Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3+4 features numerous Easter eggs and pop culture references. However, one particular in-game detail has caused controversy and prompted the developer to take action.
The reference in question involves an item resembling a Guitar Hero game case, which a fan discovered placed inside a trash can within the game world. This discovery led to debate within the community.
The context causing the stir is that Neversoft, the original developer of the Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater series, also created the highly successful Guitar Hero franchise before the studio was closed in 2014. Consequently, some players viewed the representation of a Guitar Hero-like game in a trash can as a sign of disrespect towards Neversoft and their work. Others simply saw it as a joke or an unintentional placement.
Iron Galaxy, the current developer of Pro Skater 3+4, addressed the situation in a statement on Reddit. They indicated they were investigating how the reference ended up in the game in the first place. The statement read, “We have the utmost respect for anyone who makes games, we`re investigating how that got in there in the first place.”
The studio thanked fans for bringing the matter to their attention and confirmed that the item resembling the Guitar Hero game case will be removed from the trash can in the next game update.
This incident is not the only point of contention since the launch of Pro Skater 3+4. Players have also raised concerns regarding other Easter eggs and content that appear to be locked behind additional purchase requirements.