Joystiq

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June

David Hinkle — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST

Robomodo's Unreal Engine-powered remake Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD will drop in on Xbox Live and PSN this June, Tony Hawk himself has revealed. He took to Twitter to announce the launch window, as he is wont to do.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD is a remake featuring select levels from the first two games, which originally debuted on the PSOne. Tony has said that, depending on the HD remake's reception, we could see other past levels added - Hawk even envisions Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD as a platform for completely new content.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pro Skater HD first pitched years ago, could see new content as DLC

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST

While old-school skating fans are no doubt itching to pick up Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD, it turns out that the idea of an HD remake is actually several years old. Hawk pitched the idea years ago, the skater recently told IGN, although Activision originally turned the project down because "it wasn't the right time."

Now, through the magic of digital distribution, Hawk wants to see Pro Skater HD become a platform unto itself. We knew that other popular levels from the series could be released as downloadable content for Pro Skater HD, but Hawk is hoping to see new content released as well, including levels, skaters and even new tricks.

It's worth noting that Activision is apparently taking a "wait and see" approach to downloadable content for Pro Skater HD. When asked about the possibility of DLC earlier this year, a spokesperson told Joystiq, "Activision will see how THPS HD does and go from there."

Pro Skater HD first pitched years ago, could see new content as DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST

Even after all this time, Tony Hawk's stance is firm regarding the poorly received Shred and Ride games. He thinks critics made up their mind before giving the games and associated peripheral an honest chance -- even in the case of Ride, which he admits "was a bit rushed" due to time spent prototyping the board.

Continue reading Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance

Tony Hawk says Ride was 'a bit rushed,' still thinks critics didn't give his board a chance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Tony Hawk play Tony Hawk in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST

In this video, skaters Chris Cole and Tony Hawk pull off some sweet tricks in real life and play some Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD. Not at the same time.

Watch Tony Hawk play Tony Hawk in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD VGA 2011 teaser takes us back

David Hinkle — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST

Remember the first time you played Tony Hawk Pro Skater? Then the above trailer for its HD remake from the 2011 VGAs should seem familiar. We can't wait to score a million-point run for the first time all over again.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD VGA 2011 teaser takes us back originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD' to blend parts of first two Hawk titles in early 2012 on 'digital platforms'

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:19:00 EST

We cornered skateboarding figurehead Tony Hawk on the red carpet at this year's Spike Video Game Awards to get the skinny on that big announcement he has planned for the show -- as it turns out, the announcement is ... a Tony Hawk game! "Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD" will apparently take "select" levels from the first two Tony Hawk titles, HD-ify them, and wrap it all up in a neat digital package for "digital platforms" sometime in the first half of 2012.

Hawk told our man on the ground, Mike Schramm, that classic levels "School" and "Downhill" would make appearances, but didn't let on any more. The game will assuredly get a blowout tonight as the VGAs commence, so stay tuned! Or, uh, go watch old trailers of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2. Either/or.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD will be the first entry in the series after an ambiguously worded shuttering of the franchise by publisher Activision late last year. Clearly the series isn't quite dead yet!

Update: Tony says the game will apparently arrive sometime during the summer, and will be priced "under $20." Also, we saw a brief bit of gameplay, and it looks pretty!

'Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD' to blend parts of first two Hawk titles in early 2012 on 'digital platforms' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk hints at VGA reveal of another game (probably with his name on it)

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:45:00 EST

The Tony Hawk video game franchise hasn't wiped out completely -- it's just had a few years of practice sans padding or helmet.

"I'll be announcing the upcoming release of something new on Sat; the same day as the Spike Video Game Awards," Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk wrote on Twitter. "Coincidence? I think not."

The Tony Hawk franchise is currently hurting after two years of software that desperately tried to legitimize a skateboard peripheral. The last iteration, Shred, sold a mere 3,000 units in its first week. For comparison's sake, DJ Hero 2 sold 59,000 copies in its first two weeks of availability and Activision took that franchise out ... to a nice farm, where it can play around and roam free.

[Thanks, Ron.]

