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Tony Hawk Has "Jordan-Esque" Staying Power

There was a time when the Tony Hawk games were some of the very best on store shelves. In fact, Tony Hawk 2 for the original PlayStation makes many a Top 100 list.

But recently, the franchise has experienced a letdown due to an attempt to embrace the future. Tony Hawk: Ride implemented an all-new board accessory in an effort to amp up the immersion factor, but it really didn't work out. As a result, sales were...well, really low. And even though the recent Tony Hawk: Shred is faring better on the review charts, sales are once again slow, which has led many to wonder- will Activision ditch the legendary skater? Nah. In speaking to Industry Gamers, Activision CEO of Publishing Eric Hirshberg said it's too soon to pass judgment on Shred, and aggressive marketing will continue. Secondly, in addressing Tony Hawk, he said:

"The one question that I can answer, and remarkably so, is that Tony Hawk does really still have relevance and tremendous appeal for people. He is a lasting icon. He has that Michael Jordan-ish or Jordan-esque staying power, seemingly."

That's an interesting analogy because while it may fit in the sports world, it doesn't seem to make much sense in the video game world. Jordan hadn't been in any game for a very long time until NBA 2K11 paid homage. But we get Hirshberg's meaning and if they can produce quality skating games, we've no doubt the Tony Hawk name can still push copies.

Tags: tony hawk, activision, tony hawk ride, tony hawk shred

12/8/2010 12:25:35 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (13 posts)

Radical Gordon
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 12:42:59 PM
Reply

I used to love the Tony Hawk series but it's never been the same after playing "Skate".

I almost feel sorry for him trying desperately to cling on to a genre he used to dominate.

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Nynja
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 1:08:17 PM

The only way I can see TH making a come back is if they drop the peripheral and take cues from Skate.

They need to suck it up and utilize a similar system with the analog sticks found in the Skate series.

Honestly though, I much rather support EA than Activision... I sware those guys are trying to monopolize the market. Reminds me of another large corporation out there.

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AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 12:52:37 PM
Reply

yah, once skate came out the Tony Hawk games went down hill. Played every game expect Ride and Downhill Jam. My all time favorite Tony Hawk game was Underground. Underground 2 cutscenes were hilarious. Played Skate a couple of years ago and that's the game that basically road killed the Tony Hawk series.
Bottom line I would love to see EA come out with a snowboard game that is similar like to the Skate games.
Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 12/8/2010 12:53:14 PM

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Nynja
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 12:59:01 PM

EA has the next SSX is in the works. The same team that worked on Skate is on the job. SO FREAKING EXCITED!

Once the winter season is over, I will be looking for the next SSX installment like a hawk.

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CH1N00K
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 1:26:07 PM

Like a Tony Hawk??? Sorry..couldn't resist

Last edited by CH1N00K on 12/8/2010 1:39:04 PM

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BikerSaint
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 6:50:44 PM

Rumor has it that the SSX Snowball is Gathering in Speed & Size....

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/08/the-ssx-snowball-gathers-speed-amp-size.aspx

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CH1N00K
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 1:17:03 PM
Reply

As much as I love these genre's I kind of have to go with the article that was written a few days ago about how this could be a dying genre.

I hate to admit it, but I think it is slowly fading. When TH first came out, it was blowing people's minds...now it's just another fish in the sea. Skate was a game changer that refreshed the genre a bit..but having played Skate one and Skate 2...I have no ambition to get into Skate 3..I just wouldn't play it enough.

The biggest thing I find with this genre is that usually if you play one, you've played them all. Coolboarders used to be the game beat in the snowboard side, but I think Amped kind of took over that market. Shaun White tried, but was never really that solid of a game...

On the Skateboard side, Tony Hawk started it all and was king for a while, but Skate has kind of taken that crown,IMO. But now...where else can they go with these? Unless someone comes up with a really creative way to make re-invent these games again, they are going to dwindle away.

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tridon
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 2:02:39 PM
Reply

Tony Hawk isn't the problem. The problem is the games that his name is attached to. I haven't enjoyed a Tony Hawk game since the third Pro Skater. On a similar note, I really wish there would've been another Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX, too.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 3:58:04 PM
Reply

I like his button down shirts at Kohls :)

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Nynja
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 4:31:32 PM

LOL

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Geobaldi
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 5:11:53 PM
Reply

Off topic: Has anybody else heard the statement that EA Games Label President Frank Gibeau has just recently released saying that all games lacking online components are done for? No more offline single player experiences? Really? Dude must be smoking something. And EA was starting to get back on my good side too.

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BikerSaint
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 6:48:59 PM
Reply

Yeah, I had posted the link to that article in another thread, either yesterday or the day before(damned CRS syndrome,LOL)

Anyway, he said as digital is the way he want's to go, that EA is going to to be doing 40% reduction with on-disc games in 2011.

So guess what? I'm going to be doing a 40% reduction myself....in buying EA games too.

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BikerSaint
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 @ 7:36:56 PM
Reply

And here's some more asinine BS coming out of EA Games president Frank Gibeau's mouth....

"EA Says Single-Player Gaming Is On The Way Out"

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/08/ea-says-single-player-gaming-is-on-the-way-out.aspx



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