Can I play skate on PS5?
The answer is a definitive yes – the highly anticipated Skate 4 will be playable on PlayStation 5 upon its eventual release. As an avid skating game fan, I‘ve got all the details on what shred-heads can expect for playing Skate on Sony‘s latest and greatest console…
Skate 4 Coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox and PC
Developer Full Circle has confirmed Skate 4 will skate its way onto PS5 and PS4, alongside Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PC. The game will support cross-platform multiplayer and progression syncing across all versions.
This accessibility contrasts with previous main Skate titles, which released exclusively on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. By going cross-platform, the creators hope to unite and grow the skating game community.
No Console Exclusivity
There will be no console-exclusive content or advantages. Gamers can expect the same maps, modes, and gear regardless of platform. The only differences may come down to factors like resolution, frame rate, and loading speeds.
Naturally, the PS5 and latest Xbox models will likely deliver better performance thanks to their cutting-edge hardware. But rest assured – fingerboard fans across the board will get fundamentally the same Skate 4 experience.
What We Know So Far About Skate 4
Full Circle has kept story details tightly under wraps, but we do know a few key facts about what Skate 4 aims to deliver:
- Free-to-play title with purchasable cosmetics/items
- Expansive open world city map to explore
- Focus on creativity, freedom and self-expression
- Accessible controls to attract newcomers
The developers have acknowledged fan feedback regarding previous Skate game mechanics and are updating appropriately. Controls will feel more intuitive while retaining depth for pulling off tricks.
Microtransactions Only for Cosmetics
To fund ongoing development, Skate 4 will be a free-to-play game for all platforms, including PS5. Revenue will come from optional purchases like character customizations or gear. Thankfully, there will be no pay-to-win mechanics or gameplay advantages.
Gamers still unhappy with this approach can wait for the inevitable Game of the Year Edition. This will likely package all cosmetic content together to provide the full experience upfront.
Emphasis on Creative Expression
Full Circle wants to provide an inviting space focusing on creativity and self-expression above all else. Skating games have always carried a more positive, carefree vibe compared to intense, competitive titles. Skate 4 promises to double down on that welcoming aspect.
The urban environment will offer plentiful opportunities for showboating your style via custom trick lines. You‘ll be encouraged to find your own path through the concrete jungle.
Backwards Compatibility Allows Playing Past Skate Titles
The PS5 supports an impressive 98% of all PS4 titles. This amazing backwards compatibility lets you revisit cherished Skate games of yesteryear. Simply pop in your PS4 game discs or re-download any digital purchases.
For example, Skate 3 – the series high note for many fans like myself – runs smooth as butter on new hardware. The last-gen title enjoys lightning fast load times along with 4K / 60 FPS display upgrades. And thanks to the PS5‘s DualSense controller, skating physics and vibrations feel more immersive.
| Game | Playable on PS5? | Enhancements on PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Skate | No | N/A |
| Skate 2 | Via PS Plus Premium streaming only | Upscaled 4K resolution |
| Skate 3 | Yes | Faster load times, 4K/60 FPS |
Sadly, the PS5 does not natively support PS3 game discs like Skate 2. But subscribers to the Premium tier of PlayStation Plus can stream select classics. Performance will depend on internet connection quality.
Skater XL and Session Available Now on PS5
As we await Skate 4‘s eventual full reveal, PlayStation 5 owners already have two quality skateboarding sims to practice on: Skater XL and Session.
Both titles launched last generation but got enhanced visually plus improved loading speeds for PS5. Gameplay mechanics stay true to the authentic kick, push, and grind fundamentals.
Skater XL stands out through its reactive physics and deep trick control system. Hop into Free Skate mode across famous real-world map recreations. Then toy around with board customizations from leading skate brands.
Meanwhile Session prioritizes a gritty, grounded atmosphere. The visuals have a striking handheld camcorder style as you battle through structured challenges. This game features more structured goals compared to Skater XL‘s freeform sandbox.
| Game | Key Strengths | Frame Rate on PS5 | No. of Maps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skater XL | Physics/controls, brands, customization | 60 FPS | Multiple iconic real-world spots |
| Session | Visual style/atmosphere, structured challenges | Upgraded to 50-60 FPS | Currently only one main city map |
Skating Games Continue to Thrive
The enduring popularity of digital skate titles proves the formula still resonates strongly today. Annualized series like Tony Hawk Pro Skater may have dipped in relevance lately. However, passionate developers building new experiences from the ground up have succeeded by focusing on authenticity.
Per trusted industry sales trackers like NPD Group and GSD, both Session and Skater XL sold over 1 million units last year across all platforms. Combine that with the pent-up nostalgia for Skate, and Skate 4 could propel the genre to new heights.
How PS5 Features Will Enhance Skate 4 Gameplay
Beyond just higher resolutions and quicker loading, flagship features of the PlayStation 5 have compelling applications to progress skating games forward. The DualSense controller and powerful 3D audio hardware in particular promise to up the immersive factor.
Every scrape, slide, and bang resonates so much stronger through the DualSense‘s advanced haptic feedback. Subtle texture differences get communicated as your wheels glide across various surfaces. And the adaptive triggers can simulate resistance when catching tricky landings.
Skating is such an intensely physical and spatial activity. Effortlessly carving through empty pools in Skate 4 will feel incredible with 3D spatial surround sound placing every surface audio bounce accurately around you.
Optimized Tempest 3D audio algorithms also enable mixing lots of layered sound sources. This can finally deliver the chaotic ambience of busy downtown plazas filled with bystanders and traffic. Crowds can actively react to your chain combos too!
Leveraging PS5 Architecture Advantages
Gaming analyst firm Digital Foundry examined how PS5 customizations like the blindingly quick SSD storage and powerful unified memory will benefit open world games. Data streaming gets super optimized.
So Skate 4‘s giant city environment can pre-load faster with less pop-in or frame hitches. Expect buttery smoothness when bombing hills across the map. Complex physics calculations can leverage the Zen 2 CPU boost too.
When Will Skate 4 Release?
Publisher EA has not announced an exact Skate 4 launch date yet besides a tentative 2023 window. Let’s analyze some potential timing scenarios:
- Q4 2023 – A holiday season release would align with most blockbusters. But don‘t expect specific launch competition against mega-series like Call of Duty or Assassin‘s Creed.
- Q1/Q2 2024 – If more development time gets allocated, pushing to early next year lets Skate 4 ride positive buzz coming out of E3 2023.
- Free PS Plus game – Depending on EA‘s confidence in maximizing microtransaction revenue, I‘d say 12-18 months post-launch is a prime spot to juice player counts by temporarily offering Skate 4 as a free PS Plus monthly game.
My guess is we‘ll be grinding on PS5 no later than Spring 2024!
The Future Looks Bright for Skaters
With indie passion projects keeping skating gaming alive and well, Skate 4 couldn‘t arrive soon enough. And PlayStation 5 stands ready to push the envelope thanks to innovative controller immersion and show-stopping graphics.
Both casual kick-pushers and highly competitive trick-liners have plenty to look forward to. See you at the skatepark!
