Skate Charging Players To Return To Tutorial Island Despite Promising No Paywalled Locations
Kotaku
by Zack ZwiezenFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Skate's newest location, Grom, will launch in March, offering players a fresh skateboarding environment with unique challenges and aesthetics. However, access to this area is tied to either paying for it directly or earning entry through grinding, a process that requires time and effort to accumulate free currency within the game. This model introduces a paywalled experience, where players can choose between spending money for immediate access or investing time to unlock Grom's features without cost.
The decision to implement a pay-to-play model for Grom has sparked discussions among the gaming community. Critics argue that this approach may frustrate players who expect all content to be available through gameplay progression alone. Proponents, however, see it as a way for developers to sustain the game's development and maintenance while offering new content regularly. For those willing to grind, free access is possible but comes with the trade-off of time investment, which may not appeal to everyone.
This matters because it reflects broader trends in gaming where microtransactions and gated content are becoming more common. While Grom provides an opportunity for players to expand their gameplay experience, it also raises questions about fairness and accessibility. For some, this model might enhance their enjoyment by offering varied ways to progress, while others may feel it undermines the core principles of skateboarding games that emphasize skill and creativity over spending. Balancing these elements will be crucial for maintaining player satisfaction and engagement in Skate and similar titles.
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Originally published on Kotaku on 2/20/2026