The Ultimate Guide to Skate's Early Access: Is It a Return to Form or a 'Fortnite' Clone?

For more than a decade, fans of the Skate franchise have been waiting for its return. Now, the wait is almost over. On September 16, 2025, the highly anticipated early access for the new Skate will finally arrive for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players. But with a new free-to-play model, a rebuilt "Flick-it" control system, and a completely new art style, the community is split. Is this the long-awaited return to form, or a step in a new, overly commercial direction?

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The Return to San Vansterdam

The new Skate, developed by Full Circle, is not just a remake. It’s a complete reimagining of the franchise as a live-service game. Set in the new world of San Vansterdam, the game will be always-online and will support both cross-play and cross-progression from day one.[1, 2, 3] This emphasis on connectivity is a cornerstone of the new title, with reports suggesting up to 150 skaters can occupy a server simultaneously to explore the distinct neighborhoods.[1]

The developers are actively seeking to create an open and welcoming space for all players and are prioritizing collaborative development with the community to shape the game’s evolution. Features that allow players to drop ramps and rails into the world for others to use are part of this new, shared experience.[1]

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The Free-to-Play Conundrum

Embracing a free-to-download model is a bold move aimed at maximizing accessibility and removing the initial financial barrier to entry.[1] However, this model has a trade-off. The game will be monetized through a seasonal model that introduces new cosmetics, challenges, music, and world updates regularly.[1] The in-game shop will sell optional cosmetic items that offer no gameplay advantages.[1]

While the developers state this approach is meant to make the game accessible, some community members are already calling the monetization model into question.[4] As one forum user bluntly put it, "If you've got content locked behind pay walls, you're not a free game".[4] Others have expressed shock at the cost of some cosmetic items, noting that a "fiver for one item of clothing" is excessive.[4]

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Is it a 'Fortnite' Clone? Community Reacts

The most immediate and divisive change is the game's art style. The vibrant, stylized, "comic book" look has drawn frequent comparisons to the popular art style of Fortnite.[4] While some players are indifferent to the look, others have openly expressed their dislike, with one user noting, "I too hate the art style".[4]

Beyond the visuals, the new game’s “campaign” and narrative have been universally criticized as "absolutely f—king terrible".[4] Many players wish they could skip the onboarding process, which they describe as “out of touch and ‘hey fellow kids’”.[4] This stands in stark contrast to the old games, whose stories, while often ignored, at least felt grounded in skate culture.[4]

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Gameplay: Controls and Realism

Despite the criticisms, the one thing that has received near-universal praise is the gameplay.[4] Early testers are reporting that the "Flick-it" controls feel "really great," and the game's core mechanics are as good, if not better, than ever.[4] The ability to get "super super granular with assists and other different control options" has been a huge hit with the community, allowing players to create a more grounded, realistic experience if they choose.[4]

Features like "slappies and wallies are an excellent addition" and the core experience still captures the essence of the franchise, allowing players to simply boot it up for "20-30 minutes" to run a line.[5, 4]

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The Final Word: A Game of Trade-Offs

The new Skate appears to be a game of significant trade-offs. The developers have successfully maintained the core gameplay that fans love while trying to attract a new generation of players with a free-to-play model and a more vibrant aesthetic.[1] However, the community’s initial reactions suggest that the new art style and heavily criticized narrative may alienate some of the veteran fan base.[4] The true test of the game's success will be whether the addictive core gameplay is enough to overcome the paywall and stylistic criticisms.

For more of our coverage on the biggest trends in gaming, check out our recent report on the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in India and our Gamescom 2025 event coverage. Don't miss our comprehensive guide on the best Free-to-Play games for 2025 for more great ways to play without breaking the bank.