Neversoft Exits Tony Hawk Franchise

Neversoft co-founder and president Joel Jewett has revealed that the developer will no longer be working on the Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater franchise and will instead devote all of its time to the Guitar Hero series. Speaking to newspaper the Great Falls Tribune, where Jewett grew up, he explained the decision: "It’s probably best for the franchise... it's time for someone else to add fresh ideas to it." Although he provided no further information on the future of the franchise, Activision recently confirmed that a new console entry in the series will release in October. The publisher also appeared to confirm rumors that the game would be bundled with some form of Balance Board-style skateboard controller. Speculation in the press has suggested Activision’s newly established Chicago studio Robomodo is at work on the title, though no parties involved have confirmed. The California-based Neversoft began working on the Tony Hawk franchise in 1999. The first game became an immediate success and led to Activision’s decision to acquire the studio outright. The game then enjoyed eight sequels before being put on hold following the success of Electronic Arts’ rival Skate. Neversoft also developed the first Spider-Man game for Activision in 2000, based purely on the comic book, as well 2005’s Western GUN. Since the acquisition of original creators Harmonix by MTV Games in 2006, Neversoft has produced all of the lead versions of Guitar Hero -- including the forthcoming Guitar Hero: Metallica.