According to an alleged Origin API leak and other insider knowledge, Skate 4 may be closer than anybody had expected to be ready for playtesting.
eXputer and infamous leaker Tom Henderson claim to have found a reference to a Skate playtest in the Origin API. Although the API code has been deleted as of this writing, an alleged screenshot taken by eXputer clearly shows that it refers to Skate.
‘Skate 4’ is not referred to as such in the code; instead, it is simply referred to as a skateboard. This suggests that the game has undergone a rebranding, abandoning the numbered sequel practise in favour of a reboot.
The API does not mention a release date or any other specifics, but it does say that any progress made during the playtest will not be carried over to the final product.
eXputer reports that insiders have informed them that internal playtesting has been taking place for months, implying that Skate 4 is in the final stages of production at this time.
In addition, the source claims that Skate would feature cross-play, which contradicts earlier allegations that the game will be free-to-play.
When I wasn’t expecting it
Players will be surprised if this Skate playtest is approaching. In the summer of 2020, as part of EA Play Live, the new Skate was introduced and was stated to be in’very early’ development. If that’s the case, and we’re about to see a playtest, the game has come a long way.
This year’s EA Play event has been cancelled. We can at least be certain that the game won’t be making an appearance during the publisher’s summer presentation. Even though EA titles may be displayed at various exhibitions, such the Summer Game Fest, or even Xbox and PlayStation showcases, there is no central announcement event.
Even if EA doesn’t utilise a third-party event to announce this, it might just share the news on its own.
Regardless, it seems like the planned Skate 4 is moving forward, and fans of the series should expect to hear more about it in the near future.