EA’s Skate Adds Microtransactions Before It Even Has a Release Date

It’s been nearly four years since EA announced the return of Skate, and while fans are still waiting for an official release date, microtransactions have already arrived. Yes, that’s right—the game isn’t even out of alpha testing, but you can already drop real-world cash on in-game currency.

During its latest closed alpha test, EA and developer Full Circle introduced a virtual currency called San Van Bucks—named after the fictional city where Skate takes place. Players can use these San Van Bucks to purchase cosmetic items from the in-game store.

According to the developers, this isn’t just about giving players a head start on spending—it’s about testing the microtransaction system to ensure it’s working smoothly for when the game eventually launches. Because nothing ruins a free-to-play experience like an unpolished cash shop, right?

Why Microtransactions Before the Release? EA Has an Explanation

If you’re wondering why EA is adding microtransactions before announcing a release date, you’re not alone. But, according to Full Circle, this is all part of the process.

The team says it wants to create a “positive experience” when purchasing items, so they’re gathering player feedback early. Essentially, this means testers can spend real money now, but they won’t lose it when the game fully launches. Any San Van Bucks purchased during the alpha test will be refunded when early access begins in 2025.

It’s a bold move—letting players spend money on a game that technically doesn’t exist yet—but given that Skate will be free-to-play, it’s clear that EA is laying the groundwork for what will likely be a heavily monetized experience.

What Does This Mean for the Free-to-Play Model?

When EA officially announced that Skate would be a free-to-play title, the reaction was mixed. On one hand, free-to-play means more accessibility, allowing anyone to jump in without an upfront cost. But on the other hand, it raises concerns about how the game will be monetized in the long run.

Full Circle has reassured players that all in-game purchases will be for cosmetics only, meaning no pay-to-win mechanics. If that promise holds, then we’re looking at a system similar to Fortnite or Apex Legends, where the coolest outfits cost real money, but gameplay remains fair for everyone.

However, the early introduction of microtransactions suggests that EA is very focused on making sure the economy is profitable. And if history has taught us anything about live-service games, it’s that monetization strategies tend to evolve—sometimes in ways that aren’t exactly player-friendly.

The Long Road to Skate’s Release

Skate’s comeback has been a slow burn, to say the least. The game was first announced during EA Play in 2020, but at the time, development was still in its early stages. Since then, Full Circle has been fairly open about its progress, regularly updating fans through closed community playtests and video updates via its “The Board Room” series.

The biggest bombshell came in 2022, when EA confirmed that the game’s official title would simply be “skate.” (yes, lowercase and with a period, because of course). Alongside that, they revealed it would be a live-service, free-to-play game, launching on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

Despite all these updates, the only concrete release window we have is “2025”—which means we could still be a full year (or more) away from launch. In the meantime, EA seems to be treating the closed alpha like a soft launch, rolling out key monetization features ahead of time so that by the time the game officially arrives, the cash shop is already fully operational.

What’s Next for Skate?

With microtransactions now in play, it’s clear that Skate is slowly taking shape—even if the game itself is still deep in development. The early access launch in 2025 should give us a better idea of how the free-to-play model will actually work and whether EA’s “cosmetics-only” approach holds up over time.

For now, players in the alpha test get to try out the monetization system, spend San Van Bucks, and get a taste of what’s to come. But for those waiting for the full game, the real question remains: Will Skate stay true to its roots, or will microtransactions take center stage?