Season three of Skate 4 is set to launch on March 10, bringing a new skating area called Grom. The island is an expanded version of the game’s tutorial environment, offering additional areas for players to explore. While the update adds content for skaters, access to Grom is not fully open for all players. EA and developer Full Circle have implemented a system where players either need a premium pass or in-game currency to access the island outside of a special event window.
According to the official announcement, skate.Pass Premium holders will be able to visit Grom without restrictions during the first month of the season. Players who do not own the premium pass will have temporary access in April during a “grand opening” event. After this event, free-to-play users will need to spend 500 rip chips, the game’s earned currency, to buy a one-day pass. This approach effectively limits the island to paying or grinding players for most of the season.
Controversy Over Paywalled Content
The decision to restrict access has sparked debate within the Skate 4 community. Before the game launched in September last year, EA stated that map areas would not be locked behind paywalls as part of its free-to-play design. Grom’s limited access has been criticized as a departure from that promise, especially since the island is largely similar to the tutorial area, with only modest additions.
Social media platforms such as X and Reddit saw a wave of discussion and criticism from players pointing out the discrepancy between the prior commitments and the new access model. In response, EA noted that Skate 4 is an early access title, developed with ongoing player feedback, and that plans sometimes change during live development.
Monetization and Player Trust
The move has raised broader questions about monetization practices in Skate 4. EA previously stated the game would not include paid loot boxes or pay-to-win systems. Some players have expressed concern that placing an island behind a premium paywall could set a precedent for future content restrictions. The issue is compounded by EA’s current business context, including reports of a proposed sale involving investors connected to Saudi Arabia, which may contribute to pressure to generate additional revenue.
Despite the criticism, Grom remains the key feature of the season, and premium users will have full access immediately upon release. Free-to-play users will experience limited access unless they participate in the event or spend in-game currency.
Future of Seasonal Updates in Skate 4
The Grom rollout highlights challenges in balancing live service content with player expectations. While EA and Full Circle have stated they are listening to community feedback, the situation has raised awareness about how free-to-play games manage new content and monetization. Whether EA adjusts access policies in response to player reaction remains to be seen.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Grom Island be available in Skate 4?
Grom Island will be part of Season 3, launching on March 10. Premium pass holders will have immediate access, while free-to-play players can visit during a special event in April.
Do I need to pay to access Grom Island?
Access is unrestricted for skate.Pass Premium holders. Non-premium players can earn access by spending 500 rip chips for a one-day pass after the April event.
Is Grom Island different from the tutorial island?
Grom is an expanded version of the tutorial island, with additional areas to explore. The core layout is similar, but the update adds new sections and features.
Why is there controversy over Grom Island?
EA previously promised that no map areas would be locked behind paywalls. Limiting access to Grom for non-premium players contradicts that commitment, leading to criticism from the community.
Will future updates in Skate 4 require payment?
EA has stated that Skate 4 is developed with player feedback in mind, and changes sometimes occur during live development. However, the Grom situation has raised concerns about the potential for paid content in future updates.
Can I earn rip chips through gameplay?
Yes, rip chips are an in-game currency earned by playing Skate 4, allowing non-premium players to purchase temporary access to Grom Island without paying real money.
