• Isle of Grom: Expanded tutorial island with new playable spots and skate areas.
  • Premium Early Access: March 10 to April 14 (Skate Pass Premium subscribers only).
  • Limited Free Access: April 14 to May 5 (Open to all via in-game event).
  • Rip Chip Tickets: Post-event access costs 500 Rip Chips for a 24-hour "ticket" for non-premium players.
  • New Partner: Adidas branding coming to Skate Pass rewards.
  • Store Update: Improved navigation for cosmetic items.
  • New Pass Tier: "Premium+" option added to the Skate Pass.

The Broken Promise: Paywalling the Map

We’ve been following Skate’s development closely, and while the game is still in Early Access on PS5 and PS4, developer Full Circle just hit a major nerve with the community. The studio previously promised that map areas would not be locked behind paywalls. That promise just went up in smoke with the announcement of the Isle of Grom.

The Isle of Grom is an expansion of the tutorial island we all know, beefed up with fresh spots and lines. However, instead of just dropping the map for everyone, the team is implementing a convoluted access system that feels like a massive step back for player goodwill. We believe this move misses the mark, especially for a game that needs to keep its F2P player base engaged without feeling nickel-and-dimed.

The Convoluted Access Schedule

The rollout for the Isle of Grom is anything but straightforward. Here is the breakdown of how Full Circle is gating this content:

  • Phase 1 (March 10 – April 14): Strictly for Skate Pass Premium holders. If you don't pay, you don't play.
  • Phase 2 (April 14 – May 5): A temporary "Open Access" window where everyone can join the session during a special event.
  • Phase 3 (May 5 – June 2): This is where it gets messy. Non-premium players have to spend 500 Rip Chips (the earnable in-game currency) to buy a ticket. This ticket only grants access for 24 real-time hours.

In our view, the "ticket" system is a grindy, restrictive hoop that feels entirely unnecessary for a map expansion. Fans are rightfully riled up, noting that this directly contradicts earlier developer statements.

"Plans Have to Change": The Developer Defense

Full Circle isn't ignoring the backlash, but their defense is the classic "Early Access" card. The official response on social media states: "We launched skate. in Early Access so we could build it with players, not behind closed doors... Yes, sometimes plans have to change."

While we agree that game development is fluid, walking back a foundational promise about map monetization this early in the game's life cycle is a risky play. It risks fracturing the community before the game even hits its 1.0 release.

Season 3 Extras: Adidas and Darkslides

Outside of the map controversy, Season 3 is bringing some standard QoL and content updates. We’re seeing big-name branding with Adidas joining the rewards track, which should help the Skate Pass feel a bit more high-end. The store is also getting a much-needed overhaul to make browsing cosmetics less of a chore.

For those who want to spend more, a new Premium+ tier is being added to the Skate Pass, though details on the exact perks remain thin. Looking further ahead, Full Circle is teasing "darkslides" and "grittier streets"—mechanics and aesthetic shifts that the veteran community has been hungry for since day one.

Our Take: A Dangerous Precedent

We’ve seen plenty of F2P titles lose their way by over-monetizing the world itself. Skate's strength is its community and the shared experience of finding new lines. By putting a "ticket" price on a map area—even if it's via earnable currency—Full Circle is adding friction where there should be flow. We’ll be watching closely to see if the player backlash forces another "change of plans" before March 10.