Hey skaters! The highly anticipated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has hit the streets (and consoles), bringing back the beloved skating action with a modern twist. But if you’ve been shredding through the levels, you might have noticed some classic tunes are missing from the soundtrack. The Birdman himself, Tony Hawk, recently shared the thinking behind these changes, and it’s all about keeping things fresh while respecting the series’ roots.
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So, why the different soundtrack this time around? The main idea, according to Hawk, is to introduce players to new music they might not have heard before. It’s a deliberate choice to make the game a discovery platform for sounds, much like the original games did for many players back in the day.
The Soundtrack Shift Explained
While Tony Hawk isn’t the sole decision-maker for the entire soundtrack – it’s a team effort – he did have input and managed to include some of his personal picks. The goal wasn’t just to replicate the past but to build on it.
Hawk explained in a recent interview how the selection process balances personal preference with the desire to curate a fresh list. “These days, just what I think fits, and what I’m interested in – I’m not the only decider in these soundtracks, but I did manage to throw a couple of bands in,” he said. He also pushed for using different songs by artists who were already part of the THPS legacy. This decision wasn’t universally agreed upon, but Hawk believes it helps “keep it fresh” and aids in “discovering other music.” He noted that early on, discovering new bands was a big part of the THPS experience, so this aligns with that spirit.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 game cover featuring skateboarding action
Making Room for New Sounds
This philosophy also explains the absence of certain fan-favorite tracks. Addressing why, for instance, Alien Ant Farm’s song ‘Wish’ didn’t make the cut, Hawk stated it wasn’t personal but rather about making space.
“It was more we’re trying to make room for new acts and new songs as well, and not everything makes the cut,” he clarified. He acknowledges the fondness players have for specific songs tied to their memories of the game. For those missing classic tracks, he suggests, “just fire it up on your streaming service if you’re so inclined.” It highlights that while the in-game soundtrack evolves, the original music is still readily available.
This approach mirrors what was done with the previous release, [Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2], which also featured a mix of original tracks and new additions.
More Than Just Music: The Skater Roster
The philosophy of blending the familiar with the new isn’t limited to the music. The skater roster in THPS 3 + 4 follows a similar pattern, combining legendary pro skaters with exciting new talent in the sport today.
Tony Hawk discussed the skater selection process, emphasizing the balance required. “I was trying to keep it modern obviously, whilst still respecting the legends that we had in the previous games, and also it was a matter of who was still actively skating, who was still in the scene,” he explained. He expressed enthusiasm for including newer skaters like Chloe Covell, Rayssa Leal from Brazil, and Andy Anderson. The team aimed for a delicate balance that reflects the evolution of professional skateboarding itself. Even Jackass star Bam Margera was a late addition, thanks to Tony Hawk’s direct request to Activision.
Final Shred
Ultimately, the changes to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 soundtrack and roster are intentional moves to honor the series’ legacy while simultaneously introducing players to the current landscape of music and skating. It’s about finding that sweet spot between nostalgia and discovery, ensuring the game feels both classic and contemporary.
Want to know more about the game? Check out [our full review of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4].
