New Skate Game Launches to Mixed Steam Reviews Amid Microtransaction Concerns

After years of anticipation, the latest entry in EA’s Skate franchise has finally arrived on Steam, but the reception has been far from universally positive. The game’s early access launch on September 16, 2025, marked the series’ long-awaited return after more than a decade, yet its debut has already sparked heated debate among fans.

A Decade in the Making

The last full Skate game was released back in 2010, leaving players waiting 15 years for the next major installment. Hype for the revival began building five years ago when EA officially confirmed development, and by the summer of 2025, expectations reached an all-time high. Over one million players signed up for the closed playtest, breaking EA’s internal record for playtest participation and signaling a strong demand for the franchise’s return.

With skateboarding culture enjoying a resurgence in recent years—fueled in part by remasters like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4—the timing of Skate’s relaunch seemed perfect. However, the reality of the launch has been more complicated.

Mixed Reception on Steam

Currently, Skate holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam from over 7,000 reviews. While some players are thrilled simply to have a new entry in the franchise, others feel that EA’s approach undermines what made the earlier games so beloved.

Common Criticisms:

• Microtransactions: Many reviews accuse the game of focusing too heavily on monetization. While microtransactions were present during closed testing, their implementation in early access has frustrated players who feel the free content is limited and progression is locked behind optional purchases.

• Server Problems: Frequent connectivity issues and long queue times have left some players unable to enjoy the game. Compounding the issue, Skate requires an online connection, meaning players cannot escape the server troubles with an offline mode.

• Missing Features: Longtime fans noted that several modes and mechanics from previous Skate titles are absent, giving the game a sense of being unfinished.

One particularly harsh criticism circulating among players is that the new Skate feels “soulless,” prioritizing profit over passion.

Positive Feedback:

Despite the complaints, not all feedback has been negative. Over 3,000 reviews on Steam are positive, praising the core skating mechanics, freedom of movement, and stylish gameplay loop. Some users emphasized that the game is enjoyable without spending money, noting that the microtransactions are entirely optional.

What’s Next for Skate?

As an early access release, Skate is still a work in progress, and EA has promised ongoing updates before its eventual 1.0 launch. The community remains divided: some believe the foundation is solid and only needs refinement, while others worry that microtransactions and connectivity issues will overshadow the series’ long-awaited return.

For now, Skate’s Steam launch reflects both the excitement and the skepticism surrounding EA’s modern approach to live-service games. Whether future updates can shift fan perception remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the skateboarding community is watching closely.