EA's new skating game is always online, reconfirmed for release in 2025

EA's upcoming free games skate Developer Full Circle has been confirmed that the game will not have offline mode. exist FAQThe developer said that due to the way the game is designed, the skateboard will require an ongoing internet connection.

“Games and cities are designed as a living, breathing massive multiplayer skateboard sandbox that is always online and always evolving,” the studio said. “You'll see bigger things evolve, like changing over time, and smaller things like live events and other activities in games.”

The full circle adds: “To realize our vision for the world of skateboarding, the game will always need live connections.”

Also in the FAQ, the full circle reiterates that it is expected to start early this year. The studio said the launch only represents the starting point for the skateboard as the studio plans to add “new features, improvements and content” over time.

Full Circle also lets fans know that skaters’ early visits will be “good” even if they aren’t fully completed. Fans can look forward to more news over the coming months.

Even if you are currently using skateboards only in closed game testing, the game still has microtransactions. Full Circle says these optional purchases “support the ongoing development of the game” and ideally feel “fair and fun” to the player.

“We know it's a little unusual to use real money during playback tests, but we think it's the best way to properly evaluate and tweak the system before starting,” Full Circle said.

Full Circle also clarified that if the skateboard is successfully released and grows with the plan, the new gaming sector will not be locked behind the paywall. “If you add a new area to the game world, you can access it for free,” the studio said.

Additionally, Full Circle claims that it won't lock on “cool” items behind the paywall to attract people to spend money. While the in-game reward system is still being formulated – including things that people can buy with real money and earnable game currency – Full Circle says: “There will be 'cool stuff for you to make money and customize your character without spending real cash.”

The new skateboard was first announced in 2020, with series veterans Deran Chung and Cuz Parry – the creator of the original game – back. If skating is not your business, Tony Hawk's professional skater 3+4 will arrive in July this year.