What's Happening?
Electronic Arts has announced a restructuring of its development studio, Full Circle, which is responsible for the Skate reboot. This restructuring involves layoffs, as the company aims to better support the long-term future of the game. The decision
comes just five months after the game's early access release, during which time player numbers on Steam have significantly declined. Full Circle has stated that the layoffs are part of a strategy to 'move faster, listen more closely, and deliver consistently' to its players. Despite the reduction in staff, the studio remains committed to continuing development on Skate, with plans for future updates and features. The exact number of employees affected by the layoffs has not been disclosed.
Why It's Important?
The layoffs at Full Circle highlight the challenges faced by game developers in maintaining player engagement and managing resources effectively. The decline in player numbers for Skate, despite its initial success, underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry and the pressure on companies to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics. For Electronic Arts, this move is an attempt to streamline operations and focus on delivering a product that meets player expectations. The decision also reflects broader industry trends where companies are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and responsiveness to consumer feedback. The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the studio, affecting the employees and potentially influencing the development timelines and quality of future updates for Skate.
What's Next?
Full Circle plans to continue its work on Skate, with a focus on implementing changes and updates as outlined in their development roadmap. The studio has indicated that future features will be categorized as 'in development' or 'on the radar,' allowing for greater transparency with players about what to expect. This approach aims to manage player expectations and maintain engagement by providing insights into the development process. The gaming community and industry observers will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the game's performance and whether the studio can successfully navigate the challenges posed by the layoffs.
