Tony Hawk signs new deal with Activision

Activision has announced that Tony Hawk, the star of its successful Pro Skater series of skateboarding games, has signed an exclusive multiyear video game licensing agreement that doesn't expire until 2015. The professional skateboarder has been working with Activision since 1998, and the first game in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series was released for the PlayStation in 1999. As of March 31 this year, the franchise had reportedly generated around $500 million worldwide, so it's not surprising that Activision is keen to keep the star of its Activision O2 label on board.

"I am very excited to continue my partnership with Activision O2, the definitive brand in action sports video games," Hawk said. "Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports today and the video games allow millions of kids to perform tricks and combos that they might not be able to pull off in real life. I've been skateboarding since I was 9 and playing video games for almost as long. It's been awesome watching the phenomenal rise in popularity of my two favorite activities."

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games--currently enjoying their third incarnation--have appeared on numerous games platforms since 1999, including the Game Boy Advance , Game Boy Advance , Game Boy Advance , Game Boy Advance , and Game Boy Advance . In the games, players are awarded points for performing specific tasks and spectacular tricks while exploring levels ranging from skate parks and peaceful residential areas to airport terminals and cruise ships. The gameplay formula has essentially remained unchanged since the first game, but the series' sophisticated trick system has evolved through the addition of one or two key new moves.

Activision's Neversoft studio is currently working on the next game in the series, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, which is due for release later this year on the Game Boy Advance , Game Boy Advance , and Game Boy Advance .