When Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was released on the Epic Games Store, one of the major drawbacks was its always-online requirement. However, with the recent Steam launch, fans were expecting a change and were looking forward to enjoying the game offline. Unfortunately, the 1.1 patch for the Steam version did bring an offline play feature, but it’s exclusively available only on the Steam Deck.
The decision to prioritize offline play on the Steam Deck does make some sense, considering the handheld nature of the device. As the Steam Deck is designed to be taken outside and away from the comfort of a home Wi-Fi network, enabling offline play would enhance the gaming experience. It aligns with the portable nature of the device, allowing players to enjoy the game on the go.
However, it raises the question of why offline play is not extended to all Steam players on their PCs or even to PC players on the Epic Games Store. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 supports solo play and local multiplayer, making the always-online requirement seem unnecessary. By restricting the offline play feature to the Steam Deck, it feels like a missed opportunity to improve the game for a wider audience.
Some might argue that this decision shows favoritism towards the Steam Deck, as it bears a resemblance to a skateboard. However, it’s crucial to note that the Steam Deck-specific optimization for certain games is not uncommon. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077 has a preset in its graphics options exclusively for the Steam Deck. Developers making efforts to ensure their games function properly on a specific platform is commendable. Nonetheless, making a basic quality-of-life improvement like offline play exclusive to only one device seems counterproductive.
Considering the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion, it is not unreasonable to hope for a change in the future. With such a significant financial backing, expanding the availability of offline play for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 to all PC players across platforms shouldn’t be a daunting task. This would not only enhance the gaming experience for existing players but also attract new ones.
In the end, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remains a highly regarded game by most accounts. However, the decision to make offline play exclusive to the Steam Deck disappoints many. It presents a missed opportunity for Activision Blizzard to improve the game for a broader audience. Hopefully, in the future, the company will address this disparity and offer offline play to all players, regardless of the platform they choose.
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