Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Video Game Set For Re-Release
May 12, 2020, 12:57 PM | Updated: 12:59 pm
Professional skateboarding legend Tony Hawk (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The popular video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is set for re-release. Hawk, one of skateboarding’s pioneers announced the release on social media to mark his 52nd birthday. The first two editions of the game will be remastered and released as one game. The release is set for September 4, 2020.
The game was first released in 1999 to shocking acclaim. As a result, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater helped turn skateboarding into one of the fastest-growing sports around the world.
“#THPS is back!” Hawk tweeted. “Original maps, original skaters, and songs from the original soundtrack… plus new features. Thanks to all the fans of our series for keeping this dream alive.”
#THPS is back! Original maps, original skaters, and songs from the original soundtrack… plus new features. Thanks to all the fans of our series for keeping this dream alive. https://t.co/uqEeD0kjWc
— Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) May 12, 2020
The game’s simple button layout and open-world gameplay revolutionized skateboarding video games. The rerelease marks the 17th game spawned in the series since it’s debut in 1999. Furthermore, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater quickly became one of the best selling sports video games in the early 2000s. The games earned well over $1 billion over the past two decades.
The game will be released on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Influence
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has moved skateboarding from an underground hobby into a mainstream sport. Grand View Research estimates skateboarding is a nearly $2 billion annual industry and continues to grow.
The delayed 2020 Tokyo Games will mark skateboarding’s first appearance in the Olympics. The games will have both street and park events. Additionally, both men and women will compete for medals.
The Tony Hawk Foundation has estimated there are 2,800 public skateparks in the United States.
Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk helped unveil an Olympic-style @Vans_66 skatepark in Utah Tuesday.
"This park is state-of-the-art,” Hawk said. "I feel like it's about time. (Skateboarding is) as legit as any other sport.”https://t.co/D3JdderYTr@KSL_AlexCabrero #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/kWM4v4DFnN
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) September 4, 2019
Utah is home to the first Olympic-level skate park in the country. September marked the opening of the park at the Utah State Fairpark. Hawk helped unveil the park to Utah’s citizens.
“This park is state-of-the-art,” Hawk said. “There are some older parks around the area, which are still pretty good. But I think this one will really bring them into the new era.”
Hawk’s Popularity
The video game series has turned Hawk into a household name. Fox Business estimates Hawk’s net worth at $140 million.
The release coincided with Hawk landing the 900-degree spin by a skateboarder in 1999. The 900 is the most famous trick ever landed and is synonymous with Hawk.
In honor of @tonyhawk turning 50 today, we take you back this iconic moment in 1999 … the first-ever 900. pic.twitter.com/9Q6Gy2mYC2
— ESPN (@espn) May 12, 2018
The series also helped build the fame of several fellow professional skateboarders. Chad Muska, Bob Burnquist, Jamie Thomas, and Andrew Reynolds have all launched successful careers teamed with their video game fame.
Celebrities like Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, Gene Simmons, and Billie Joe Armstrong have appeared in the series.
