EA urges fans not to download ‘cracked’ Skate 4 playtest

EA has urged fans not to download a cracked version of the ongoing Skate 4 playtest.

The closed playtest, which gives fans a chance to test out an early version of Skate 4 (currently simply titled Skate), has proven extremely popular, but within a few hours of launch the build had been cracked and circulated online for anyone to download.

In a statement responding to the crack, EA said “We’re aware of an earlier version of the game that has been distributed without our authorization. This build is from September 2021 and was never intended for external use”.

The statement, which commends the “positivity” and “overall amazing reaction” to the reboot, goes on to say: “While we understand you’re excited to get into the game, we encourage you to be careful when downloading files from unknown sources.”

EA is also quick to point out that downloading the cracked playtest is in violation of its Terms of Service, which can lead to a blanket ban across all EA products.

Instead, for those looking to get their first taste of the Skate franchise since the Xbox 360 and PS3 days, the playtest is still ongoing. EA says more invites to the closed test will be going out soon, and recommends players sign up here. 

Last week, several videos showing off the Skate 4 playtest leaked online.

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Players can sign-up now, if they can access EA's site

The upcoming reboot of the skating franchise, which has yet to be given an official title, is in development at Full Circle. The new Vancouver-based EA studio is headed up by former Xbox Live general manager Daniel McCulloch, who spent 15 years with Microsoft’s gaming business before departing in 2020.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson previously said he believes the company can grow the appeal of the Skate series by focusing on industry trends around user-generated content, open-worlds and community.