Key Concepts
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (THPS) 3 & 4 remakes, skater selection, Bam Margera's inclusion, Jack Black as Officer Dick/Constable Richard, soundtrack curation (nostalgia vs. new artists), Alien Ant Farm's "Wish" removal, skateboarding in the Olympics (LA 2028), vertical halfpipe skating, potential involvement in the LA Olympics opening ceremony.
Skater Selection for THPS 3 & 4 Remakes
Tony Hawk discusses the process of selecting skaters for the THPS 3 & 4 remakes. The key considerations were:
- Modern relevance: Choosing skaters who are currently active and relevant in the skateboarding scene.
- Respecting legends: Maintaining a balance by including established skaters from previous games.
- Unique style: Highlighting skaters with distinctive and innovative styles, such as Andy Anderson. Anderson's unique style was a major factor in his inclusion.
- Examples: Khloe Kovll, Raisa (from Brazil), and Andy Anderson are specifically mentioned as examples of skaters included in the game.
Bam Margera's Inclusion
The inclusion of Bam Margera was a last-minute decision influenced by Tony Hawk.
- Hawk's intervention: Hawk "strongly encouraged" Activision to reconsider Bam's inclusion.
- Bam's positive change: Hawk observed a positive shift in Bam's focus on skating and health during a skating session in San Diego.
- Activision's quick action: After Hawk's recommendation, Activision promptly arranged for Bam to be scanned for the game.
- Limited vocal acting: The late inclusion likely explains the limited vocal acting from Bam in the game.
Jack Black as Officer Dick/Constable Richard
Jack Black's involvement as Officer Dick (renamed Constable Richard) was driven by his long-standing fandom of the THPS series.
- Black's fandom: Black has been a fan since the early days and even performed skits based on the game with Tenacious D.
- Initial collaboration: Black initially agreed to film a video of him and Hawk playing the game together.
- Hawk's proposal: Hawk suggested Black become a secret character, specifically Officer Dick/Constable Richard.
- Black's enthusiastic response: Black's immediate response was, "I was born to be Officer Dick."
Soundtrack Curation: Nostalgia vs. New Artists
Hawk explains the approach to curating the soundtrack, balancing nostalgia with the introduction of new artists.
- Hawk's original influence: Hawk's input on the original soundtracks focused on early punk rock, hip-hop, and ska, reflecting the music of skate parks during his youth.
- Activision's role: Activision's music department contributed newer music that aligned with the established sound.
- Modern approach: The modern approach involves Hawk selecting music that he finds fitting and interesting.
- Personal input: Hawk specifically mentions adding bands like Fontaine DC, Idles, and X-Ray Specs.
- Promoting discovery: The goal is to introduce players to new music and artists, similar to an "underground radio show."
- Using artists already in the game: Hawk chose different songs by artists already in the game to keep the soundtrack fresh.
Alien Ant Farm's "Wish" Removal
The removal of Alien Ant Farm's "Wish" from the soundtrack is addressed.
- Not personal: Hawk clarifies that the removal was not personal but rather a decision to make room for new acts and songs.
- Limited space: Not every song can be included due to space constraints.
- Alternative: Hawk suggests that fans who miss the song can stream it on their preferred service.
Skateboarding in the Olympics (LA 2028)
Hawk discusses the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics and its significance.
- Long overdue: Hawk believes skateboarding's inclusion in the Olympics is long overdue.
- Mutual benefit: He suggests that the Olympics needed skateboarding's "cool factor" as much as skateboarding needed the Olympics' validation.
- International growth: Hawk is proud of skateboarding's international growth fostered by its Olympic inclusion.
- Vertical halfpipe advocacy: Hawk expresses his desire to see vertical halfpipe skating included as a discipline.
Potential Involvement in LA Olympics Opening Ceremony
Hawk responds to a question about potential involvement in the LA Olympics opening ceremony.
- First mention: He notes that this is the first time anyone has suggested his involvement.
- Enthusiastic acceptance: Hawk states that he would "absolutely" participate if asked.
Synthesis/Conclusion
The interview provides insights into the creative decisions behind the THPS 3 & 4 remakes, highlighting the importance of skater selection, soundtrack curation, and the balance between nostalgia and innovation. Hawk's passion for skateboarding and his influence on the sport are evident, particularly in his advocacy for its inclusion in the Olympics and his desire to see vertical halfpipe skating recognized as a discipline. His willingness to participate in the LA Olympics opening ceremony underscores his commitment to promoting skateboarding on a global stage.
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