At the time Tony Hawk partnered with Activision to create the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise, several factors likely contributed to his confidence in its potential success:
Skateboarding's Growing Popularity: Although skateboarding was experiencing a downturn in popularity around the late 1990s, events like the X Games were beginning to bring it back into mainstream attention. This resurgence could have suggested a growing audience for skateboarding-related content6.
Personal Passion and Expertise: Tony Hawk is not only a legendary skateboarder but also an avid gamer. His passion for both skateboarding and gaming likely made him optimistic about creating a game that authentically represented professional skateboarding79.
Innovative Gameplay Concept: The early demos of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater impressed Hawk with their ability to capture the excitement and realism of professional skateboarding9. This innovative approach could have convinced him that the game would resonate with gamers.
Strong Brand Recognition: Even before partnering with Activision, Tony Hawk was already an iconic figure in skate culture. His involvement would lend credibility and attract fans who admired his skills and achievements in skating37.
Market Opportunity: The late 1990s saw a gap in sports video games that truly captured extreme sports like skateboarding. By filling this niche, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater had potential for significant market impact10.
Royalty Deal vs One-Time Payment: Choosing a royalty deal over a one-time payment from Activision showed that both parties believed in the long-term success of the franchise, as it aligned their interests financially over time7.
Overall, these factors combined likely gave Tony Hawk confidence that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater would be successful by tapping into growing interest in skate culture while offering something new and engaging within gaming at that time.