Microsoft Explains Tony Hawk 1+2 XBOX Game Pass Removal

Microsoft has explained the reason behind Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2’s sudden removal from the XBOX Game Pass release schedule, which came less than a week before its expected launch.

The 2020 title was announced as part of the first wave of XBOX Game Pass releases for July, then quietly removed the titles from the service earlier this week.

Confusion levels were even higher given the title is an Activision one, falling under the Microsoft umbrella, but a simple explanation has now emerged.

XBOX Game Pass Tony Hawk 1+2 Removal Explained

Posting on X, Jez Corden stated that Microsoft confirmed the removal of Tony Hawk 1+2 from the XBOX Game Pass calendar was “due to a licensing issue” and said it will be back in the future.

Although not explicitly confirmed, it’s expected that the licensing issue was down to the music in the game, which requires Microsoft to do some background work before the title can be on the service.

It will, however, spark a fresh debate in the physical v digital argument yet again, as licensing for outside properties, particularly music, is a long-term issue that doesn’t have an obvious solution.

There’s no indication of when Tony Hawk’s 1+2 will come to the Game Pass service, so it could be a while longer for those wanting to play the game, although the title’s sequel, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, is already on the service.

Check out the 2020 reveal trailer for the title below.

Are you disappointed by the removal of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 from the upcoming Game Pass release schedule? Share your thoughts in the Insider Gaming Discord.

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