Rumor: Skate 4 Playtest Details Leak Online

gamerant.com:

Electronic Arts recently shared details regarding an upcoming closed alpha test for the next game in the Skate franchise. The Skate Insider Program will allow fans of the skateboarding franchise to offer feedback and potentially help shape the direction of Skate 4's development. Yet while the Skate Insider Program has yet to begin, it seems there may be an ongoing playtest the public hasn't heard of yet. Details from this Skate 4 playtest have been leaked, though the reliability of the leak is in question.

What makes the leak somewhat persuasive is that it includes a photo of what's said to be Skate 4's map. The photo reveals a large explorable area filled with unlockable areas, fast travel points, mission icons, and what could be other players. The leaker also explains that the map is made up of both entirely new areas and sections pulled from past Skate games. For example, the Community Center from the first Skate is near the middle of the map. The city itself is referred to as Fun City.

Skate Playtest Video Shows 'Pre-Pre-Pre-Alpha Gameplay'

Something that's particularly exciting is, as noted, the other player icons recognizable on the map. The leaker claims that EA is aiming for «around 60 people» per server for multiplayer. This open-map multiplayer isn't putting players in direct competition, however. There's no collision, at least for now. There's also an interesting feature where players can become spectators and cheer on other players' efforts. Further, players will have customizable emoji and audio «cheers» they can use for communication.

Progression is only loosely touched on. The leaker says that Skate 4's career mode is similar to Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, in that it revolves around skating as well as sharing