"EA's Skate Adds Microtransactions Pre-Release"

EA has introduced microtransactions into the latest alpha test of their much-anticipated free-to-play revival of Skate. According to reports from Insider Gaming, Full Circle, the game's developer, has integrated a virtual currency known as San Van Bucks into the ongoing closed alpha. Players can purchase these bucks with real money to acquire cosmetic items, aiming to ensure a smooth and enjoyable purchasing process within the Skate store.

Full Circle has emphasized the importance of player feedback to refine the experience ahead of Skate's early access launch. They've communicated to testers that all progress made during the alpha will be reset before the game goes into early access. However, any purchases made with San Van Bucks will be converted back into the currency and available at the start of the early access period.

Skate's early access is scheduled for 2025. Originally announced at EA Play in 2020 as being in the very early stages of development, Full Circle has since kept the community engaged through closed playtests and regular updates via their "The Board Room" video series. In 2022, the developer confirmed the game's official title as 'skate.' and announced its release as a free-to-play title across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms.