UPDATE: Andy Robinson, Editor in Chief for Video Games Chronicle, has debunked the rumor that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 will require online activation.
Quote retweeting our article, Robinson stated “I’ve been told this isn’t true. There is a day one patch, but the game can still be played without it. My guess is the box messaging is caution on Activision’s part.”
When pressed for a source, Robinson simply replied “Activision.” While Video Games Chronicle has yet to report on this statement (along with Activision not making a public statement on the matter), we have little reason to doubt that Activision have issued a statement to Robinson.
We are reaching out to our prior sources for more information.
UPDATE 2: One of our sources has found new information. DoesItPlay (a Twitter account dedicated to testing physical games) state while their sources are struggling to activate the game, others have. The reason may be that the game was pre-loading on PlayStation 4.
When users could not progress beyond the Warehouse (as the game had not finished installing) a poorly phrased warning message made them believe online activation was needed.
“Some say it’s working without, but another is stating it’s not. […] I’ve got a theory of what could be happening though. PS4 uses a process called playgo.
It appears to fully install a disc but this is only a “install until playable” amount, once this is done you can play but it installs behind the scenes.
During this time content is restricted. It appears the message that comes up would appear to lead the user to believe they need to download a patch. But they actually just need to wait 30 mins to get the final install. This + the confusing box art has likely caused the issue.”
They emphasize they wish to play the game for themselves to verify the claims.
Original Story:
Rumors claim that Activision’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 will require online activation; despite all content in the game being on the game’s disc.
YouTuber Lance McDonald tweeted his discovery, later revealing to us (via Twitter Direct messaging) that he discovered the box-art through Australian online retailers such as EB Games. The box art states “REQUIRES CONTENT DOWNLOAD.”
“So I’m hearing from a few sources that Tony Hawk 1+2 remake that’s coming out in a couple of days requires online activation,” McDonald claimed, “despite being a offline game with the entirety of the game present on the game disc. Haven’t been able to confirm it myself buy the box art mentions it.”
The store description on EB Games makes no mention of an online activation, nor does the box art. However, such disclaimers for Day 1 patch updates are rarely printed on the box, leaving little else the disclaimer could be for.
Further, games with an online element will typically prevent anyone playing online if the game is not fully updated. As such, the Day 1 update can act as a “pseudo-online activation,” without preventing someone from playing the single player or offline content if they wish.
Speaking to McDonald, he explained that he was relying on second hand information; though the activation could be blocked via blocking a URL via firewall or local proxy. His claim was then corroborated via the box art. Another source we spoke to (who wished to remain anonymous) also stated they had found similar claims.
Activision also drew ire in 2017, as Call of Duty: WW2 required online activation. Thanks to issues with the game’s servers on launch, this initially caused issues for those trying to play the game’s campaign and Zombies mode. Similar was also required with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019).
Spyro Reignited Trilogy had a similar case, with only included the first game being on the disc. The remakes of Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon had to be downloaded. Later printing of the disc included all three games, though the disclaimer on the box-art remained.
Always Online DRM, along with online activation DRM, has been loathed by the gaming community for some time. One of the most prolific of these was the Xbox One announcement press conference.
It focused on being a home entertainment system rather than a games console, having always-online checks preventing players from playing used games, and a Kinect constantly watching. The latter two features were removed, after much mockery from consumers and rival corporations.
You can find the full rundown of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (via Epic Games Store) below.
Play the fully-remastered Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ & Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 2 games in one epic collection, rebuilt from the ground up in incredible HD.
Pre-purchase and receive:
- Access to the Warehouse Demo*
Drop Back In With The Most Iconic Skateboarding Games Ever Made
Skate as the legendary Tony Hawk and the full pro roster. Listen to songs from the era-defining soundtrack. Hit insane trick combos with the iconic handling of the Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ series.
All The Original Game Modes And More
Play all the original modes and go head-to-head with local 2-Player modes. Show off your style and creativity with upgraded Create-A-Park and Create-A-Skater features. Compete against players from around the world in Multiplayer modes and leaderboards.
*Warehouse Demo availability and launch date(s) to be announced and subject to change. Internet connection required. This pre-order will grant you access to that demo, when released. See www.tonyhawkthegame.com for details. Downloadable content may be made available to purchase.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 launches September 4th for Windows PC (via the Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Image: EB Games
