Tony Hawk personally made changes to Pro Skater 3+4 soundtracks because he wants you to discover new music
"Discovery is half the fun"
"Alien Ant Farm or we boycott," reads the top comment on Activision's recent reveal of the next wave of tracks for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 - a response to the revelation that the upcoming remasters have both been hit and struck by some soundtrack changes, which hasn't gone down completely smoothly with fans. You could almost say they feel making alterations to such classics is criminal. OK, I'll stop. For now.
It turns out these changes come straight from the large Hawk himself. “It was my choice to pick some different songs by the same artists featured in THPS3+4 OST,” he wrote on Instagram, as spotted by Very Gary Computing. “I’m hoping that discovery is half the fun, and a big reason that these soundtracks resonated in the first place. So listen and enjoy the ride. More to come… both old and new.”
I'm not sure I entirely buy this, for no substantial reason other than I've grown too weary to accept such chummy reasoning for anything a publisher the size of Activision does ever. Still, I reckon you've got a point there, Mr. Tony 'Tony Hawk' Hawk. The original games's role in introducing US skate punk and hip hop to a huge audience outside the states was undeniable, as was its influence on baggy jean and wallet chain sales. Giving exposure to some lesser known bands is no bad thing, even if I'm personally devastated by the loss (or lack of mention so far) of AFI and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien.
I suppose this might have gone down better if it wasn't for the already announced changes to THPS's career mode (Kotaku), which is getting replaced by time challenges ala the prior games, though there'll reportedly still be a free skate option.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is out on Steam July 11th, 2025. I assume so much licensed music means they'll be a robust option for streamers. Otherwise they might get copyright-struck down. Possibly in the bedroom. It'll be their doom, presumably.