Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced that the highly anticipated new Skate game will begin its early access phase on September 16. Players across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms will soon have the opportunity to dive into the game.

This launch marks a significant return for the Skate series, coming fifteen years after its last installment, Skate 3, which was originally released in 2010. After a considerable hiatus, EA initially unveiled the Skate reboot back in 2021, revealing it as a free-to-play live-service title specifically designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

While specific details about Skate remained somewhat scarce during its initial development, the past year has seen a steady release of new information. This included a memorable promotional video featuring skateboarder and I Think You Should Leave star Tim Robinson. Confirmed key features of the game include an always-online structure, monetization through microtransactions, and a refined “Flick-it” control system for executing impressive tricks. Additionally, players can look forward to fresh approaches to the game`s soundtrack and extensive customization options.

The return of Skate coincides with a broader resurgence of skateboarding games within the gaming industry. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several titles often considered spiritual successors, such as Skater XL and Session: Skate Sim. Furthermore, Skate`s primary competitor, Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater, also made a notable comeback this year with a successful remake that combined THPS 3 and 4.

In addition to these major releases, several well-received independent games, including the beloved OlliOlli series from the now-defunct Roll7 and the minimalist hit The Ramp, have played a crucial role in ushering in this renewed and exciting era for skateboarding video games.