Skate 4: How Long Has It Actually Been In Development?

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The much-anticipated Skate 4, now officially titled simply Skate., has been a dream for fans for over a decade. But just how long has Skate. actually been in development? Let's dive into the timeline.

The Long Road to Skate.

Rumors and fan petitions swirled for years, clamoring for a new installment in the beloved skateboarding franchise. EA, the game's publisher, remained largely silent, fueling both hope and despair among the Skate faithful.

  • 2010 - Skate 3 Release: Skate 3 hit consoles, becoming an instant classic and setting the bar high for future skateboarding games.
  • 2010-2018 - Years of Silence: Despite the constant demand, EA showed no signs of developing a sequel. Fans took to social media, using hashtags like #Skate4 to voice their desires.
  • 2018 - "Skate 4" Teased: In a surprising move, EA acknowledged the demand during an EA Play event. While not a formal announcement, it was the first official hint that Skate 4 was being considered.
  • 2020 - Official Announcement: EA officially announced that Skate. was in development. This sent waves of excitement throughout the gaming community.

The Development Timeline

Since the official announcement in 2020, the development of Skate. has been a journey of its own. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 2020-2021 - Early Development & Team Building: EA's announcement was followed by the formation of a new studio, Full Circle, dedicated to the Skate franchise. This period was focused on assembling the team and laying the groundwork for the game.
  • 2021-2022 - Playtesting and Community Input: Full Circle emphasized community involvement, releasing early gameplay footage and inviting players to participate in playtests. This transparent approach aimed to ensure the game resonated with long-time fans.
  • 2023 - Continued Development and Refinement: Throughout 2023, the development team continued to refine the game based on community feedback. Various behind-the-scenes looks and development diaries were released, keeping fans engaged.
  • 2024 - Anticipated Release/Further Updates: As of late 2024, there is still no firm release date. It is expected to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.

So, to answer the initial question: While the dream of Skate 4 existed for over a decade, the actual development has been ongoing since around 2020, making it approximately 4-5 years in the making.

Why the Wait?

The extended development time reflects EA and Full Circle's commitment to delivering a high-quality skateboarding experience. By involving the community early and focusing on creating an authentic Skate feel, they aim to avoid the pitfalls of rushed game development.

What to Expect from Skate.

  • Open World Exploration: A vast, explorable world filled with unique spots and challenges.
  • Customization: Extensive character and skatepark customization options.
  • Community Focus: Features designed to encourage player interaction and content sharing.

Final Thoughts

The wait for Skate. has been long, but the dedication to quality and community involvement suggests it will be worth it. Keep an eye on official channels for the latest updates and prepare to hit the streets (virtually) when Skate. finally arrives. For more information, check out the official Skate. website.