The skateboarding video game genre, for many, is synonymous with one name: Tony Hawk. And when it comes to the golden age of that phenomenon, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 stand out as two of the most beloved entries in the franchise. While no official remake or remaster for these specific titles has been announced in recent years, the enduring legacy of these games and the persistent fan desire for their return means we’re constantly on the lookout for any whisper of news.

So, what’s the latest buzz surrounding a potential revival of these skateboarding titans? Let’s dive into what we know, what we hope to know, and what has many fans dreaming of a return to classic THPS glory.

### The Lingering Question: Release Date – Are We Still Waiting?

This is the big one. As of our last update, there is no official release date for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 remake or remaster. The most recent official release to reignite the series was the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake in 2020, which was a massive critical and commercial success. This left many fans eagerly anticipating that Vicarious Visions (or another studio) would tackle the next logical step: THPS3 and THPS4.

However, reports emerged in 2023 suggesting that Activision had moved development of the series away from Vicarious Visions. This has cast a shadow of uncertainty over future remakes. While the possibility remains, and the success of THPS 1+2 certainly proved the market for these games, we are currently in a holding pattern with no concrete release information. Speculation often runs rampant, with fans setting their own hopeful timelines, but until Activision makes an official announcement, any “release date” is purely conjecture.

### The Soundtrack of a Generation: What We Remember (and Hope for!) in the Tracklist

One of the defining features of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has always been its killer soundtrack. These games weren’t just about grinding rails and landing kickflips; they were cultural touchstones, introducing a generation to punk, ska, and hip-hop.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is legendary for its eclectic and influential tracklist. We’re talking anthems like:

“Ace of Spades” by Motörhead
“Anarchy Burger (The Super Happy Fun Time Mix)” by The Vandals “Body Bag” by Fu Manchu
“Butterfly Effect” by Queens of the Stone Age
“Comin’ Correct” by Mix Master Mike
“Guerilla Radio” by Rage Against the Machine
“I Get Around” by 2Pac
“Just Like You” by Three 6 Mafia
“Kick, Push” by The Black Eyed Peas
“Nitro” by The Offspring
“No Reason” by Sum 41
“One Step Closer” by Linkin Park
“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy
“The Honeycombs” by The Living End
“Theme from “Shaft”” by Isaac Hayes

And the list goes on! The brilliance was in the curation, blending iconic tracks with emerging artists that perfectly complemented the adrenaline-fueled gameplay.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 continued this tradition, offering another fantastic collection of bangers:

“Avant Garde” by The Movement
“Banned from the Beach” by T.S.O.L.
“Blind” by System of a Down
“Come Out and Play” by The Offspring
“Come Together” by Aerosmith
“Down in a Hole” by Alice in Chains
“Falling” by The Lemonheads
“Felt Good to Burn” by The Dead Kennedys
“Gonna Get It” by Gizmoto
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
“I’m the Slime” by Frank Zappa
“Kickdrum” by The F-Ups
“Lay It Down” by Rob Zombie
“Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains
“Message in a Bottle” by The Police
“My Way” by Limp Bizkit
“New Moon” by The F-Ups
“Nowhere to Run” by Motörhead
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations
“Police Truck” by Dead Kennedys
“Pump It Up” by Elvis Costello
“Real World” by The Vandals
“Renegades of Funk” by Rage Against the Machine
“Road Rash” by System of a Down
“Rocket” by The Smashing Pumpkins
“Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” by Limp Bizkit
“Sacred Kind of Love” by The F-Ups
“She’s Crafty” by Beastie Boys
“Siamese Twins” by System of a Down
“Spiderwebs” by No Doubt
“Still Waiting” by Sum 41
“Superstar” by The Get Up Kids
“The Black Cat” by The F-Ups
“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy
“The Crystal Ship” by The Doors
“The Longest Day” by Motörhead
“The Old Man” by Neil Young
“The River” by Bruce Springsteen
“The Unforgiven” by Metallica
“This Is It” by The F-Ups
“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Urban Struggle” by The Vandals
“Walk This Way” by Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith
“Welcome to Paradise” by Green Day
“Whatever It Takes” by The F-Ups
“Why Can’t We Be Friends?” by War
“You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates

If a remake were to happen, the question of the tracklist is immense. Would they recreate the original playlists? Would they update it with modern artists who embody the spirit of the originals? The THPS 1+2 remake did an excellent job of curating a fresh but familiar soundtrack. We can only hope for that same level of care and attention if THPS3 and THPS4 were to get the remake treatment. The anticipation for hearing these iconic tunes in a revitalized form is palpable.

### Everything Else We Know (or Think We Know!)

Beyond the release date and tracklist, what else is on the table for a potential THPS3 and THPS4 revival?

Core Gameplay: The fundamental gameplay mechanics of THPS3 and THPS4 are what made them so beloved. The introduction of the “Revert” trick in THPS3 was a game-changer, allowing for seamless combos and introducing a new layer of skill. THPS4’s “Challenger Mode” shifted the focus from timed goals to completing specific objectives within the environment, fostering exploration and creativity. Any remake would undoubtedly retain and refine these core elements.
Roster of Pros: Both games featured an incredible roster of professional skateboarders. The return of legends like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, and Chad Muska, alongside new additions, would be essential. The potential for updated scans and voice work for these skaters is exciting.
Level Design: The iconic skate parks of THPS3 (like “Hawai” and “City”) and THPS4 (such as “Fairview” and “The Warehouse”) are etched into the memories of gamers. A remake would likely see these levels meticulously recreated with modern graphical fidelity, possibly with new secrets and interactive elements.
Multiplayer: The local and online multiplayer modes were a huge part of the original games’ appeal. The ability to challenge friends online or in split-screen is a must-have for any revival.
Vicarious Visions’ Role: As mentioned, the status of Vicarious Visions, the studio behind the incredibly successful THPS 1+2 remake, remains a key question mark. Their expertise in faithfully recreating the feel and spirit of the original games is unparalleled, and their absence would be a significant concern for many fans.
Activision’s Strategy: Activision’s current strategy for the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise is unclear. Given the success of THPS 1+2, it’s logical to assume they would want to continue capitalizing on the nostalgia and renewed interest. However, the shift in development studios suggests a potential change in direction or approach.

### The Waiting Game Continues

For now, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 saga remains one of eager anticipation and hopeful speculation. While no official announcements have been made regarding release dates or development, the enduring love for these titles, their revolutionary gameplay, and their unforgettable soundtracks keeps the dream alive. We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open for any concrete news, and in the meantime, many fans are likely revisiting the originals, reliving the glory days of vertical and vert-less skating. The streets are waiting, and so are we.