Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has stirred discussion within the gaming community following the announcement of the removal of a controversial Guitar Hero Easter egg. Released in July, this remake celebrates the return of the beloved skateboarding franchise, developed by Iron Galaxy. The game reimagines the third and fourth installments for modern platforms and allows players to skate with up to eight friends while revisiting classic locations, pulling off incredible combos, and enjoying the expanded Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes. Among its various Easter eggs, the game features characters such as Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem as unlockable skaters.
However, one particular Easter egg referencing Guitar Hero, found in a trash can within the Waterpark level, has attracted controversy. This level, unlocked by completing objectives from THPS 4 Skate Tour, is one of three new levels featured in the remake, alongside Movie Studio and Pinball. The Waterpark is especially designed for combo enthusiasts, offering a mix of ramps and rides ideal for executing tricks. Iron Galaxy announced the decision to remove the Guitar Hero reference on their official Reddit account, acknowledging the community’s response to the discovery.
The developers expressed their respect for fellow game creators and indicated they would investigate how the Easter egg came to be included in the game. This isn’t the first time the remake has faced scrutiny over game references; an earlier Easter egg involving Bikini Bottom raised eyebrows when it was revealed that access was limited to Deluxe Edition purchasers. As the game’s updates continue, players await the resolution of these controversies.