Skate's $35 Dead Space Skin: Pre-Launch Outcry & Fan Reaction
Last Updated: November 7, 2025
Electronic Arts and developer Full Circle faced a groundswell of criticism from players after a cosmetic bundle in their upcoming free-to-play title, Skate, appeared with a price tag that many labeled "absurd." During a closed playtest, a crossover bundle allowing players to dress their skater as Isaac Clarke from the acclaimed Dead Space series was discovered with a cost of approximately $35. The fan reaction was not one of excitement, but of swift and overwhelming condemnation, setting a troubled tone for the game's monetization strategy long before its official release.
The Price of Nostalgia: A High-Cost Crossover
During a pre-release playtest for the highly anticipated revival of the Skate franchise, players exploring the in-game store discovered the ‘Isaac Clarke Burnished Set.’ While the idea of a crossover between two beloved EA properties was initially intriguing, the enthusiasm was immediately extinguished by sticker shock. To acquire the set, players had to purchase multiple packs of the game’s premium currency, with the total cost amounting to roughly $35 USD.
Compounding the community's frustration was the cosmetic's design. Fans on Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and gaming forums lambasted the outfit for its deliberately low-fidelity, do-it-yourself aesthetic, with many likening it to a cheap costume made of cardboard and duct tape. While this was likely a stylistic choice meant to fit Skate's street-level vibe, it backfired spectacularly. For many, the idea of paying more than half the price of a full AAA release like the Dead Space remake for a single, stylized outfit that looked deliberately shabby felt indefensible.
Community Reacts: "It Was Free and Better in Skate 3"
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Players expressed profound dismay, viewing the bundle as a predatory monetization practice being tested before the game had even established its core systems. The situation was made exponentially worse when veteran fans pointed out a damning historical precedent: a higher-quality, fully detailed Isaac Clarke skin was available in Skate 3 as a free unlockable.
This comparison became the centerpiece of the community's outrage. The contrast was stark: a beloved legacy title offered a superior crossover cosmetic for free, while the new free-to-play iteration was asking for a premium price for what was perceived as an inferior "cardboard" version. This wasn't just about a single overpriced item; it was seen as a betrayal of the franchise's pro-consumer legacy. The original trilogy is revered for its authenticity and value, and fans feared this was a clear signal that the new Skate was pivoting towards the aggressive monetization models that have soured players on other free-to-play titles.
A Troubling Precedent for a Pre-Release Game
Testing in-game economies during beta phases is standard industry practice, but this instance served as a cautionary tale. By introducing such a high-priced, low-perceived-value item to a passionate and protective fanbase, EA and Full Circle severely damaged player trust. The incident immediately drew parallels to EA's past monetization controversies, most notably the launch of Star Wars Battlefront II, reigniting fears that the publisher was once again testing the limits of player tolerance rather than building a fair and sustainable ecosystem.
For a franchise like Skate, built on a foundation of authenticity and community goodwill, this was a particularly dangerous misstep. The core issue became one of trust. The feedback from these early playtests is meant to be invaluable, and the message sent by the community was unequivocal: this pricing model was unacceptable. The controversy became a flashpoint for broader anxieties about the game's direction and whether its free-to-play nature would come at the cost of its soul.
Conclusion: A Critical Lesson for Full Circle
The controversy over the $35 Isaac Clarke skin became more than a debate over a digital costume; it was a defining moment in Skate's development journey. The development team at Full Circle has consistently stated its desire to build the game alongside the community. This incident was their first major test, and the passionate feedback served as a stark wake-up call.
While the studio has yet to finalize the game's economy, the "cardboard Isaac" incident will forever be a part of its story. It set a clear boundary for the community and demonstrated that goodwill is a finite resource. How the developers ultimately choose to price and structure Skate's in-game store at launch will be judged against the memory of this misstep. A fun crossover meant to celebrate two iconic franchises inadvertently became a critical lesson on the importance of value, legacy, and respecting your audience in the modern free-to-play market.