Skateboarding games have made a serious comeback in recent years—and at the center of fan anticipation is Skate 4, the highly-awaited sequel to EA’s beloved Skate series. With the return of titles like Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 gaining traction in the community, gamers are eager to see how Skate 4 will revitalize the genre.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know so far about Skate 4, including its release date, gameplay features, comparisons to Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4, and what fans can expect from the new era of skateboarding video games.
What Is Skate 4?
Skate 4 is the long-awaited follow-up to Skate 3, the critically acclaimed open-world skateboarding game released by EA Black Box back in 2010. Over a decade later, EA confirmed the development of the next entry in the franchise, currently being worked on by a new studio, Full Circle.
Skate 4 aims to continue the legacy of its predecessors with realistic physics, user-generated content, and a strong community-first approach. Unlike Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, which leans more arcade-style, Skate 4 is known for its authentic feel and innovative “flick-it” control system.
Skate 4 Release Date: When Is It Coming?
One of the biggest questions among fans is the Skate 4 release date. While EA hasn’t confirmed a precise launch date as of mid-2025, they have stated that Skate 4 is still in development and undergoing live playtesting phases.
Recent updates from Full Circle suggest that Skate 4 will follow a live service model, evolving over time rather than dropping as a full package all at once. The developers also confirmed it will be free-to-play, which has sparked mixed reactions but promises ongoing updates and community content.
Skate 4 Release Timeline (Speculated):
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Announcement: June 2020
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Development Studio: Full Circle formed in 2021
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Pre-alpha gameplay: Teased in 2022
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Beta testing: Limited invites in 2023 and 2024
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Expected launch window: Late 2025 to early 2026
If you're tracking Skate 4’s release date, keep an eye on EA Play events or announcements from Full Circle for new trailers and updates.
Gameplay Features and New Mechanics
While Skate 4 keeps the core “flick-it” control system, it's also introducing new features to modernize the experience.
Highlights of Skate 4 Gameplay:
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Free-to-play model with cosmetic-only monetization
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Multiplayer-focused open-world gameplay
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Advanced park creation tools
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Seamless user-generated content sharing
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Cross-platform play expected
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Live world with events, competitions, and seasonal updates
The emphasis on player creativity and social elements is reminiscent of how modern multiplayer games operate—think Fortnite or Roblox, but for skating.
Skate 4 vs Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4: What’s the Difference?
It’s impossible to talk about Skate 4 without comparing it to the OG giant—Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4. While both games fall under the same genre, they appeal to different styles of gameplay.
Realism vs Arcade:
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Skate 4 focuses on realistic physics and street-style tricks, making every move feel earned.
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Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 is built around arcade-style combos and flashy tricks, perfect for fast-paced gameplay.
Game Structure:
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Skate 4 offers a sandbox world where players can skate anywhere with friends.
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Pro Skater 4 uses a level-based progression system with goals and challenges.
Community:
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Skate 4 is being designed with community integration, mod tools, and live services.
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Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 had limited multiplayer and community tools due to its era.
Fans of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 might still find Skate 4 enjoyable, but it’s definitely tailored to those who love a more grounded and immersive skating experience.
Platforms and Availability
EA has confirmed that Skate 4 will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and is rumored to support cloud gaming via services like Xbox Cloud and possibly GeForce Now.
Confirmed Platforms:
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PC (Steam and EA App)
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PlayStation 5
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Xbox Series X|S
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Mobile version teased (TBD)
The cross-platform capabilities are a major draw for the community, especially with the ability to create and share skate parks or clips with friends on different devices.
Is Skate 4 Worth the Wait?
Absolutely. The level of community engagement, transparency from developers, and modern gameplay enhancements make Skate 4 one of the most promising titles in the sports gaming genre. For those who’ve been waiting since 2010, the announcement and development progress are reassuring signs that the game will be worth the wait.
Skateboarding Is Back in a Big Way
With Skate 4 pushing the boundaries of user-generated content and online play, it could redefine how skateboarding games operate in the modern gaming era. While fans continue to look back fondly on Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4, the future is clearly pointing toward Skate 4 as the next big evolution in the genre.
So, whether you're a veteran skater from the THPS era or a new player looking for immersive skating realism, Skate 4 is shaping up to be a must-play.
