Tony Hawk Discusses Music and Skater Roster Choices for Pro Skater 3 + 4

Skate to the Rhythm of Evolution: Unpacking the Musical and Roster Vision in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

Curating the Sonic Landscape: The Vision Behind the New Soundtrack

The arrival of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 this week brought a wave of nostalgia for fans, though some noted the absence of certain classic tracks from its soundtrack. Tony Hawk himself has previously communicated his desire to incorporate diverse songs, including new material from established artists. In a recent dialogue with BBC News, he reiterated that a core objective was to expose players to unfamiliar music. He also made it clear that while his input is valuable, the soundtrack is a collaborative effort with the development team, although he did successfully advocate for some of his personal selections.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: A Collaborative Approach to Music Selection

Hawk clarified his role in shaping the game's audio experience, stating that his choices reflect what he believes fits the game and his current musical interests. He acknowledged that he isn't the sole arbiter of the soundtrack. However, he confirmed his successful inclusion of several bands and alternative tracks by artists already featured in the game. Despite some initial disagreement, Hawk championed the idea of maintaining freshness and aiding in the discovery of new music, a concept he believes was an inherent expectation of the series' early success.

Addressing Soundtrack Exclusions: Making Way for the New

Regarding the omission of specific songs, such as Alien Ant Farm's 'Wish', Hawk explained that these decisions were driven by the need to create opportunities for emerging acts and their compositions. He stressed that such exclusions are not personal but are a necessary part of the curatorial process. For fans missing their beloved tracks, Hawk suggested utilizing streaming services to enjoy them separately, highlighting the current accessibility of music outside the game.

Evolving the Roster: Blending Legends with New Blood

Echoing the approach taken with its musical compilation, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 also features an updated roster that combines iconic figures with contemporary professional skaters, a strategy previously employed in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. Hawk commented on the delicate balance involved in selecting skaters, aiming to keep the game current while respecting the legacy of past participants. He emphasized the importance of including actively engaged skaters who are prominent in today's scene, citing additions like Chloe Covell, Rayssa Leal, and Andy Anderson.

Late Additions and the Game's Reception: A Dynamic Development Process

The development journey of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 saw late additions to its roster, including skater and Jackass personality Bam Margera, whose inclusion was actively pursued by Tony Hawk. This highlights the dynamic nature of the game's creation and responsiveness to opportunities. For a comprehensive overview of the game, including its reception and detailed features, interested players are encouraged to consult dedicated reviews and community discussions.