### Changes at Full Circle: Staff Layoffs and the Future of Skate
The development team at Full Circle, responsible for the early access skateboarding game *Skate*, published by Electronic Arts, recently announced significant changes within the studio, including employee layoffs. In a blog post, the studio described these changes as a transformation aimed at enhancing its focus on the long-term future of *Skate* and improving its responsiveness to community feedback.
Full Circle stated, “We’re reshaping Full Circle to better support Skate’s long-term future and focus the team on the things that matter most to you – and making those things great.” Although the studio has not disclosed the exact number of staff affected, the announcement emphasized the impact on valuable team members who contributed significantly to the game’s development. Full Circle reassured the community that these layoffs do not reflect the contributions of the departing employees and expressed a commitment to supporting them through this transition.
Despite these challenges, the remaining team aims to increase efficiency and responsiveness: they plan to “move faster, listen more closely, and deliver consistently,” although questions remain on how a reduced team size will facilitate these objectives.
In a recent update, Full Circle outlined how they would communicate future changes and developments regarding the game. They indicated a shift in approach to sharing information about new features, distinguishing between what is actively in development and what is still under consideration without a definitive timeline. This transparency aims to clarify the game’s progress and manage community expectations better.
For instance, the studio removed the “Open World Collection” from the roadmap to concentrate on more socially-focused features, such as Meetups and Turn-Based Competitive Modes, which have been identified as high priorities based on player feedback.
In light of these developments, there is a sense of solidarity with those affected by the layoffs at Full Circle. To gain deeper insights into *Skate* and its place within skateboarding culture, J.C. Rodriguez’s article from November offers valuable perspectives on the game’s evolution and its significance in the broader landscape of skate culture.