Tony Hawk hints at VGA reveal of another game (probably with his name on it) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision head Bobby Kotick positive but unsure on Vita; sees Wii U as 'really necessary' for Nintendo

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST

When Bobby Kotick's not busy making appearances in major motion pictures alongside Brad Pitt, he heads up Call of Duty publisher Activision. And as head of one of the largest (if not the largest) third-party game publisher, what he says about the future of various consoles can have some major implications. It seems that, like Activision has done in the past with new platforms, Kotick's stance on both Nintendo's Wii U and Sony's PlayStation Vita is "very interested" with a heavy side of apprehension.

In an interview with The Guardian, Kotick spoke to his feelings on the PS Vita. "Technically, we're super excited about what we can do on it, it's really something incredible. The question is, where is the market?" While he's excited by the capability of the PS Vita, and his company has already pledged support, Kotick acknowledged the burgeoning smart phone market for games as well. "It's a really nice product and its very well differentiated from what you can get in even the most capable smartphone or tablet today," he professed.

As for Nintendo's Wii successor, the Wii U, Kotick said that Activision has had dev kits "for awhile now" and that, while Nintendo has yet to fully clarify its online system even to him, the console apparently makes "rich multiplayer games" a possibility -- a first for Nintendo, if true. As far as timing goes, Kotick stated that Nintendo's hardware reveal was a necessity. "For the kinds of games we create, it was becoming very difficult for us to support the Wii with the expectations that our gamers have ... from a development perspective, having a Nintendo device that is on parity with the other hardware from a graphics perspective was really necessary." As you might expect, Activision is apparently "very enthusiastic about it," though he wouldn't detail any specific titles in development at the publisher.

When pressed on new intellectual properties, Kotick deferred to Bungie's unannounced project, as well as "the new MMO from Blizzard" (the rarely spoken of "Titan" project). And as expected, he spoke ambiguously regarding this year's Guitar Hero franchise gutting. "Until we can deliver a really high level of innovation and tap into the high level of creativity and inspiration of the people we have making games, we won't put the products out," he admitted. "That goes for everything -- we've always subscribed to that philosophy." We're not sure that the last few Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk titles would back up Mr. Kotick's claim, but then we're not the corporate figurehead of an enormous public company.

Activision head Bobby Kotick positive but unsure on Vita; sees Wii U as 'really necessary' for Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk: New game coming next year

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST

We fear that there may be no end in sight for Tony Hawk's long-troubled skateboarding series. Though Activision CEOs announced that 2011 would be the first year without a Tony Hawk game since the dawn of time, Hawk himself told PixelatedGeek in an impromptu interview that "We're actually right in the middle of making a whole new plan right now," when asked whether more Hawk-branded games were in the pipeline.

"We're going to do something probably for next year, but I can't give too much away," Hawk continued. "But definitely we're going to make new games, yes." And just like that -- once again -- Tony Hawk has outed an unannounced game with his own name attached to it. Thanks for the help, Tony!

Continue reading Tony Hawk: New game coming next year

Tony Hawk: New game coming next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST

The grim fates of True Crime and whatever installment of the Guitar Hero series that was in development are known -- but what about Activision's other perennial franchises? A few (equally grim) details surfaced during Activision's investor's call today, during which COO Thomas Tippl explained, "We will release no new music or skateboarding games" during the current calendar year.

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg added some more insight into the company's shift away from the music genre, explaining that even though DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock were well-received, "demand for peripheral-based music games declined at a dramatic pace." He continued, "Given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs associated with this genre, we simply cannot make these games profitably based on current economics and demand." However, Activision will continue to support its existing music games with DLC.

We're still left with a lot of questions, though (and we're working on the answers). For instance, what does this mean for the 3DS-bound DJ Hero 3D? What about the Tony Hawk series at large? Activision's frequently spoken about its staying power -- and if no Hawk title drops in 2011, it would be the first calendar year in the franchise's history without a new entry since 1999.

Activision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Roker: Shred

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST

During a visit to the Today Show, Tony Hawk advised risk-taking dream-seekers to "stay true to what you love doing, because you'll make it -- and it'll be great." Behind him, wobbling atop the Shred board, Al Roker realized that he had in fact veered dangerously off course from his chosen path.

Continue reading Al Roker: Shred

Al Roker: Shred originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Shreds October 26, Toys R Us to sell exclusive board

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Activision's second attempt at peripheral-based skateboarding will be available in stores on October 26th. Tony Hawk Shred promises "Big Air! Bigger Tricks!' in a more kid-friendly approach to the franchise.

