EA’s New Skate Game Launches in Early Access With Mixed Steam Reviews Fans are divided over server stability, microtransactions, and missing features in EA’s long-awaited skateboarding sequel

After 15 years since the last release, EA’s Skate has finally returned. The newest entry in the beloved skateboarding franchise officially entered early access on September 16, 2025, but its debut on Steam has been met with a “Mixed” rating from over 7,000 reviews.

📈 From Record Playtest to Rocky Launch

Anticipation for Skate has been building for years. Back in the summer of 2025, EA revealed that over one million players signed up for the closed playtest, the largest in the company’s history. The hype made sense: fans have been waiting since Skate 3 (2010), and with the resurgence of skateboarding games thanks to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, excitement was sky-high.

But despite the momentum, Skate’s launch has been far from smooth.

⚠️ Common Complaints: Microtransactions & Servers

💸 Microtransactions

One of the biggest sticking points has been Skate’s monetization. Many negative reviews describe the game as “soulless,” criticizing the heavy presence of microtransactions and what they perceive as limited free content. EA had tested these systems in earlier alphas, so they weren’t a surprise—but their execution in early access has disappointed some players.

Still, not everyone is unhappy. Some fans argue the gameplay itself is strong enough to enjoy without feeling pressured to spend money, calling it a fair trade-off for a free-to-play title.

🌐 Server Issues

Another major concern has been server stability. Players have reported long wait times and connectivity problems, with frustration heightened by the lack of an offline mode. Without the ability to skate solo, players are fully dependent on EA’s servers—something many reviews are calling on the developers to fix.

It’s worth noting that not everyone is facing the same struggles. Over 3,000 positive reviews highlight smooth gameplay and fun mechanics, suggesting that experiences vary widely.

⏳ Early Access Means Room for Improvement

Since the game is still in early access, EA has time to address player concerns before its full Version 1.0 release. The studio hasn’t yet outlined specific fixes, but given the scale of feedback on Steam, changes to servers, offline functionality, and monetization are expected to be hot topics moving forward.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Skate’s return was always going to carry big expectations after such a long wait, and its early access debut has left the community divided. While some praise its fun core gameplay, others are frustrated by server instability, missing features, and microtransactions.

For now, the future of Skate rests on how well EA responds to feedback in the coming months.