Electronic Arts has introduced microtransactions to the closed alpha version of their upcoming free-to-play skateboarding game Skate. Players can now purchase cosmetic items using an in-game currency called San Van Bucks, marking the first implementation of the game’s monetization systems.
According to EA, this move aims to ensure players have a “positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store” before the game’s full release. The company has promised that any currency spent during the alpha will be refunded as in-game currency when early access begins, provided players use the same account.
The decision has got testers and fans of the skateboarding franchise talking. Many players question why EA is focusing on implementing payment systems in an unfinished game still undergoing basic testing and development.
The Skate series, which began in 2007, has been praised for its realistic skateboarding mechanics and physics-based gameplay. This new entry marks a significant shift for the franchise as it adopts the free-to-play model, moving away from the traditional paid releases of previous games.
EA’s history with microtransactions has been rocky at best. The company faced massive criticism over its implementation of microtransactions in Star Wars Battlefront II in 2017, which eventually led to a complete overhaul of that game’s progression system. This background adds to player skepticism about how aggressively monetized Skate might become.
Industry experts suggest that testing payment systems early is crucial for free-to-play games, as these systems form the backbone of their revenue model. However, the timing has left some players concerned that gameplay features might take a backseat to monetization strategies.
EA has emphasized that the microtransactions will focus on cosmetic items only, though players remain cautious about potential content locks or gameplay advantages being sold in the future. The game has been in development for several years, with EA taking a community-focused approach through its ongoing playtest program.