Keeping in line with the game's younger vibe, it's fitting that Activision has partnered up with Toys R Us on an exclusive version of the board-and-game bundle. For $99, you'll get a copy of the game and a board featuring one of "Tony's custom Birdhouse graphics." Of course, if you still have your Tony Hawk Ride board, you can opt to reuse that for the sequel.

Continue reading Tony Hawk Shreds October 26, Toys R Us to sell exclusive board

Tony Hawk Shreds October 26, Toys R Us to sell exclusive board originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Tony Hawk: Shred will include snowboarding

David Hinkle — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST

Tony Hawk: Shred is an actual thing that's coming, this much Activision itself confirmed. And we have it on good authority from our Joystiq Superspy[TM] that the latest game to bear the Tony Hawk name will not only let gamers shred pavement, but also some fresh powder: the game will incorporate snowboarding -- a first for the traditionally skateboarding-only series.

It's been a tough time for the Tony Hawk series lately. Tony Hawk: Ride, which introduced a plastic peripheral, didn't do so well. And with competition from EA's Skate series, as well as newcomer Shaun White Skateboarding emerging on the scene, it's not going to be easy for Shred to stand out from the competition.

We're expecting to hear more on Shred at E3 next week. We'll let you know what we find out.

Rumor: Tony Hawk: Shred will include snowboarding originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk: Shred confirmed by Activision

Justin McElroy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:55:00 EST

Thanks to a since-deleted Tweet from the skateboarding mogul himself, the name Tony Hawk: Shred has been making the rounds as the rumored title for the next game in the venerable skating series. Now, Activision's made it official, telling us, "We can confirm we've given a name to the next Tony Hawk game - Tony Hawk: SHRED, and more details will be revealed in the coming months."

What we don't know is if TH:S is the peripheral-based follow-up to last year's Tony Hawk: Ride that Activision ~~threatened~~ promised in February. It seems like a natural evolution, right? "Hey Steve, you seem to be riding that skateboard pretty well, but aren't you ready to do more than ride? Would you, perhaps, be prepared to shred?"

(Also, as our own Ludwig Kietzmann points out, Tony Hawk: Shrek would probably make a lot more money.)

Tony Hawk: Shred confirmed by Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Skate 3 ramps up user-created content

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST

If we told you that the user creation tools in Skate 3 were robust, we'd be selling the game short. From the highly customizable skate parks (that can be shared online) to the revamped graphics creator, there's no doubt that the devs at Black Box have upped the ante on user creation in a significant way.

While there's always the worry that the Skate franchise could start packing in a bit too much (the Tony Hawk-ization of Skate, if you will), it looks like the folks in charge of improving the annual franchise know to keep the game focused on skateboarding culture and real physics. We'll be checking out the game this weekend at PAX East, so look for a more thorough opinion soon (and feel free to tell us in the comments below what you want to know about the game).

Gallery: Skate 3

Video: Skate 3 ramps up user-created content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk says iPhone game is 'dropping soon'

Justin McElroy — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

It would appear that finger skating is about to go "pro" with a Tony Hawk game for iPhone. The pro skater recently tweeted, "In the PR world, this is considered 'going rogue,' but I'm too excited. This is real & dropping soon." The attached picture, as you can see above, appears to be an iPhone version of his venerable skating series. The message has since been deleted, but as we saw it on the feed of an Activision employee, we feel pretty confident it's on the level.

Man, Tony just couldn't be more of a rebel, could he? Not only is he a skateboarder, putting curb wax on church steps and listening to rock 'n' roll too loud ... on his boom box, now he's using his Twitter feed to take on the corporate fat cats! Is there such a thing as too extreme?

Tony Hawk says iPhone game is 'dropping soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ride dev Robomodo sucked into parallel dimension, increases staff

Justin McElroy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST

Tragic news today as we report that, due to the detonation of a hydrogen bomb on a weird island in 1977, Tony Hawk Ride developer Robomodo has shifted sideways into a reality running parallel to our own. We may not have all the details, but we've got all the evidence we need here in this Gamasutra article.

