Full Circle
Full Circle business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Canadian political party leader blames BioWare's closure on private equity, says government should help former employees buy it back
Avi Lewis, leader of Canada's NDP, has criticized the closure of BioWare, attributing it to private equity practices that prioritize short-term profit over business longevity. Lewis suggested that federal support should be provided to allow BioWare employees to buy back and run the studio themselves. This incident is part of a broader trend of politicians engaging with video game industry issues.
187K+ fans call for EA to "Save Mass Effect"
A petition urging Electronic Arts to commit to the continued development of the Mass Effect franchise has garnered over 187,000 signatures. The petition calls for proper funding and staffing for BioWare, or alternatively, for EA to license the IP to another studio. This comes amid widespread job cuts at BioWare and other EA studios, and reports of a cancelled next Mass Effect game.
Mass Effect Universe "looked incredible" says creator who claims he advised BioWare
A content creator named Dantics, who claims to have been part of a BioWare community council, has shared alleged details about the cancelled Mass Effect Universe game. He described a game set over 600 years after the Reaper War, featuring a galactic Cold War between factions and a customizable N7 agent with advanced hacking abilities. Dantics expressed disappointment that the game, which he described as "incredible," may never be released following BioWare's closure and EA's job cuts.
Flashy internal trailer for now-cancelled Mass Effect Universe appears online, following EA's closure of BioWare
An internal trailer for the cancelled Mass Effect Universe game, which was in development at BioWare before its closure, has surfaced online. The trailer showcases a new protagonist, crew, combat, and a brief appearance by Liara, offering a glimpse into what could have been. The cancellation and subsequent layoffs at EA, impacting BioWare and other studios like Respawn, have led to widespread disappointment and anger within the industry and among fans.
I’m Getting Very Worried About Skate Following EA Layoffs
The author expresses significant concern for the future of the game Skate following recent layoffs at publisher Electronic Arts and its developer Full Circle. Despite recent improvements in the game's live-service content, the reduction in staff raises worries about the game's development trajectory and EA's commitment to the franchise.
Game dev plans affected by Electronic Arts firings take clearer shape as fans and devs mourn BioWare’s end
Electronic Arts has laid off hundreds of employees and shut down the legendary BioWare studio, impacting various game development projects including The Sims and Star Wars titles. The decision has drawn strong criticism from former employees and industry figures, with many lamenting the loss of BioWare's legacy in RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect.
Games industry mourns sudden BioWare closure - "Anyone who participated in this travesty should be ashamed"
The gaming industry is mourning the sudden closure of BioWare, a legendary RPG developer, with many former employees and industry peers sharing their sadness and reflecting on the studio's legacy. The closure, which follows significant layoffs across Electronic Arts studios including Respawn and Maxis, has drawn criticism towards EA and those involved in the decision, with many expressing anger that talented developers are left jobless.
Following shock BioWare closure, scope of EA job cuts becomes clear as layoffs hit Respawn, Maxis, Full Circle, EA Motive, and more
Electronic Arts has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 400 employees across multiple studios, including the closure of BioWare. Studios such as Maxis, Respawn Entertainment, EA Motive, Full Circle, and Ripple Effect are also impacted by these job cuts. The company cited a need for organizational efficiencies following its recent acquisition.
BioWare shut down and new Mass Effect cancelled two months after EA sale
Legendary RPG developer BioWare is closing down, and early development on the next Mass Effect project has been cancelled, following Electronic Arts' sale to private investors. The closure results in approximately 50 layoffs at BioWare and 400 across EA, attributed to the significant debt incurred from the acquisition. This move marks the end of an era for a studio known for narrative-driven titles like Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic.
After modders removed Skate's live service bits, devs draw the line with tools that "bypass our systems to unlock paid cosmetics"
EA and Full Circle have stated they do not oppose player creativity or modding in the early access Skate game, but will draw the line at tools that bypass systems to unlock paid cosmetics or unreleased content. This stance comes after the popular ReSkate mod allowed offline play and custom content, with developers emphasizing that such actions harm creators and the development team. While not taking action against ReSkate for now, Full Circle plans to introduce deeper community creation tools in the future.
