Skate Reportedly Features Microtransactions Even Before Its Early Access Launch” Alternatively: “Skate Reportedly Includes Microtransactions Ahead of Early Access Release” Or: “Skate Allegedly Adds Microtransactions Prior to Early Access Debut

EA and developer Full Circle have reportedly implemented microtransactions into the closed alpha for Skate. That means any purchases made will most likely be refunded back into the game’s digital currency as progress will be reset before the early access launch.

According to Insider Gaming, microtransactions became available with the latest update for Skate. They’re called San Van Bucks and are utilized for cosmetic items in the sports game. EA and Full Circle are testing out the shop for Skate before it launches in early access this year.

The following message apparently greets testers for Skate: “To ensure we achieve these goals at early access we have enabled the option to purchase and use virtual currency (San Van Bucks) in our ongoing closed alpha playtest. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated in providing a great experience at early access launch.”

Skate will be a free-to-play title, so it was previously known that microtransactions would be part of the experience. A little over two years ago, Full Circle explicitly stated that Skate wouldn’t have pay-to-win features or paid loot boxes. Instead, there are loot boxes that can be earned in-game by pulling off sick tricks.

Earlier this year, console players could start signing up for the Skate beta. The Skate reboot was first announced at EA Play Live in 2020.