As you know, here in our reality, Tony Hawk Ride was a poorly-received, overpriced game and peripheral that moved only 114,000 units during its first month at retail. In this parallel world though, the studio calls the game "high-selling" and is looking to actually increase its staff by as much as 17 percent in the near future for upcoming projects "across all platforms." The developer added that, at least in its dimension, its debut game is "very compelling."

You know, maybe it's not so tragic, after all. As near as we can tell, Robomodo and Ride may be better off in this other reality. Perhaps it's best if we just let them be.

Ride dev Robomodo sucked into parallel dimension, increases staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxoflux shuttered as layoffs hit Activision dev studios, publisher confirms

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:55:00 EST

Reports began circulating this morning about major layoffs at a handful of Activision-owned development studios, affecting as much as half of Radical Entertainment's staff (Prototype), an undisclosed amount of Neversoft employees (Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk), and the entirety of Luxoflux (Tranformers). An Activision rep confirmed two former studio layoffs to us this afternoon, though a representative didn't city any official numbers -- the rep also told us he could "confirm the closure of Luxoflux."

The full, significantly more vague, company statement given out to everyone reads: "Activision Publishing continually evaluates its resources to ensure that they are properly matched against its product slate and strategic goals. In 2010, the company's SKU count will be smaller than in 2009 driven in part, by a decrease in the number of music-based games we will be releasing. As we discussed on our earnings conference call yesterday, we are directing our resources against the largest and most profitable business segments, and as part of this initiative, we are realigning our resources to better reflect our slate and the market opportunities. At the same time, we are increasing our digital/online capabilities as we expect that digital/online will continue to become a more meaningful part of our business model in the years ahead."

Luxoflux shuttered as layoffs hit Activision dev studios, publisher confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If at first you don't succeed, Ride, Ride again

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST

You think the first time Tony Hawk, the man himself, stepped onto a skateboard it was a sick run? Heck no -- it was pathetic. But you know what? He got back on. And the rest is history.

Activision today fessed up to that new installment in the Tony Hawk game franchise, confirmed for a 2010 release and paired with the skateboard peripheral introduced with Ride last fall -- and boy was that a big fall. Shaking off signs that Ride and its board are about as beloved as worn-out Levis and antique Tupperware, Activision has committed to another run on the Tony Hawk board.

"Game ratings for Tony Hawk: Ride weren't as high as we would have hoped last year, and in hindsight it took longer to optimize the hardware, leaving less time to develop the software we launched in 2009," said Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, during a financial report and outlook call today. "Still, play-testing and consumer feedback have been very encouraging."

"This year, with the hardware complete, we'll be focusing on improving the software in order to unlock the full potential of the board," Griffith added. "We continue to believe that this innovative peripheral redefines the skateboarding experience and could potentially have different applications in the future."

If at first you don't succeed, Ride, Ride again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST

Today Activision Blizzard reported the financial results of its December quarter and the entire 2009 calendar year. For the year, Activision recorded a net income of $113 million, a modest turnaround from the $107 million in net losses for the company in 2008. Led by sales of Modern Warfare 2, all signs -- at least, this one -- pointed to an outstanding Q4 for the publisher. However, figures released today indicate that Activision actually posted a $286 million net loss during the period.

"Despite these challenging times, in 2010 we remain focused on expanding operating margins by growing our high-margin digital/online revenues, directing our resources to the largest and most profitable opportunities and realizing operational efficiencies globally," CEO Bobby Kotick said. "In calendar year 2010, we expect our net earnings and operating margin growth will be driven by our product slate that includes Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II and the World of Warcraft expansion pack, Cataclysm, as well as a diversified lineup based on Activision Publishing's best-selling franchises including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk, together with other well-known titles such as True Crime, Spider-Man and Bakugan."

While few details were give about Activision's pending slate of sequels, spinoffs and possible reboots, Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, did share a few words about the next True Crime game. "We'll be releasing a game in the $4 billion action genre, based on our True Crime franchise," Griffith said. "The game blends intense Hollywood-style driving with martial arts combat and shootouts to deliver an Asian cinema-inspired action thriller. This is a big open-world action game that looks especially strong." Griffith also confirmed that a new 007 game is still in the works for 2010.

Additionally, Activision noted that two new IPs are in development for its 2010 lineup and assured that additional DLC will continue to be released for Guitar Hero 5 (and presumably Band Hero), as well as for DJ Hero. The next installments in both music game franchises, Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, are due in "the back half of the year," according Griffith. Activision also announced that it has ceased developing new Guitar Hero games for the PlayStation 2 platform. Aw, shucks.