Skate Developer Promises More Creative Tools Are Coming After ReSkate Modding Platform Goes Viral
Full Circle, the developer of Skate, has released a statement acknowledging the viral success of the fan-made modding platform ReSkate. The studio indicated that more creative tools for players are planned for the future.
Skate’s mid-season update opens new skate parks, adds more missions, and tests proximity voice chat October 13
Skate's mid-season update, scheduled for October 13th, will introduce the new Parry Point Skatepark and open the S.U.M.R. Camp location to all players. The update also includes new missions, music tracks, improvements to no comply tricks, and a technical test for proximity voice chat.
Skate has been de-live serviced by ReSkate, a modding platform downloaded 350,000 times—devs say they will comply…
A fan-made modding platform called ReSkate has been released for the live service game Skate, allowing for offline play, custom servers, and mods. The platform has been downloaded over 350,000 times, with its creators stating they will comply with any cease and desist orders from Electronic Arts. The existence of ReSkate highlights player dissatisfaction with Skate's online-only ecosystem and premium cosmetics.
Skate Season 5 brings underflips, block parties, and the S.U.M.R. Camp location
Skate's Season 5 update introduces the S.U.M.R. Camp location, new underflip tricks, and block parties. The season features a premium battle pass for early access to the new mega park, with general access starting October 6th. Developer Full Circle also announced changes to legacy skate passes and various gameplay fixes.
skate. Season 5 Takes Things To New Heights With S.U.M.R. Camp
skate. Season 5, titled Big Air Retreat, has launched, introducing a new mountain destination called S.U.M.R. Camp Mega Park, new tricks, revamped progression systems, and enhanced community features. Developed by Full Circle and published by EA, this free-to-play update also adds new social modes like Block Parties supporting up to 150 players and introduces new brands and cosmetics.
Skate Season 5 offers up new underflip tricks and a new big air-focused location September 8
Skate's Season 5 update introduces new underflip tricks, improvements to pumping and footplants, and a new large map called S.U.M.R. Camp Mega Park focused on big air. The season also features a progression overhaul with repeatable bounties, increased mission variety, and a new battle pass with a big air theme. The block party feature will become a permanent addition.
Skate is testing out 150-player competitive block party events this weekend
Full Circle is testing 150-player competitive block party events in the early access multiplayer game Skate this weekend. These events will feature objective-based rounds, live leaderboards, and drop-in gameplay without requiring party invites. The developers are conducting this as a technical test to manage large-scale events and encourage social play, acknowledging potential bugs and server issues.
Live service revenue dominates in EA's last fiscal report ahead of Saudi merger
Electronic Arts reported a 19 percent increase in net revenue to $1.98 billion for its last fiscal quarter as a public company, largely driven by its live service games like EA Sports FC and Apex Legends. This financial report precedes EA's $55 billion merger with an investor consortium including the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, expected to close on August 4, 2026. Despite strong financial performance, the company has continued to implement layoffs.
Skate Adds Its Biggest Event Yet: The Legendary X Games
Skate developer Full Circle is introducing the X Games as its biggest in-game event yet, transforming The Stadium location into a virtual X Games venue. This free, limited-time event runs from July 21 to August 25 and features familiar X Games spots like the vert ramp and street park. Players can participate in 10 challenges, complete Club Tasks inspired by pro skaters, and earn X Coins for exclusive merchandise.
Report: EA conducts layoffs in Hyderabad, India and the US
Electronic Arts has conducted another round of layoffs affecting remote workers in the US and employees at its Hyderabad, India office. The affected roles are primarily in trust and safety, IT, customer support, and recruitment departments. This marks the third round of layoffs at EA this year, following reductions at its Battlefield division and the Skate developer Full Circle.
