Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Still Coming to Xbox Game Pass, But Licensing Approval Is Causing a Delay
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was expected to join Xbox Game Pass on July 21, but its sudden disappearance from the upcoming games list left many subscribers wondering what happened. Microsoft has now clarified the situation: the game has not been canceled for Game Pass, but its release has been delayed due to licensing approvals.
The popular Activision skateboarding remake was originally listed as a new addition for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and other eligible tiers. When the title was quietly removed from the July lineup, fans quickly began speculating that Microsoft may have changed its plans or that the game might no longer be coming to the service at all.
The confusion started after an editor’s note appeared on Xbox Wire stating that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 had been removed from the list of titles coming soon to Game Pass. The brief note did not provide a reason, which only added to the concern among players waiting for the classic skating collection to arrive.
Microsoft later explained that the delay is related to “necessary licensor approvals.” The company also asked players to stay tuned for future updates, confirming that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is still planned for Xbox Game Pass.
Licensing is a common complication for older games, especially those with famous soundtracks. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 includes many memorable songs tied closely to the original games’ identity. Because the franchise is known not only for its skateboarding gameplay but also for its music, rights approvals can be more complicated than a standard digital release.
The situation is somewhat surprising because Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 has already been released across several platforms. The remake launched in 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC through the Epic Games Store, before later arriving on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam. Even so, bringing a game to a subscription service can require separate approvals, especially when music, branding, or likeness rights are involved.
The delay also stands out because Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 arrived as a day-one Xbox Game Pass release in July 2025. That made many fans expect the earlier remake to follow smoothly. However, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was completed after Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 had already launched, which may explain why older licensing agreements are more difficult to adjust for Game Pass.
This is another reminder that adding classic and previously released games to subscription libraries is not always simple. Even when Microsoft owns the publisher behind a game, outside licenses can still slow down or block availability. Music rights, athlete likenesses, brand partnerships, and older publishing agreements can all affect whether a title can appear on modern platforms or services.
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the good news is that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 has not been removed permanently. Microsoft’s statement suggests the game is still on the way, although no new release date has been announced.
The delay comes at a time when many players are watching Xbox Game Pass closely. Microsoft continues to add new titles to the service, but fans have also been waiting for more Activision Blizzard games to appear. While some major franchises have gradually joined the catalog, several big-name titles remain missing, showing that ownership alone does not guarantee immediate Game Pass availability.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remains one of the most beloved modern remakes in gaming. It brings back the fast-paced arcade skating, iconic levels, combo-driven gameplay, and nostalgic soundtrack that helped define the original late-1990s releases. Once the licensing approvals are resolved, its arrival on Xbox Game Pass should be a welcome addition for both longtime fans and newcomers discovering the series for the first time.
For now, players will have to wait a little longer before dropping into Warehouse, School, Mall, and other classic stages through Game Pass. Microsoft has promised more information when it is ready, so the next update should reveal when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 will finally land on the service.
