For a lot of people, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series might just seem like a super fun video game franchise. Though looking at the series in a wider context, it’s actually so much more! As discussed in an upcoming documentary, Pretending I’m A Superman, the skateboarding industry/ culture began to dwindle in the early 90s. That would all change when Activision decided to approach Tony Hawk with their idea of a skateboarding-based video game. Fast forward a few years, and that game – and the resulting series it built – would help inspire a generation of new skaters.
So it’s only fitting that years later – as a Remaster of the first two games are announced – that the series would seek to continue supporting that culture by not only featuring the return of past legends; but also new skaters that capture the present and future of the industry.
Lizzie Armanto, Leo Baker, Leticia Bufoni, Riley Hawk, Nyjah Huston, Tyshawn Jones, Aori Nishimura, and Shane O’Neill will all join the roster when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 (Remaster) releases on September 4th, 2020. And much like the returning roster, each new skater will have their own professional style and unique tricks to pull off!
Michelle Bresaw, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Activision, noted that they wanted to create a remaster that not only remained true to the original, but also properly represented the diverse skating culture of today. And that the new professionals they’re adding to the Remaster “took the tricks and combos from the [original] video game and made them possible in real life.”
“Modern-day skateboarding originated from a generation of skaters who grew up playing the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games,” – Michelle Bresaw
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2 (Remaster) is set to be released on PS4, Xbox One & PC, and will not only have a standard edition, but also a Digital Deluxe version that includes additional unique content and in-game gear. Though if you consider yourself the ultimate fan, there is also a Collector’s Edition that not only includes everything from the Digital Deluxe version but also has a limited edition, Full Size Birdhouse® Skateboard Deck. And if September 4th seems too far off for you, those who preorder Digitally will get a chance to play the Warehouse Demo on August 14 ahead of release!
And if you want to learn more about the history of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and the Skateboarding industry itself – from it’s rise, (almost) fall, and resurgence – Pretending I’m A Superman will be available on most streaming platforms (Youtube, iTunes, Prime, DirectTV, etc) on August 18th.
