Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, the critically acclaimed remake that reignited nostalgia for the iconic skating series, was originally envisioned as a more ambitious project. According to former developers at Vicarious Visions, the studio’s initial plan was to create a comprehensive collection featuring not just the first two games but also Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4.
In a recent video by gaming historian Liam Robertson of Did You Know Gaming, a former Vicarious Visions developer confirmed the original scope of the project. “We settled on adding some handling features from the later games to reflect the way people remember the old Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games. The improvements from 3 seemed to bleed into people’s memories of the first 2,” the developer stated.
However, as development progressed, it became clear that including all four games within the planned timeframe was too ambitious. “Eventually, it became clear that we didn’t have time for more than 1 + 2, so the idea that we’d continue on and release 3 + 4 in some fashion was on the table,” the developer added.
Despite the critical and commercial success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Activision, the publisher behind the series, reportedly rejected Vicarious Visions’ pitch for a follow-up collection featuring the third and fourth installments. According to Tony Hawk himself, who revealed details about the scrapped plans in 2022, Activision “didn’t like anything they heard” from other developers that were approached to potentially work on the project.
Instead of green-lighting the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake, Activision opted to prioritize Vicarious Visions’ resources elsewhere. The studio, renowned for its expertise in reviving classic franchises, was tasked with providing support for Activision’s flagship Call of Duty series and assisting with the development of Diablo 2: Resurrected.
The decision to shelve the THPS 3 + 4 remake plans was a significant blow to fans who had hoped to relive the glory days of the beloved skating series. The third and fourth installments, released in 1999 and 2002, respectively, are widely regarded as high points in the franchise, introducing new gameplay mechanics and iconic levels that have become ingrained in the collective memory of gamers.
With Vicarious Visions subsequently absorbed into Blizzard Entertainment in 2021, the prospects of reviving Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 under Activision’s leadership appeared even more uncertain. However, the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has reignited hope among fans that the iconic skating classics could potentially see a resurgence under new leadership.
As the gaming industry continues to embrace nostalgia and the revival of beloved franchises, the untold story of the scrapped Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that developers and publishers face in bringing cherished gaming memories back to life.
