The highly anticipated reboot of EA’s skateboarding franchise, Skate, boasts an impressive musical landscape that mirrors the diverse culture of skateboarding itself. After a fifteen-year hiatus since Skate 3’s release in 2010, EA’s Full Circle studio has curated over 100 songs spanning multiple genres to accompany players as they explore the fictional world of San Vansterdam.
The soundtrack, which has been in development for four years, features an unexpected mix of established and emerging artists. Among the notable names are hardcore punk band Turnstile, acclaimed rapper Denzel Curry, and legendary hip-hop artist MF Doom. British rapper Little Simz also makes an appearance, adding international flavor to the collection. Soul legends Earth, Wind & Fire are also featured, adding a classic dimension to the game’s musical offerings.
From punk icons to hip-hop legends, Skate’s soundtrack weaves together diverse musical voices that resonate with skateboarding’s global culture.
Perhaps most surprising to longtime fans of the franchise are inclusions of indie rock band Wallows and Australian duo Royel Otis, signaling the game’s intention to appeal to a broad audience while maintaining its connection to skateboarding culture.
Players will have access to three curated playlists within the game, each designed around different moods and styles. The innovative “Like” system allows skaters to build personalized collections from tracks they discover while exploring San Vansterdam. Music discovery itself becomes part of the gameplay, as new songs can be revealed by visiting specific skate spots throughout the open world. The game implements visual content strategies similar to music marketing techniques to engage players and boost soundtrack awareness.
EA has confirmed that the soundtrack will continue to evolve through seasonal updates, ensuring fresh content for players long after the game’s launch. The game’s free to play model will make this expansive musical experience accessible to all players regardless of platform. This approach to music integration reflects modern consumption habits while paying homage to skateboarding’s deep connection with music across genres from punk to hip-hop to alternative.
Early reception from test players has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the diverse selection that manages to capture both nostalgic elements from skateboarding’s musical heritage and contemporary sounds that reflect today’s scene. For the featured artists, inclusion in the game represents a valuable sync deal opportunity that can generate significant royalties while introducing their music to new audiences.
The soundtrack represents a key component of Full Circle’s strategy to differentiate Skate in the competitive skateboarding game market while maintaining authenticity to the culture it portrays.
