Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has been unexpectedly removed from the July lineup of Xbox Game Pass, leaving subscribers without the anticipated title. Microsoft has not yet provided an official reason for its withdrawal from the service.
The disappearance has led to widespread speculation within the gaming community. One prevailing theory suggests the removal could be tied to licensing issues, particularly concerning the game's soundtrack, which features a significant collection of music from the 2000s, along with some 90s classics. The inclusion of various real-world skateboarding brands also necessitated licensing agreements.
While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, it is notable that Microsoft now owns the intellectual property for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, having acquired its publisher, Activision, in 2023. This acquisition has been followed by significant changes within Xbox, including recent layoffs.
Despite the removal of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 remains available on Game Pass, having been added to the subscription service last year. A replacement title for the removed game has not been announced, and promotional materials have been updated to reflect the remaining games for the month.
Other titles that have been added to or are scheduled for Game Pass in July include Winds of Arcana, Tamashika, Ascend to Zero, PBA Pro Bowling 2026, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, Mavrix by Matt Jones, FixForce, The Planet Crafter, and Fogpiercer. Gears of War: Reloaded was also made available earlier this month for the lower tier of Game Pass.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 originally launched in September 2020 and was met with critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its faithful recreation of the original games' levels, along with enhancements to the trick system and engaging challenges.