Activision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill?

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST

It may seem at this point that we're kicking an already downed and plenty insulted victim here, but we couldn't help but note the shockingly low price of a Tony Hawk: Ride bundle -- complete with board, unopened -- discovered by Gamertell at an Arlington Heights, Il. Goodwill store. Two Wii versions of the game were on sale for just $74.99 (down from $119.99 MSRP) -- a Goodwill employee said the game's presence could be explained by donations from local retailers, listing Kohls, Sears, Borders, and Target as potential donators. Alright, alright, we'll admit it -- the price drop isn't that steep, but a near $50 difference on a barely four-month-old game sounds pretty decent to us.

Presumably, one of the aforementioned retailers was more interested in the shelf space (and the tax write-off) than waiting for the game's fairly cool sales to heat up. Either way, if you're looking to get your ... ahem ... feet on the game, maybe your local Goodwill could offer a better deal than the other brick-and-mortars, eh?

Discounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk: details on next Robomodo project coming soon

David Hinkle — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST

It looks like we'll get to see the next Tony Hawk joint soon enough. The skateboarding legend recently tweeted that he just concluded a meeting with developer Robomodo. Tony Hawk said the project is already "much better than I expected," though we think he may be a bit biased on the matter. He added that details would be available "soon."

As for what it is he liked so much, all signs point to a Tony Hawk Ride sequel -- the sequel that Tony himself said was already in the works during a recent interview. And should that be the case, we think Robomodo and Mr. Hawk have a lot to think about, especially if they want to avoid releasing another critical bomb.

[Via MCV]

Tony Hawk: details on next Robomodo project coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk bribing Xbox Live's 'Ride' players with friendship

David Hinkle — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST

Who wouldn't want to go gallivanting around the globe, bustin' silly skateboarding tricks with icon Tony Hawk? Well, you'll never get to, but you can have the next best thing: Tony Hawk on your Xbox Live friends list. He hit the Twitters last night, trying to drum up some friends to play Tony Hawk Ride with on the Xbox 360. You know, that game with the crazy board Tony would like to see used with more games in the future? Yeah, that one.

There's no telling if it worked or not -- you can't check out Tony's friends list unless you're a friend with him. Still, it's interesting to see Tony take such an active role in trying to market the game. We guess when you invent a peripheral, you get all super passionate about it or something.

[Via Kotaku]

Source and Source - Tony Hawk's Twitter account

Tony Hawk bribing Xbox Live's 'Ride' players with friendship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VGA 2009: Tony Hawk talks disappointing sales and future plans

Kevin Kelly — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:20:00 EST

This past Saturday brought us the Spike TV Video Game Awards and - before experiencing the litany of world exclusives that awaited us inside - we spent some time outside cruising the red carpet and talking (briefly!) to many of the game developers and talent. We squeezed them for information as fast as we could while simultaneously wishing them holiday cheer and good tidings. Yes, it was as awkward as it sounds. Here's what we learned from Tony Hawk about Tony Hawk Ride.

You've been very vocal about the negative reviews of the game. What made you want to strike back?

Because I feel like a lot of people ... not just bad reviews, but some of them were just mean-spirited. You know what I mean? I felt like that wasn't fair to us, and it was also turning people away from even trying it. I feel like it's not for everyone, but try it! I see kids love it. I see parents that take to it and really enjoy it, and I just wanted a fair chance for people to try it objectively. When I see people just coming down on me personally, that got me going and I was frustrated with it.

But at the same time, I'm totally proud of it, I love the game. I spent two years of my life getting it going, and it was my idea ... I brought it to Activision. For people to say "Oh, you just stick your name on the game and that's it," that's not what it is at all.

The sales figures came out and they were disappointing. Do you think Activision will keep going in the same direction with this game or will go back to the old Tony Hawk?

I don't know, I guess that remains to be discussed. I really feel like the board is a good device, and we can make more games based on it. I really want to do that. This wasn't a gimmick, I didn't want people to think they have to buy a new one next year. I wanted to make this board so ... it's a platform to do other things with.

Does the game have the ability to be mapped to a standard controller? Could Activision implement that via a download?

