Support NeoGAF

[Draugoth]

EA Adds Microtransactions To Skate's Closed Alpha

EA Skate has added microtransactions to the game while its still in a closed alpha state during playtests, Insider Gaming has learned.

insider-gaming.com

EA has officially added microtransactions to Skate's latest alpha. In an update message sent out to players, EA teased an "epic gameplay update" along with other "exciting" updates to the game.

One of those updates from developer Full Circle is the addition of microtransactions to the current Closed Alpha playtest. This, according to a message sent to players that has been provided to Insider Gaming.

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

gee, thanks.

 

[bitbydeath]

 

[HRK69]

They announced this a long time ago (not to dismiss OP or anything)

Skate’s developers say going free to play is a ‘natural evolution of the franchise’

It’s not quite the Skate 3 sequel you might have expected.

www.theverge.com

"I want it to be very clear that it's not a pay-to-win game."

As for the game's business model, Mocquard said the microtransactions are primarily going to be about cosmetics and convenience. "I want it to be very clear that it's not a pay-to-win game. There won't be any gameplay areas hidden exclusively behind a paywall. Players won't be able to buy any gameplay altering advantages." The team believes that "the best business models are based on respect, trust, and transparency," and they want to create "a healthy model that will allow us to continue investing back into the game," according to Mocquard. The team is also planning on having things like seasonal drops and live events in the game, "but we are still exploring different options."

 

[Antwix]

As someone who loved all 3 skate games, playing the previous alpha was really disappointing. Physics seems really off. That was like a year or two ago though. I got a email last week to do the playtest again so I'll check it out but I'm not optimistic about this game. Game is gonna be mtx hell.

 

[M.W.]

This game blows btw, stay far, far away at release.

 

[Deerock71]

For modern audiences.

 

[kiphalfton]

Obligatory "EA sucks"

 

[Itchy Tickles]

I'm still fighting against f2p (any type tbf) games that think selling "only cosmetics" is fine, when they used to be in game rewards for completing the game, missions, tasks etc but over the years it's all cut out of the game and sold back to you at a premium and in a lot of cases via gambling mechanics.

Did I see a pack for £87.99? Wtf. Also sponsored packs, like Nike, so they get paid to advertise and get money through sales? EA, please die you fucking pigs.

 

[Generic]

I'm still fighting against f2p (any type tbf) games that think selling "only cosmetics" is fine, when they used to be in game rewards for completing the game, missions, tasks etc but over the years it's all cut out of the game and sold back to you at a premium and in a lot of cases via gambling mechanics.

Did I see a pack for £87.99? Wtf. Also sponsored packs, like Nike, so they get paid to advertise and get money through sales? EA, please die you fucking pigs.

It's good because they give no competitive advantage.

 

[reinking]

It's good because they give no competitive advantage.

Just 'convenience' advantages.

 

[Mattyp]

It's good because they give no competitive advantage.

This, its the same as CoD skins who gives a fuck if you're not purchasing it. It's not pay to win mechanics like Uncharted.

 

[Spukc]

Let's turn everything to f2p sheit

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

I'm still fighting against f2p (any type tbf) games that think selling "only cosmetics" is fine, when they used to be in game rewards for completing the game, missions, tasks etc but over the years it's all cut out of the game and sold back to you at a premium and in a lot of cases via gambling mechanics.

Did I see a pack for £87.99? Wtf. Also sponsored packs, like Nike, so they get paid to advertise and get money through sales? EA, please die you fucking pigs.

Better than charging $70 like MH Wilds then still charging for cosmetics

 

[Seomel]

Im in this test, its actually lasting until early access this year. The thing is this game will be f2p. Im sure they are depending on that, but there are more things fhey should prioritize now. Character models are plain ugly they should fix them before they want people spending money on items for them, gameplay is still floaty too, feels bit weightless.

 

[CGNoire]

The Games visuals look like Absolute Dogshit.

 

[amigastar]

The Games visuals look like Absolute Dogshit.

Damn, that looks shitty. I guess i have to stay with Skate 1 and 2 on XBox360 after all with no mtx.
5 dollars for a skateboard with new graphic? GTFO here. EA should once again be ashamed of themselves.

 

[SunnySideGuy]

I mean, isn't it going to be F2P? It makes sense there will be a mtx store this shouldn't be a surprise in any way...

 

[CGNoire]

I mean, isn't it going to be F2P? It makes sense there will be a mtx store this shouldn't be a surprise in any way...

The visuala are the real letdown. Looka like the sims.

 

[Pakoe]

I mean, isn't it going to be F2P? It makes sense there will be a mtx store this shouldn't be a surprise in any way...

That's not the issue. When you add a macrotransaction store when the game isn't even released as a playable beta, that just shows what's most important to the devs.

 

[Rivdoric]

Electronic Ass

 

[Hypereides]

gee, thanks.

Don't mention it.

We got you covered, mate.

 

[Audiophile]

Looks like absolute trash slop, hope it crashes and burns.

