Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, renowned for his contributions to skate culture and the gaming world, recently marked a significant milestone: the
25th anniversary of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3. This beloved video game, released by Neversoft in 1999, solidified Hawk’s status as a household name and has continued to inspire skateboarders globally.

Visit to Pershing Square

To commemorate the milestone, Hawk ventured to a real-world location reminiscent of a stage from the game—the iconic Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. However, the visit took an unexpected turn when he and his team were asked to leave by security personnel.

Hawk shared this amusing anecdote on social media, stating, “Happy 25th THPS3! We got kicked out of Pershing Square while shooting this today.”

The Game’s Impact and Legacy

Although the game did not explicitly name Pershing Square, its design was unmistakably influenced by the park, incorporating the modern architectural elements of Ricardo Legorreta, including stone crescent benches and vibrant red orbs. These features provided a striking backdrop that has remained largely unchanged since the game’s release.

In his homage, Hawk glided through the park to the tune of the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” mimicking the animated posture of his in-game character. Despite the great nostalgia, his filming was cut short by the prompt intervention of security, leading Hawk to describe the experience as “very anticlimactic.”

The Legacy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 was groundbreaking as the first in the series to be released on the PlayStation 2, and remains celebrated as one of the greatest titles of its era. It is notably tied with Grand Theft Auto 3 as the highest-rated game on the console according to Metacritic.

In 2025, the game was reimagined in a bundled remake alongside Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, which received a diverse response from fans. Despite the nostalgic value, many players have expressed frustration over the slow pace of new releases in the skateboarding game genre.

Conclusion

Hawk’s efforts to celebrate the 25th anniversary of THPS3 reflect not only his personal legacy but also that of a video game that has profoundly shaped skateboarding culture. While the unexpected security encounter may have interrupted the celebration, it did little to overshadow the game’s lasting impact.