In a surprising turn of events, Full Circle, the studio behind the recently launched Skate, has announced layoffs shortly after the game made its early access debut. This decision comes amidst a noteworthy drop in player engagement, particularly on Steam, where the number of active players has significantly dwindled in just five months.
Full Circle explains that reducing their workforce will allow the team to move faster and maintain a tighter focus on community feedback. It’s a bold claim when considering the game’s current struggles. While streamlining a team can sometimes yield better results, one has to wonder how cutting staff will actually enhance the development process in a competitive market.
Skate may have started strong, generating buzz with its revamped mechanics and nostalgia-driven gameplay, but the early access phase often reveals the cracks in a game’s foundation. The declining player count signals that some of Skate’s initial excitement has faded, leaving fans concerned about its long-term viability.
Full Circle’s ambition to listen more closely to players is commendable, but the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen. As the studio looks to recalibrate its strategy, fans will be watching closely, hoping that the changes lead to a more polished and engaging experience in the months ahead. As always with games in early access, the road to refinement is rarely straightforward, and the community’s patience will likely be put to the test.
Source: pcgamer.com
