# EA Launches Real-Money Purchases in Skate’s Closed Alpha, Igniting Community Debate
The cherished **Skate** franchise is set for a highly awaited comeback, as **Electronic Arts (EA)** and developer **Full Circle** gear up for an early access debut in **2025**. However, recent actions during the game’s **closed alpha** have ignited discussions within the gaming community. EA has rolled out **microtransactions** in the current alpha testing, enabling players to acquire in-game currency using real money—despite the game not having an official release date yet.
## Microtransactions During an Alpha Test?
Per **Insider Gaming**, Full Circle communicated through an **in-game message** that **real-money transactions** would now be available in the closed alpha. Players are able to purchase **San Van Bucks**, the virtual currency of the game, to acquire **cosmetic items** in the in-game shop.
The developers defended this move by expressing their intention to **evaluate the purchasing system** to confirm that acquiring items in the store creates a **“positive experience”** for players. They also stated that player input would aid in enhancing the game’s **early access launch**.
### What Happens to Acquired Items?
A significant worry is that **all progress made in the alpha version will reset** once early access begins. This implies that any **purchased items will be erased**, though the **San Van Bucks spent will be returned** to the players’ accounts. While this guarantees that players won’t lose real funds, it still prompts concerns regarding the need for introducing microtransactions at this initial stage.
## Community Responses: Split Opinions
The decision to incorporate **real-money transactions in an incomplete game** has sparked a fervent debate among supporters. While some players view this as a **greedy stance by EA**, others contend that it is a **standard industry norm**.
### **Player Criticisms**
Numerous players have voiced **fury** over EA’s decision, labeling it an **unethical act**. Some argue that microtransactions should be absent in a game still under development. Here are some community reactions:
– **“Microtransactions in an alpha are absolutely ludicrous, do not fall for this money-laundering scheme at any cost.”** – *Lanky-Minimum5063 (Reddit)*
– **“I’m almost shocked they didn’t kick off with microtransactions first, only to add the actual game later.”** – *CatatonicMan (Reddit)*
### **Support for the Decision**
Conversely, some players maintain that testing microtransactions during an alpha phase is **not unusual** and can yield essential data for developers. Several highlighted that other games like **Valorant** adopted similar systems during their beta testing:
– **“I don’t mean to play devil’s advocate, but didn’t Riot do something similar during the Valorant beta without anyone complaining?”** – *LordMohid (Reddit)*
– **“There are various reasons to test something: value assessment, popularity of different options, quality assurance, etc. The mere fact that they are paid with real money simply provides more genuine data.”** – *Zerothian (Reddit)*
## Implications for Skate’s Future
The **Skate reboot** was initially revealed in **2020** and is aimed to be a **free-to-play** title, with **microtransactions** positioned as its main revenue stream. The developers have reassured fans that the game will not feature **Pay-to-Win (P2W) elements** and will not offer **loot boxes for sale**—instead, players can earn them through in-game tricks.
While EA’s choice to implement **real-money purchases in an alpha testing phase** is contentious, it also underscores the rising trend of **monetization in live-service titles**. Whether this strategy will ultimately favor the game or disenfranchise its fanbase is yet to be determined.
What are your thoughts? Should microtransactions be trialed in an alpha version, or is EA introducing monetization too soon? Share your opinions with us!