You know what, we looked into it ... the way that you physically play the game, it wouldn't translate to a very challenging game with a joystick. The control scheme would have to be completely different, and we didn't want to make a game that was confusing like that.

VGA 2009: Tony Hawk talks disappointing sales and future plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk talks Ride sequel, confirms board for snowboarding and surfing games

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

[Giant Bomb]

In the realm of games that cost over $100 released by Activision this holiday season (we're counting four including the Prestige Edition Modern Warfare 2 pack), Tony Hawk Ride wasn't one that we thought of as a hot ticket item. The man who lent his name to the series, however, has a different take, saying in a recent interview with GameSpot UK on the prospect of a sequel to Ride that "We have already started that process, but who knows what the future holds."

Additionally, like multiple people at Ride developer Robomodo have already intimated, Hawk confirms plans to put the game's board to use in other places - specifically, the woefully underserved snowboarding and surfing game genres. Hawk even speaks of resurrecting one-shot last-gen game Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer, saying, "I always thought that Kelly Slater's [Pro Surfer] was an underrated title for the PlayStation 2 ... I thought that people didn't really give it the attention it deserved." And us, well, we're still hoping that someone makes a bicycle peripheral so that we can finally get the reboot of Downhill Domination that we've been waiting for.

Tony Hawk talks Ride sequel, confirms board for snowboarding and surfing games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST

We debated which of the two video assets Activision recently sent us for Tony Hawk: Ride should go a the top of the post, and which should be relegated to the unfavorable, post-jump real estate. The in-game trailer is pretty slick, and features that super catchy We Are Scientists jam. (You know the one, you hip guy, you.) However, the gameplay demonstration actually shows the peripheral being used to go on a "sick run," apparently part of a long-standing feud between Activision and Robomodo.

We decided to put the "sick run" at the top of the post, if only because we want you to know that this is exactly how we looked the first time we played the game at E3. Only we didn't crash quite so much, and also, when we finished playing, Tony Hawk himself came up and gave us a high-five with one of his giant hands. Check out the video above, then click past the jump to check out its neglected (but catchy!) brother.

Continue reading Tony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game

Tony Hawk: Ride videos are in-game and out-of-game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride pushed back to Dec. 4 in UK, arriving on time in NA

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Despite concerns that one third of Activision's holiday peripheral triforce would be missing its North American release date, the publisher has assured us today that Tony Hawk Ride will still be arriving on November 17 as planned. A rep from Acti told Joystiq, "The game is on sale Nov. 17 in the US, Nov. 27 in Germany and Dec. 4 in the UK," confirming a two week delay for United Kingdom-ers.

We may be getting the game two weeks before you folks in the UK but look at it this way: now you have two more weeks to sell off your furniture and reorganize your living room for all your new plastic peripherals. Hooray!

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride (09/03/09)

Tony Hawk Ride pushed back to Dec. 4 in UK, arriving on time in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Tony Hawk Ride

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST

Hi. I'm Joystiq writer Griffin McElroy, and those are my feet. They're attached to my shins, which attach to a long sequence of other appendages which stop at my brain -- which at the very moment this image was taken, was likely in a confused, panicked state. It's a reflex reaction I usually turn to when placed before an alien video game peripheral, although in most cases, it quickly subsides, and is replaced with a steely determination to figure out how it works.

By the time I'd reached the end of my brief hands-on session with Tony Hawk Ride, I had only just begun to deconstruct the hardware's machinations, and started determining how to deftly manipulate it in order to do sweet tricks. I was making progress in this endeavor when the demo came to a halt, but I'm still not sure my mind had completely wrapped around how I was supposed to manipulate the device. Is that indicative of the peripheral's weakness? No, I think it can be entirely chalked up to the fact that skateboarders move in mysterious ways.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride

Continue reading Hands-on: Tony Hawk Ride

Hands-on: Tony Hawk Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop adds '80s-themed level to Tony Hawk Ride pre-orders

David Hinkle — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

If you're looking to add a dash of '80s flair to your Tony Hawk Ride experience, you can either glue the skateboard peripheral onto one of those longboards, or you could just pre-order the game at GameStop. Those who choose the latter will gain access to the 80s Quicksilver Level, which is said to include a "Vert Ramp challenge sandwiched between two 747's on the runway of the Frankfurt Airport decked out in Quiksilver 80's theme including Tony Hawk himself." We guess Germany loves two things, then: David Hasselhoff and '80s-themed skateboard challenges.

