skate. developers introduce paid location access as players accuse studio of broken promises

Full Circle has unveiled the roadmap for the third season of skate., but the announcement of the upcoming update has ignited a wave of community backlash.

The developers revealed plans to expand the game’s introductory zone, officially naming the location “Isle of Grom.” This updated area will feature fresh districts and skate spots that were absent from the initial early access launch. However, access to the island will be rolled out in stages, with a significant portion of the entry requirements tied to a premium subscription.

From March 10 until April 14, the Isle of Grom will be restricted exclusively to premium members. Following this, the island will open to the general public from April 14 to May 5 as part of a dedicated in-game event. Once the event concludes on May 5, players without a subscription will only be able to access the zone through a limited system, requiring them to spend in-game currency for 24-hour passes. While the area is technically free-to-play, the implementation of time gates and the necessity for resource grinding has frustrated many fans.

This shift in strategy has sparked significant discontent. Users were quick to remind the studio of previous assurances that no map locations would be locked behind paywalls. In response to the backlash, the developers noted that “sometimes plans must evolve,” a statement that has done little to soothe the community.

In addition to the controversial map expansion, Season 3 will introduce several new licensed brands, an updated catalog of cosmetic items, and a new “Premium+” tier. The developers have promised to share further details regarding the full scope of the season’s content in the near future.

Source: iXBT.games