Skate (stylized Skate.), the upcoming fourth entry in EA’s once-dormant skateboard series, is getting its biggest update yet since playtesting began last fall. Playtest Update 0.27 arrives on July 2 and addresses community feedback as detailed on the game’s new development blog, The Grind Vol. 3. Here is the list of incoming improvements for registered playtesters.
On the presentation side, the city of San Vansterdam will feature a significant visual overhaul. The skating playground will be bolstered by new environmental signage, foliage, and graffiti, along with more pedestrians and traffic. Lighting, shadows, and textures have also been improved. You can see the changes yourself in the gallery of “Before/After” comparison screenshots below.
Over 140 new challenges are coming alongside new missions and the addition of the Market Mile neighborhood. Skate’s opening and tutorial have also been streamlined and improved to get players in the city much quicker.
Progression has been overhauled based on fan feedback. The Collection Score has been removed as a gate for Challenge progression. Earning rewards now results in bigger celebrations. Furthermore, Product Boxes will be rewarded in greater quantities and contain better rewards.
Character customization has been expanded with more options to change your overall appearance. Expect new hairstyles, gestures, and emotes, with developer Full Circle promising even more options in the future.
Finally, Update 0.27 includes updates to music and sound, the Replay Editor, general Quality of Life improvements, haptics, and more. Check out a new trailer to see an early version of the 0.27 build below.
Skate will launch into Early Access sometime at the end of the summer for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam and Epic. Players can still register to become a playtester to play the game before the Early Access here, and have until June 27 to do so.