[Via Go Nintendo]

[image credit]

GameStop adds '80s-themed level to Tony Hawk Ride pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More pro skaters heap praise on Tony Hawk Ride

David Hinkle — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST

The last time we saw Tony Hawk Ride, it was being played by a bunch of pro skaters who were falling over each other to proclaim the game's brilliance (it couldn't have anything to do with the fact they're all in the game, right?). Well, consider this video the sequel, as it brings even more pro skaters in to offer their very valid, objective feelings on the game. Can you believe they absolutely love it? We. Are. Shocked.

More pro skaters heap praise on Tony Hawk Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch pro skateboarders uncomfortably play Tony Hawk Ride

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST

Was it this silly when Guitar Hero first launched, with professional musicians trotted out to awkwardly "play" the game? Watching an aging Tony Hawk, grey hair in-tow, contort his body on the skateboard peripheral shipping with Tony Hawk Ride is the very definition of wahjah.

Try as Activision might, we're still not convinced we need yet another peripheral for our already cramped living rooms. Consider that we've already used our BalanceBoard for snowboarding, Sony's EyeToy is sounding more robust every day and Project Natal is promising a board-free skateboarding experience. See the common denominator? No new, large plastic objects in our houses! That's a win-win to us.

Watch pro skateboarders uncomfortably play Tony Hawk Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride dated, priced, limited edition'd in UK

JC Fletcher — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST

Activision has made the first official announcement regarding the price of Tony Hawk Ride. In the UK, a set containing the game and board will cost £99.99 ($169) upon its November 20 release. The only information we have for a North American price to compare is the $120 at which GameStop currently lists the game. Apparently, the game is called Tony Hawk Ride because you'll need to start riding in friends' cars after you sell your own for peripheral money.

UK retailer GAME will offer an exclusive limited edition of Ride (Xbox 360/PS3/Wii), featuring the red-and-black hawk artwork seen above, for the same price. It also has the game's logo on it so you don't confuse it with a real skateboard. That would be embarrassing.

Tony Hawk Ride dated, priced, limited edition'd in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision details Tony Hawk Ride's 'celebrity' roster

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST

Though we could call the list of folks showing their faces in Tony Hawk Ride a whole mess of things, one we wouldn't call it is "celebrity." Rather than drop in famous folks like Steve-O or, umm, Wolverine, the list that Eurogamer nabbed features more actual skateboarders than anything else.

From Steve Nesser to Dustin Dollin to Mike "I beat up four dudes by myself" Vallely, the roster features little in the way of traditional Tony Hawk tomfoolery. Don't let the halfway-there hoverboard fool you, dearest reader, this is clearly a more serious skateboarding entry in the Tony Hawk game franchise. Peep the entirety of the list after the jump.

Continue reading Activision details Tony Hawk Ride's 'celebrity' roster

Activision details Tony Hawk Ride's 'celebrity' roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride sequel already planned

JC Fletcher — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST

In an interview with IndustryGamers, Robomodo president Josh Tsui revealed some exclusive, shocking information about Tony Hawk Ride. We'll give you a moment to mentally prepare yourself. Are you sitting down?

There's probably going to be a sequel. To the tenth Tony Hawk game*.

Asked what else was happening at the company aside from development of the first Ride, Tsui said that "Obviously, we're very focused on getting this done, but being the creative types that we are, we're always writing up new game proposals and things we want to do." One of the new game proposals, of course, is Ride 2. "It's just a matter of timing," he said. "With Tony Hawk: Ride finishing up [we have to think about] the sequel to the game and where that fits into our schedules. It's a lot of juggling at this point."

Of course, while Robomodo has just started thinking about the sequel, it's been an absolute certainty at Activision since, say, 1999, as have annual Tony Hawk sequels from now until they outnumber humans.

*Not counting ports, handheld versions, or spinoffs like Tony Hawk's Motion.

Tony Hawk Ride sequel already planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk Ride board to be used for 'many games'

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST

Joshua Tsui, president of Tony Hawk Ride developer Robomodo, told Videogamer.com that gamers concerned about blowing a bunch of money on the package should see it as an investment in a new platform, because the skateboard peripheral that comes with Ride won't be a single-use device.

