There was a time in the video game industry when skateboarding games were all the rage. This was mainly due to the extreme popularity of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, the unstoppable series from Neversoft and Activision. It sold into the millions for years, and with each new entry, we found a new place to skate and have fun.
But eventually, the series faded away into obscurity. This is mainly due to the poorly received Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 from a few years ago, which, sadly, was developed by someone else. The series did manage to create some inspired competition, like EA’s Skate franchise, but they too seemed to have faded off.
What happened? It seems like the only game we have on the market worth talking about with skateboarding is, surprisingly enough, SkateBird. But, fortunately, it looks like we’re in for a change – and the sooner, the better, honestly. Let’s talk about the three things that are coming our way…
A Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Revival?
After the performance of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, one would think that Activision wouldn’t be in a rush to bring the series back. However, a new report suggests the series is primed for a comeback.
This is due to a rumor suggesting, from a skateboarder familiar with the franchise, that a new game is coming. It could be something along the lines of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD (as seen below from a few years ago), or it might be something new. But whatever the case, the prospect for a new game – and one hopefully more grounded in what the series is all about, instead of THPS5 – would hit the spot.
We’ll have to see what comes of this when Activision announces whatever the heck its plans are. But we hope it has Neversoft at the forefront. Even though they’re a part of Infinity Ward now, we could get a game along the lines of what the first two Pro Skater titles were all about. Remember those…?
Skate 3, But Not the Way You’d Expect
It’s funny that, in a similar report like the one above, there were rumors making the rounds that EA might bring back the Skate franchise.
No, not for Skate 4 – at least, not officially yet. But according to the said report, Skate 3 could be coming to mobile at some point this year.
EA has been notorious for trying to milk its franchises on the mobile front for a while now, mainly due to the money made with microtransactions and general sales. But Skate 3 would be an interesting approach, especially with touch-screen controls and the possibility of networking features.
Skate has been a dead series for years, although the release of Skate 3 on Xbox One backward compatibility recently generated a lot of interest in it again. Hopefully, we’ll see the mobile release pan out, get some positive attention, and get EA thinking on possibly returning to the series. Fingers crossed. Check out its classic trailer below!
Last But Not Least, Skater XL Is Ramping Up
In the midst of all these memorable franchises, it’s easy to forget there’s room for newcomers as well. And that newcomer is the thrilling Skater XL, which will finally make its way to release this July for consoles and PC.
Developed by Easy Day Studios, the game has a definitive Skate vibe to it, focusing a bit on sim, but with a smooth gameplay interface that makes it a cinch to grasp and play. To master, however, is an entirely different ballgame. That’s skateboarding for you.
Along with skating fun across some vastly designed levels, Skater XL also promises some great customization options, as you can see in the trailer below.
The game arrives on July 7. So, if you can’t wait to see what other skateboarding action comes your way, you can easily give this one a ride.
Here’s hoping we see more skateboarding games in the future. We definitely need to get our fill of million-point combos and executable 900’s again…
