This week marks the 25th anniversary of the originalTony Hawk’s Pro Skater, which launched June 26, 2025. Released onthe original PlayStationat a time when the general masses were largely unfamiliar with skateboarding and its top athletes,Pro Skateroffered a compelling, and addictive, introduction to the sport. While the title was intended as a one-and-done experience, its PlayStation release proved immensely successful, garnering ports on the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Sega Dreamcast, and N-Gage. Together, these releases helpedTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterto become one of the top-selling sports titles of all time. However, the title’s accolades didn’t stop there. 25 years later, the legacy ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterlives on, both on and off the screen.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skaterwas unlike any title that had come before it. Featuring a roster of the era’s top professionals, fans were free to grind, shred, and trick their way through a variety of unique and complex environments. Each level offered a long list of challenges, such as finding letters for the word SKATE, achieving a high score, or finding a hidden VHS tape, all of which contributed to unlocking the next stage. While simple,Pro Skater’s formula was accessible to all, making for the perfect introduction to the world of skateboarding. Its success saw the title grow into a massive franchise, including a number of spin-offs, four direct sequels, and two remakes. 25 years later, it’s safe to say that the originalTony Hawk’s Pro Skatermade its mark on the game industry and skateboarding culture alike.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Introduced an Entire Generation to Skateboarding
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skaterwas a highly successful video game, but its greatest achievement went far beyond the screen. Before picking up the game, many 90s gamers were familiar with skateboards as a method of play. However, few were aware of the world of professional skateboarding, complex tricks, and the rise of street skating.Pro Skaterintroduced them to all of that, allowing players to string together tricks, grind rails, and soar high above naturally occurring lips in various settings. While the situations captured inTony Hawk’s Pro Skaternotched the core elements of skating up to an unrealistic level, these fantasy scenarios had a huge impact on young millennial culture.
Pro Skaterdidn’t only introduce kids to riding a skateboard and doing tricks. The title immersed them into the actual world of skateboarding at the turn of the century. Players experienced how skateboarders spoke,popular skating music, and the rise of skateboarding culture in a way no other medium had ever done before, spearheaded by the most famous skate personality of the era. The title’s impact, and that of its sequels, led many kids, teens, and young adults to pick up their first skateboard and attempt to master the tricks they so effortlessly pulled off in the game. 25 years later,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s impact on the rise of skateboarding is heralded by skaters of all experience levels as a contributing factor to its mainstream popularity and recognition as a worldwide professional sport.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is Still Building Its Legacy
It’s been nearly a decade since the last mainlineTony Hawk’s Pro Skatertitle,Pro Skater 5, was released, leaving the series off on a low note. However, the series' legacy, and its impact on modern street skating, is set to continue. Earlier this month,Tony Hawk revealed that he is working with developer Activisionon a new project, during an interview with Mythical Kitchen. This project appears to be something wholly original, as the skater confirmed that it would not beTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake, which he had discussed making in 2022. He went on to say that he and Activision took pitches from other potential partners, asking what they’d do if they handed over the reins to theTHPSIP.
More than two decades after the release of the relatively simpleTony Hawk’s Pro Skater, the title’s name carries more weight than most IP, across all forms of media, can ever dream of.TheTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterseriesis forever etched in the history of both gaming and action sports during their most pivotal periods of growth, helping to cultivate both towards mainstream success. Now, 25 years after leaving an indelible mark on the children and young adults of the early 00s,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s legacy lives on, as it prepares to make an impact on today’s young gamers and future skaters.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is a series of skateboarding games from Activision. The original trilogy of games, which were developed by Neversoft and released between 1999 and 2001, were huge hits with critics.2002’s Pro Skater 4 was also well received, although 2015’s Pro Skater 5 received a brutal 32 Metascore on PS4. The first two Pro Skater games were remastered in 2020.