"It's really important to us that when people buy this package that they understand that, right now we're concentrating on Tony Hawk Ride, but we want to make sure that people have a good return on their investment so there are many games that are planned for this peripheral," Tsui said.

Discussing potential followup games to use the board, Tsui said, "The obvious ones are snowboarding and surfing and such, but there are a lot of games that can be used with this board, and we're really excited to start working on those."

Of course, the real followup games will be called Tony Hawk's Ride 2, Tony Hawk's Ride 3, and Tony Hawk's Ride 4, and each one will have an optional bundle that includes a new board with just enough upgrades to tempt people into repeat purchases. Because, you know, Activision.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride

Tony Hawk Ride board to be used for 'many games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision got the heads up about Project Natal

Justin McElroy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:44:00 EST

If there was one person we felt bad for during Microsoft's otherwise stellar press conference, it was Tony Hawk, whose motion-sensing skateboard peripheral for Tony Hawk: Ride seemed to be rendered obsolete literally moments after its introduction thanks to MS's new Project Natal. But Microsoft's John Schappert he likely wasn't caught by surprise.

"Activision certainly had seen our video and stuff like that, but I think in defense of Tony Hawk and what they're doing, that product is shipping this year and it has a very real street date," he said. "I think that product, just like many other peripherals is groundbreaking today. Natal is tomorrow."

Fair enough. But if you see Tony Hawk walking around with a single tear anytime soon, you'll know why.

Activision got the heads up about Project Natal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pro skaters sound off in Tony Hawk Ride trailer

Jason Dobson — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST

Sure, that new skateboard controller for Tony Hawk Ride looks rad, but what do the pro's think? Several professional skaters, including Christian Hosoi and Mr. Hawk himself, talk up the game and skate deck in this latest trailer using phrases like "the ultimate rush" while what looks like innocent bystanders explode. Seriously.

There's some choice comments, though we think the best comes from Paul Rodriguez, who says simply, "If you've had an interest in skating, but maybe didn't want to put yourself in a position of getting injured, here's your chance." We've no desire to fall and straddle any railing at high speed, so this sounds right up our alley.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride (6-2-09)

Pro skaters sound off in Tony Hawk Ride trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Tony Hawk Ride screens look like Tony Hawk

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST

click to Tony-size

Much hoopla (hoopla, we say) has arisen over the skateboard controller for Tony Hawk Ride. We've seen pictures of it. We've seen people awkwardly use it. But what about the gameplay? We've got the first screens of the game and, as it turns out, it looks a lot like a Tony Hawk game. Imagine that. Check out all the screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride

First Tony Hawk Ride screens look like Tony Hawk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision announces megaton surprises for 2010: 007, Tony Hawk, Call of Duty

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST

Activision, as the bastion of original IP development, announced a number of megaton titles in development for 2010. Names dropped at its investor's call include new additions to its venerable lineup of franchises: 007, Tony Hawk, Spider-man, Transformers and Shrek.

Those hungry for innovation will be able to look forward to a new original action IP from the company. In addition, Activision plans on expanding the Call of Duty franchise to new genres. Call of Duty Kart? Call of Duty Party? Call of Duty Hero: Metallica? We're psyched.

Activision announces megaton surprises for 2010: 007, Tony Hawk, Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tony Hawk will ride Tony Hawk Ride at Microsoft's E3 keynote

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:15:00 EST

Want to see a real skateboarder on a fake skateboard? Check out Microsoft's E3 keynote tomorrow. Skateboard legend and video game mascot Tony Hawk just tweeted about his involvement in MS's conference. He'll show off Tony Hawk Ride -- wearing makeup, even!

"Just practiced my part for Microsoft's E3 keynote tomorrow (introducing #thride)," Mr. Pro Skater said. "First time I've ever had to wear make-up for a rehearsal."

We can't promise he'll actually get on the stationary board, but he'll at least be there showing it off. Mr. Hawk's presence at he MS conference suggests that there could be some component of the game that is Xbox-exclusive, like DLC or green skateboard decals or ... something.

Tony Hawk will ride Tony Hawk Ride at Microsoft's E3 keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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