Before Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater (THPS) revolutionized the gaming world in 1999, the iconic skateboarder Tony Hawk confessed he had almost given up on the dream of creating a skateboarding video game. In a recent interview, Hawk revealed that persistent discussions with various developers and console manufacturers throughout the mid to late 1990s consistently failed to gain traction.
Speaking with USA Today, Hawk characterized the challenge of persuading anyone to develop a skateboarding game as “an uphill battle.” His drive to pursue the idea stemmed from his lifelong passion for video games, tracing back to his first console, the Intellivision, followed by a Commodore 64, SNES, and PlayStation. He even had a brief stint doing video-editing work for the TurboGrafx 16 in the early 90s. However, by 1997, after repeated rejections from multiple companies, Hawk admitted he had essentially thrown in the towel.
Fortunately, Activision, which was coincidentally working on its own skateboarding game, learned of Hawk`s interest. Hawk recounted his pivotal meeting with the publisher: “I saw a very early build of what became THPS… and immediately, I knew this was the game.” He instinctively recognized its potential for immense fun and impact, believing that his insights, connections, and experience could help cultivate a truly authentic skateboarding experience.
This serendipitous collaboration ultimately led to the birth of one of the most beloved and enduring video game franchises of all time. The recent successful launch of the Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake further cemented its legacy. With a lifespan spanning over two decades and numerous titles, the THPS series remains the primary topic fans wish to discuss with Hawk whenever they encounter him in public.
While Tony Hawk typically plays as himself in the games, he occasionally experiments with other skaters to explore their unique trick sets. If he were to choose a character other than himself, he stated he would opt for his son, Riley.
Adding another layer to the franchise`s origin story, Hawk is currently auctioning the very skateboard he used to perform the first officially recorded “900” trick, which he achieved in 1999—the same year the THPS series began. Beyond significant visual enhancements, the Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3+4 remake also introduces exciting new levels for players to explore.
Visual Evolution: Skaters in Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater Remake