 

[winjer]

 

[keefged4]

Actual cancer. How fucking greedy can you get

 

[Paasei]

F2P? Mtx in pre-release. Did this happen before?

 

[MMaRsu]

The Games visuals look like Absolute Dogshit.

The metal fence bends under the weight of the player?

 

[Spukc]

My brain added fuck all care to skate

 

[mitch1971]

'Making games is hard.'

'Adding a shop is a peace of piss.'

 

[RCX]

#notmyskate

also

#howdidyounotseethiscoming

 

[SunnySideGuy]

That's not the issue. When you add a macrotransaction store when the game isn't even released as a playable beta, that just shows what's most important to the devs.

If the game is going to be f2p dont they need to make money from stuff like this? I'd think it's more bizarre to have it in a $70 title, but they need to make money off of the skins for the game to survive if it's f2p, right? I assume that's important to get in early to balance not have scummy pricing modules that no one will support.

 

[Hudo]

I mean, EA said from the beginning that skate was going to be a F2P live-service game.

 

[CLW]

EA says hold my beer MS

EA Japans sole employee spoke too soon

 

[Antwix]

I've been skateboarding most of my life and I've played almost every skateboarding game ever released including all the skate games. I think the board physics and movement in this game is one of the best ever. That's really important. However, that's about all there is for the positives. This game is completely neutered from prior skate games in terms of gameplay. I've played several playtests of skate 4 and they have definitely improved it through the years but the actual stuff you do in the game is just boring. A lot of the challenges are just stupid and bland. I assume they'll add stuff like S-K-A-T-E at launch but this just seems like a game you hangout with friends with. idk. There's not a lot of competitive stuff in the current state that I've seen. Also, the fact that it's free to play means it'll have an insane amount of mtx in it. You basically have to spend real money to get any of the cool boards. The art style is also terrible. Sims 4 soulless looking ass shit.

 

[CGNoire]

I've been skateboarding most of my life and I've played almost every skateboarding game ever released including all the skate games. I think the board physics and movement in this game is one of the best ever. That's really important. However, that's about all there is for the positives. This game is completely neutered from prior skate games in terms of gameplay. I've played several playtests of skate 4 and they have definitely improved it through the years but the actual stuff you do in the game is just boring. A lot of the challenges are just stupid and bland. I assume they'll add stuff like S-K-A-T-E at launch but this just seems like a game you hangout with friends with. idk. There's not a lot of competitive stuff in the current state that I've seen. Also, the fact that it's free to play means it'll have an insane amount of mtx in it. You basically have to spend real money to get any of the cool boards. The art style is also terrible. Sims 4 soulless looking ass shit.

Yah the physics and gameplay do look fun. Which makes it so much more gutting that Id rather gut out my eyes than stare at those visuals while playing.

I dont know who this is aimed at but it sure ass hell doesnt in any way reflect skateboard culture. They keep saying "we want to heaf from fans" but no matter how much of the "majority" complain they keep going "ya ya ya...we hear you.....but" like why even waste our time with this bullshit?

 

[diffusionx]

I really wish they would just port Skate 1-3 to modern platforms and forget this business.

Skate 2 is easily one of my favorite games ever.

 

[Artistic]

This game blows btw, stay far, far away at release.

The small footage I've seen of it on IG makes it look over the top. I don't really want to grab Tony Hawk, but I might.

 

[Brakum]

They announced this a long time ago (not to dismiss OP or anything)

Skate’s developers say going free to play is a ‘natural evolution of the franchise’

It’s not quite the Skate 3 sequel you might have expected.

www.theverge.com

Your quote doesn't mention anything about an alpha. People expect this to have paid cosmetics, that wouldn't be newsworthy, what's newsworthy is having them in a CLOSED ALPHA.

 

[Antwix]

I really wish they would just port Skate 1-3 to modern platforms and forget this business.

Skate 2 is easily one of my favorite games ever.

I know everyone hates on xbox nowadays but 1, 2 and 3 are backwards compatible on series x, with 3 being enhanced to 4k60+hdr. it still holds up very nicely.

i would've loved a remake/remaster (like recent tony hawk games) as a whole complete package tho. that would've been sick.

 

[diffusionx]

I know everyone hates on xbox nowadays but 1, 2 and 3 are backwards compatible on series x, with 3 being enhanced to 4k60+hdr. it still holds up very nicely.

i would've loved a remake/remaster (like recent tony hawk games) as a whole complete package tho. that would've been sick.

I know, but I am pretty sure the servers for 1-2 are turned off (I think they turned on 3 a few years ago?) and #3 is my least favorite in the series.

 

[simpatico]

EA had better add some dev time to making a fully offline version of this game. F2P or not, we deserve to be able to play it and enjoy every feature until the end of time.

 

[M.W.]

Apparently the graphics are still "alpha state" and subject to change, hence the NDA. BUUUUUT it is a mobile game so I assume this is what we're getting.