**Upcoming Season Three in EA’s Reboot of Skate: A Contentious Addition**
Next month, EA will unveil season three of its free-to-play reboot of *Skate*, presenting a major update: Grom, a skateable island. However, this new element raises concerns as it is purportedly behind a paywall, contradicting previous assurances made by EA prior to the game’s launch.
On February 19, EA and Full Circle released a blog outlining the changes arriving with *Skate’s* third season, scheduled to go live on March 10. The announcement of Grom thrilled many skaters, but the access conditions complicate the enthusiasm. During the initial month of the season, only players who buy the skate.Pass Premium will have full access to Grom. Those who choose not to invest in the battle pass will be barred from visiting the island until April, when a special event will allow all players access for a limited period. After the event, free access will revert exclusively to Premium pass holders, although non-paying players can buy a day pass using in-game currency.
The choice to restrict an island behind a paywall contradicts EA’s pledge made before *Skate’s* debut. In a video released in July 2022, developers asserted that new map areas would not be locked behind paywalls, a promise many believe is now broken as Grom appears to be an enhanced version of the tutorial island, which players have already navigated.
**Community Reaction**
Unsurprisingly, the feedback from the *Skate* community has been predominantly negative. Players have turned to social media and Reddit, expressing their discontent and highlighting the gap between EA’s initial promises and current actions. This dissatisfaction led the official *Skate* account on X to release a statement clarifying their standpoint.
In the statement, EA outlined their dedication to community engagement throughout the game’s development, admitting that plans can change when crafting in public. They reiterated their intention to heed player feedback and continually adapt *Skate* to meet community demands.
Despite acknowledging the challenges inherent in game development, the choice to confine an area behind a paywall has further diminished trust among players. EA had previously committed to avoiding paid loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics, leading many to question the credibility of these promises in light of the ongoing situation with Grom.
**Context of EA’s Business Choices**
Analysts theorize that EA’s motivations may arise from pressure to increase revenue, particularly following the company’s recent merger discussions that valued it at $55 billion. This profit-driven need might elucidate the company’s deviation from previously stated principles.
As season three nears, the community continues to deliberate the ramifications of these choices, weighing the significance of Grom against EA’s earlier commitments and the broader context of monetization within *Skate*.
