The eagerly awaited return of the *Skate* series by EA is still set for an Early Access debut in 2025, although a recent announcement from developer Full Circle has introduced a significant change that’s generating buzz: the game will not offer offline play.

In the initial installment of a new developer blog series named **The Grind**, Full Circle provided fans with an insider’s glimpse into the progression of the upcoming *Skate* title. The blog entry, [accessible here](https://www.ea.com/games/skate/news/the-grind-vol-one), summarizes the September 2024 playtest and tackles several important queries from the community.

One of the key highlights from the update is the affirmation that *Skate* will be an **always-online experience**. Full Circle noted, “The brief answer: No. The game and city are created to function as a living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox that is perpetually online and constantly evolving. You’ll witness significant developments, such as alterations to the city over time, along with minor events like live activities. To fulfill our vision of a skateboarding universe, the game will always necessitate a live connection.”

This choice aligns with Full Circle’s wider ambition of establishing a vibrant and ever-changing environment for players to discover together. However, it has already ignited discussions among fans, particularly those who anticipated a classic offline mode reminiscent of earlier installments in the series.

Compounding the controversy, Full Circle also tackled worries regarding **microtransactions**. During the 2024 playtest, participants were taken aback — and in many cases irritated — to discover real-money transactions already in place. The developers clarified that this was by design, stating, “We recognize that using real currency during a playtest is somewhat unusual, but we believe it’s the best approach to effectively evaluate and modify the system ahead of launch.” They assured players that any funds spent during the playtest would be reimbursed in the form of San Van Bucks (SVB) for use during Early Access and beyond.

Despite these points of contention, anticipation remains elevated for the new *Skate*. Full Circle’s dedication to transparency through *The Grind* blog series indicates their eagerness to keep an open dialogue with the community as development advances.

Although the Early Access period is broadly projected for 2025, no exact release date has been confirmed as of now. Fans will need to stay tuned for further updates as Full Circle continues to mold the future of the cherished skateboarding franchise.

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