Daily Archives: March 4, 2025

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 overcame the obstacle and is releasing on 2025!

The skateboarding world is buzzing with excitement as Activision officially announced the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Set to launch on July 11, 2025, this remaster promises to bring back the nostalgia of the early 2000s while introducing new features and enhancements that cater to both old fans and new players.

However, the journey to this announcement was anything but smooth, and the game almost didn’t see the light of day.

The official reveal of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 was a momentous occasion for fans of the franchise. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC2. The remaster will feature updated graphics, new skaters, new parks, and an expanded soundtrack that includes both classic and new tracks.

Players can look forward to cross-platform multiplayer, enhanced creation tools, and a New Game+ mode1.

The announcement also revealed various editions of the game, including a standard edition, a deluxe edition, and a collector’s edition5. The deluxe and collector’s editions will offer early access, exclusive in-game items, and additional content based on Bethesda’s DOOM franchise.

The Near Miss

The development of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 was fraught with challenges. Following the successful remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 by Vicarious Visions in 2020, Activision initially planned to continue with remakes of the third and fourth installments.

However, in April 2022, Vicarious Visions was fully merged into Blizzard Entertainment and shifted its focus exclusively to Blizzard’s projects7. This left the future of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 in jeopardy.

Activision had to find a new developer to take on the project, and the responsibility eventually fell to Iron Galaxy8. The transition was not without its difficulties, as Iron Galaxy had to pick up where Vicarious Visions left off and ensure that the remaster lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.

Despite these challenges, Iron Galaxy managed to deliver a product that not only honors the legacy of the original games but also brings fresh content and improvements to the table8. The development team worked tirelessly to incorporate fan feedback, enhance the game’s visuals, and introduce new features that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers.

Returning Skaters:

  • Tony Hawk
  • Bucky Lasek
  • Steve Caballero
  • Kareem Campbell
  • Geoff Rowley
  • Andrew Reynolds
  • Elissa Steamer
  • Chad Muska
  • Eric Koston
  • Rodney Mullen
  • Jamie Thomas
  • Rune Glifberg
  • Bob Burnquist

New Skaters:

  • Rayssa Leal
  • Chloe Covell
  • Jamie Foy
  • Zion Wright
  • Yuto Horigome

And if you were noticing, yes, there are a few notable absences in the roster for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. One of the most significant is Bam Margera, who was a popular skater in the original games and a friend of Tony Hawk, especially during his days with Jackass and CKY.

His absence is likely to be a topic of discussion among fans, especially regarding the reasons for his exclusion. Unfortunately, due to his struggles with alcohol and mental health, it is well-documented that Margera has burned bridges with former friends and castmates of both Jackass and CKY.

Other notable absences include Mike Vallely and Daewon Song.

The announcement of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the development team at Iron Galaxy and the unwavering support of the franchise’s fans. While the journey to this point was filled with obstacles, the end result is a game that promises to reignite the passion for skateboarding and bring the Tony Hawk series back to its former glory.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Playstation user will have future opportunities on testing more than firmwares in the future

Sony has recently announced an exciting new beta program for Playstation users, aimed to let gamers to have a “more consolidated way” to test new features across “a wide range of PlayStation experiences.”. This initiative allows selected participants to experience and provide feedback on new games testing on both PS5 and Playstation games for PC.

The Beta Program at PlayStation will create an easy, centralized place for you to register your interest in a range of future PlayStation betas. A single registration for Beta Program at PlayStation will allow you to express interest in gaining beta access to test participating games for the PS5 console and PC, new PS5 console features, PlayStation App features, and even user experience features on PlayStation.com. You only need to sign up once to express interest in these various betas, and if you receive an invitation to a specific beta, it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to participate or not.

According to the official blog, the requirements are:

  • Players must have a valid account for PlayStation Network in good standing with a current email address. Accounts with restrictions or violations may not be eligible for participation.
  • Players must live in the region where Beta Program at PlayStation is available.
  • Players must meet the legal age requirement for their region.

It is important to notice (and as expected on the nature of testing and BETAs), gamers needs to have their expectations clear in terms that there will be moments where a test phase could have its space will be limited and signing up won’t guarantee acceptance for specific opportunities.

Breaking, Business, Gaming, News

Acclaim is back to help indies developers and hopefully learned from its former self’s mistakes

In the ever-evolving world of video games, few names evoke as much nostalgia as Acclaim Entertainment. Founded in 1987, Acclaim was a powerhouse in the gaming industry, responsible for bringing some of the most beloved franchises to life. From the adrenaline-pumping action of “Mortal Kombat” to the prehistoric adventures of “Turok,” Acclaim’s logo was a familiar sight for gamers of the ’80s and ’90s. However, the company’s journey was not without its ups and downs, culminating in its bankruptcy in 2004. Now, over two decades later, Acclaim is making a triumphant return, and its story is one worth telling.

The Rise and Fall of Acclaim

Acclaim Entertainment was founded with a clear vision: to become a dominant force in the gaming industry. The company’s name was strategically chosen to appear before competitors like Activision and Accolade in alphabetical listings. This clever marketing move was just the beginning of Acclaim’s innovative approach to the industry.

Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Acclaim published a plethora of iconic games. Titles like “NBA Jam,” “Burnout,” and “Mary-Kate and Ashley: Sweet 16 – License to Drive” became household names. The company’s success was not limited to a single genre; it spanned sports, action, and even licensed games based on popular TV shows and movies.

However, as the new millennium approached, Acclaim faced increasing financial difficulties. The company’s aggressive marketing strategies, such as reimbursing UK drivers with speeding tickets to promote “Burnout 2” and urging parents to name their baby “Turok” for a contest, were not enough to stave off bankruptcy. In September 2004, Acclaim filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind a legacy of both triumphs and controversies.

The Resurrection of Acclaim

Fast forward to 2025, and Acclaim is back, but with a new mission and a fresh approach. The company has re-entered the market with a focus on supporting independent developers and revitalizing its classic franchises. Under the leadership of new CEO Alex Josef, Acclaim aims to provide funding, marketing, and PR support to indie studios looking to break into the industry.

Josef, a veteran of the gaming industry with over two decades of experience, is passionate about bringing Acclaim back to the forefront. “It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry,” Josef said. The company has already signed several indie titles, which will be revealed soon.

To achieve its goals, Acclaim has assembled an advisory board comprising industry veterans like Russell Binder at Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan at Ridge Partners, and WWE legend Jeff Jarrett at Global Force Entertainment. This diverse team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring that Acclaim’s revival is both strategic and impactful.

A New Era for Acclaim

The return of Acclaim is not just about nostalgia; it’s about innovation and adaptation. The company recognizes the importance of indie developers in today’s gaming landscape and is committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. By supporting indie studios and breathing new life into its classic IPs, Acclaim aims to make a significant impact on the industry once again.

As gamers eagerly await the announcement of the new titles and the revival of beloved franchises, one thing is clear: Acclaim’s return is a testament to the enduring power of great games and the passion of those who create them. The company’s journey from its rise in the ’80s to its fall in 2004, and now its resurrection in 2025, is a story of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In the words of Jeff Jarrett, “Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I’m excited to be involved”. With a talented team, a clear vision, and a commitment to supporting the next generation of game developers, Acclaim is poised to make its mark on the gaming world once again.