I suppose this isn’t a huge surprise but EA announced plans to release SKATE 3 next year; May 2010 to be exact.  Players will now be able to team up to build the ultimate skate crew in the definitive skateboarding co-op experience.  In SKATE 3, players take part in team-based challenges, compete against rival crews and leave their mark on the all-new skater’s paradise, Port Carverton.

“The social and community aspects of the SKATE franchise are something we’ve always embraced, but we’ve never done anything to the scale you’re going to see in SKATE 3,” said Senior Producer, Jason DeLong. “We’re giving gamers a very unique experience by providing them with the tools they need to build their ultimate team or to create a team comprised entirely of their online friends. From there, it’s all about proving yourself – teaming up, and throwing down.”

Players who pre-order SKATE 3 get an unlock code that gives them exclusive access to the iconic Black Box Distribution Skate Park, home turf of Zero, Mystery, and Fallen skate teams. Black Box Distribution was founded in 2000 by Jamie Thomas, and houses and distributes some of skateboarding’s biggest selling brands .

More details on SKATE 3 will naturally be shared as the release approaches.  I’ve really enjoyed both SKATE games so far so I expect nothing less from the third.  It’s the best skating franchise on the market right now.