Electronic Arts is facing community backlash after announcing plans to place a map area within its free-to-play skateboarding game, Skate, behind a paywall, despite prior assurances to the contrary. The move, revealed on February 19, 2026, centers around “Grom,” an island that is a slightly updated version of the game’s tutorial island, and is set to launch with Season 3 on March 10.
According to a report from Kotaku, players who purchase the Skate.Pass Premium will have unrestricted access to Grom during the first month of the new season. Those without the premium pass will be initially locked out, with access granted only during a “exceptionally special multi-week event.” Following the event, free access will again be limited to Premium pass holders.
Non-paying players will have the option to purchase a day pass to the island for 500 rip chips, an in-game currency earned through gameplay. This decision has sparked criticism from players who point to previous statements made by the developers. The company initially stated, “No map areas locked behind paywalls” when outlining their approach to the free-to-play model in July 2022.
The controversy is unfolding on platforms like the official EA forums, where players are expressing disappointment and questioning the company’s commitment to its initial promises. One user noted the shift from assurances of open access to the implementation of a paywall, even for a tutorial area.
This development comes as EA navigates the challenges of monetizing a free-to-play game while maintaining player trust. The situation highlights the delicate balance developers face when implementing in-game purchases and the potential for negative reactions when perceived promises are broken. PC Gamer reported that EA acknowledged the need for adjustments as the game evolves.
