Tony Hawk is addressing followers’ considerations in regards to the soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 3+4, which arrived final week as a modern-day revival of the skateboarding online game classics.
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Whereas the up to date compilation delivers reimagined ranges, a recent roster of skaters and new gameplay options, it’s the soundtrack — lengthy celebrated as a cornerstone of the franchise’s cultural affect — that has sparked essentially the most heated reactions.
When Activision unveiled the tracklist again in Might, followers had been fast to voice disappointment that solely 10 unique songs from Professional Skater 3 and 4 survived the replace. The absence of sure fan-favorite tracks, like Alien Ant Farm’s “Want,” ignited frustration on-line, with many arguing the nostalgic music outlined the video games as a lot because the skating itself.
In a brand new interview with the BBC, Hawk defended the choice, explaining that curating the soundtrack was a collaborative course of, not solely his name. “Nowadays, simply what I feel suits and what I’m eager about [makes the soundtrack],” Hawk mentioned, including that he wasn’t “the one decider” in shaping the ultimate listing.
Nonetheless, Hawk revealed he efficiently pushed for the inclusion of artists he’s personally enthusiastic about: “I did handle to throw a few bands in that I used to be stoked on – Fontaines D.C., Idles. I additionally picked songs by artists that had been already within the sport, however a distinct music.” Seven artists from the unique soundtracks — together with KRS-One, Agent Orange, De La Soul, and Iron Maiden — returned with new tracks to keep up a way of continuity.
“Not everybody agreed with that call, however I really feel like ‘let’s preserve it recent’ and in addition ‘right here’s assist discovering different music,’” Hawk continued. “To start with, that’s what folks anticipated of it – as soon as the soundtrack grew to become such a outstanding a part of the sport, folks had been like ‘okay, what are you going to throw at us now,’ virtually like an underground radio present.”
Alien Ant Farm just lately weighed in on the exclusion of “Want,” telling followers they had been “disillusioned” by its omission after the observe’s affiliation with Professional Skater 3. Hawk responded diplomatically, saying: “We’re attempting to make room for brand spanking new acts and new songs as properly. Not every part makes the lower. It’s nothing private, and I admire that folks have a keenness for that music… so simply hearth it up in your streaming service when you’re so inclined.”
The Professional Skater collection has lengthy been credited for introducing gamers to underground and various music scenes, with soundtracks that always mirrored skate tradition’s uncooked power. The 2020 reboot of Professional Skater 1+2 debuted at No. 1 on U.Ok. sport charts and introduced a mixture of legacy and new tracks that largely happy longtime followers.
With Professional Skater 3+4, the builders aimed to strike a stability between honoring the collection’ legacy and evolving it for a brand new technology of gamers. The up to date playlist leans closely into modern punk, hip-hop, and hardcore artists, alongside the handful of returning classics.
Whether or not the brand new method will win over skeptical followers stays to be seen, however Hawk stays assured within the sport’s spirit: “I’m hoping that discovery is half the enjoyable, and an enormous purpose these soundtracks resonated within the first place. So pay attention and benefit from the journey.”
