EA’s Skate Gets Major Update Before Next Playtest

▼ Summary
– The next Skate playtest is scheduled for early July, featuring a major visual upgrade for San Vansterdam.
– Players must sign up as Skate Insiders by June 27 to receive invites for the July 2 playtest.
– Update 0.27.0 improves lighting, shadows, and city details, while adding more environments, animations, and NPCs.
– The playtest includes server capacity for 150 players, new missions, and an overhauled progression system.
– Skate will be free-to-play on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, with early access expected by late summer.
Skate enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as EA and Full Circle prepare to roll out a significant update ahead of the game’s next playtest session. The highly anticipated Skate playtest kicks off on July 2, bringing with it a substantial visual overhaul that enhances lighting, shadows, and overall environmental details in San Vansterdam. Players registered as Skate Insiders by June 27 will receive invites in waves, after which registration closes.
This update 0.27.0 introduces a wealth of improvements, including refined animations, sound effects, graffiti, traffic systems, and pedestrian behavior, making the virtual city feel more alive than ever. A side-by-side comparison reveals just how much the visuals have evolved since the last build.
Beyond aesthetics, Full Circle has expanded server capacity, now supporting up to 150 players per session, while the in-game map has been adjusted to display real-time player locations. The Market Mile neighborhood debuts in this playtest, alongside fresh missions, challenges, and a revamped progression system.
Newcomers will find the tutorial streamlined, introducing the city faster than before. As players advance, reward boxes will offer better loot, and customization options have grown with additional clothing, hairstyles, gestures, and emotes.
While an exact release date remains unconfirmed, Skate is expected to enter early access by late summer. The developers recently clarified that due to the game’s expansive city, an always-online connection will be required. The free-to-play title will launch on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, keeping fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
(Source: GAMESPOT)