While it’s already known that Electronic Arts is reviving itsskatefranchise, which should see the light of day sometime this year, the game is currently being playtested in a closed alpha right now.
Games are usually playtested in closed groups, so it’s not that big of a deal, right? What’s odd here is, EA has added fully functioning microtransactions in the game already – yes, in a closed alpha state.
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Latest Update to skate’s Closed Alpha Client Adds Microtransactions
Closed alpha participants of skate were notified of the update via email (viaHoliday_Ad9037), which mentions the microtransactions being added is to test the purchasing experience for players.
“We have exciting updates and fresh content, including a collection of new items, features, and gameplay experience updates throughout San Vansterdam. For more information, check out the skate. Playtesting Forums for the full update notes. SAN VAN BUCKS We want to provide positive experience when purchasing items from the skate. store.To ensure we achieve these goals at Early Access we have enabled the option to purchase and use virtual currency(San Van Bucks) in our ongoing Closed Alpha playtest. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated in providing a great experience at Early Access launch,” the email reads.
EA has also mentioned in the same email that account progress may reset periodically throughout the playtest and will fully reset before Early Access. Purchases made with San Van Bucks will be converted back to San Van Bucks of an equivalent value and will be available in the player’s account at Early Access launch.
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It’s worth noting that skate will be a free-to-play title when it’s released, so microtransactions are the main revenue earner for it. That said, it’s still odd to see that a playtest that’s not even to the public will somehow add microtransactions this early on instead of, y’know, focusing on the gameplay first. I mean, it’s not even in a state that developer Full Cricle is comfortable enough to share publicly.
There’s no word yet on when a public playtest will take place for skate, but we’re hoping it’s soon. In development by EA first-party studio Full Circle, skate is confirmed for PC and consoles.
Aside from skate, another skateboarding series is making a comeback, and it’sTony Hawk’s Pro Skate 3&4, which will trash its way out on July 11 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
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