EA’s new Skate game is bringing live service seasons and a freemium currency system, which has caused some unease among fans of the classic series. While the game will be free-to-play, the introduction of seasonal content and in-game currency for unlocking rewards is a shift from how the franchise operated in the past.
The latest blog post from EA talks about a “skate.Pass” and a rotation of seasons every three months. Players will earn “Rip Chips” by completing challenges, which can be used to unlock various customisation options. At the same time, the seasonal structure hints at ongoing content updates typical of live service games.
Back in the day, cosmetics weren’t so closely tied to spending money, and many players appreciated that. Now, with freemium models becoming the norm, it’s hard not to feel a little wary. But hey, it’s not like this is a pay-to-win scenario, it’s a skateboarding game after all. Maybe that’s what they were going for with the free-to-play approach, hoping it keeps the community engaged without feeling too restrictive.
On a brighter note, the soundtrack is reportedly impressive, featuring around 100 songs. The team focused on emerging artists and included some lesser-known tracks to help players discover new music. Players will be able to “like” individual tracks to create their playlists, and learn music scattered throughout the game world. That sounds pretty neat, right?
Early access for the game is coming soon, with EA saying, “We’re getting closer every day.” It’s a bit of a wait, but fans can keep an eye out for more details as they emerge.
What do you think about live service seasons in a Skate game? Does it add something fresh, or does it risk taking away from what made the originals special? I’m looking to read your thoughts in the comments below.
