Skate Is Placing A Long-Term Bet On Its Community

Here is a 175-word summary of the news article: The long-awaited return of the Skate franchise is coming in the form of a free-to-play, live-service game called Skate. Developed by Full Circle, a team of series veterans, Skate will launch in early access on September 16 across multiple platforms. The game is set in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, where the skating community is trying to reclaim their territory from a corporate conglomerate. The story provides a narrative framework, but the core focus is on the skating itself, which features the series' signature Flick-It control system, as well as new additions like parkour and air tricks. Skate is placing a significant emphasis on building a robust community, with support for up to 150 players in each hub. However, the live-service model also introduces elements like challenge-based progression, a cosmetic loot box system, and a dynamic soundtrack that includes both licensed and royalty-free music. The developers are aiming to cater to both newcomers and long-time fans, but the early access period will be crucial in determining if Skate can strike the right balance and maintain its momentum.