The gaming industry is facing a turbulent time, and the beloved Skate franchise is not immune. In a shocking turn of events, Full Circle, the studio behind the popular Skate series, has announced a restructuring that involves laying off an unknown number of employees.
But here's the catch: Full Circle, owned by Electronic Arts, claims this move is to "better support Skate's long-term future." A bold statement, but one that raises questions. Is this a strategic decision or a cost-cutting measure? The studio's LinkedIn profile lists 200 staff, but the exact number of affected employees remains a mystery.
The blog post reassures fans that the team's dedication and creativity will live on in the game, but the impact on individuals is undeniable. Senior artist Tyler De Block, among others, shared the news of their layoff, expressing the emotional toll and the sense of community lost. With Skate 4's early access launch last year and its impressive player count, the timing of these layoffs is puzzling.
And this isn't an isolated incident. EA has a recent history of job cuts, with 200 jobs eliminated in April 2025, and additional layoffs at Respawn Entertainment. The publisher justifies these decisions as necessary for "future growth." But here's where it gets controversial: are these layoffs truly in the best interest of the games and their players, or is there more to the story?
As the gaming community grapples with these changes, one can't help but wonder about the future of the industry. Will the beloved Skate series continue to thrive, or is this a sign of more challenges to come? The impact of these decisions is far-reaching, and the community's support for affected developers is crucial. What do you think? Is this a necessary evil for the gaming industry's evolution, or a concerning trend that warrants further scrutiny?
