Alright, let’s talk about EA’s Skate pulling a fast one on us. Picture this: you’re hyped to shred some virtual streets in the latest alpha test for this long-awaited revival, and bam—microtransactions hit you before the game’s even got a release date nailed down. Yep, EA and developer Full Circle slipped some real-money purchases into the closed alpha, and it’s got me raising an eyebrow or two.
Here’s the scoop. According to Insider Gaming, they’ve rolled out a virtual currency called San Van Bucks—cute name, right?—that you can buy with your hard-earned cash. What’s it for? Cosmetic goodies, mostly. Think new decks, flashy outfits, maybe a slick pair of kicks for your skater. Full Circle’s framing it as a test run for the Skate store, saying they want you to have a “positive experience” when dropping dough. They’re even asking for feedback to polish things up before the early access drop in 2025. Fair enough, I guess—gotta make sure the cash register works, right?
But here’s where it gets spicy. They’ve straight-up warned testers: everything you do in this alpha? Wiped clean before early access. Those San Van Bucks you snag now? They’ll convert ‘em back into your account when the game officially kicks off. So, if you’re tempted to flex with some premium gear, just know it’s a temporary flex. Kinda reminds me of that time I dropped $20 on a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater custom board back in the day, only to realize my save file corrupted. Painful lesson.
Skate has been on our radar since EA Play 2020, when they teased it as a “very early” project. Since then, Full Circle’s been dropping crumbs—closed playtests, behind-the-scenes looks via their “The Board Room” videos. Solid way to keep us hooked. In 2022, they confirmed it’s just skate. (lowercase, period and all) and cemented it as a free-to-play title hitting Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Free-to-play’s cool and all, but seeing microtransactions this early? Feels like EA’s testing us as much as the game.
Look, I get it—live-service games need to make bank somehow. Cosmetics are better than pay-to-win nonsense, and Full Circle’s at least being upfront about the reset. Still, there’s something about microtransactions creeping into an alpha that leaves a weird taste. You’re stoked to jump back into that chill Skate vibe—kickflips, grinds, maybe a wipeout or two—and now you’re dodging a virtual cashier? Hope they nail the balance by launch.
So, what do you think? Willing to shell out for some San Van Bucks, or are you holding off ‘til early access? Either way, Skate is shaping up to be a wild ride—microtransactions and all.
