EA has already added microtransactions to Skate in its closed alpha phase
Despite the fact that the game is not publicly playable and therefore inaccessible to the majority of fans, EA has already implemented microtransactions in the closed alpha version of Skate in order to provide a "positive experience" with its in-game store.
The details:
Developer Full Circle recently announced that "exciting updates" are on the way for the Skate closed alpha, which is currently available to a select group of players who signed up for the playtest. However, as reported by Insider Gaming, one of Full Circle’s exciting updates introduces a premium in-game currency called "San Van Bucks" to the game, which can be purchased with real-world money.
The currency is used to purchase cosmetics from the in-game store, and all purchases will be converted back into San Van Bucks when Skate launches in early access later this year. However, there is no way to convert the currency back to real-world money, and players must use the same EA account for both the playtest and early access to use their converted San Van Bucks.
Full Circle says it added microtransactions to ensure players have a "positive experience when purchasing items from the Skate store," with the developer open to feedback.
Skate was a free-to-play title across all platforms, so microtransactions were guaranteed to be included in the full game. A mobile version is also in the works, but it is expected to be released later, with full cross-play and cross-progression support.
More gaming news:
Xbox is reportedly planning to release its highly-anticipated handheld system later this year, with a new console generation set to begin in 2027.
Niantic has announced that it is selling Pokémon Go and its other third-party games to Scopely for $3.5 billion.
