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Tony Hawk: I was right there, every step of the way. I was responsible for the roster in the original series, and with this one I wanted to add newer, contemporary skaters. Me and Andrew Reynolds are part of the OGs, and that's suitable because we're still actively skating and trying to push stuff.
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I feel like the roster we've put together is already pretty established. Maybe that'll increase their name recognition, but it's not like we're bringing someone up from unknown status.Your son is in the game, right?
It was a request that came from gamers. I put it out to him, thinking he wouldn't really want to, just because he doesn't want to be associated with everything I do. He immediately said yes.What's it like raising a son and being such a big figure?
It's fun. It's obviously a big challenge for him to be able to break away from that shadow. I think he's done a really good job in paving his own way and being recognized for his own abilities. It's more pressure on him than me.What role did you play in the new game's soundtrack?
I'm still very involved. I try to still bring the culture of skating's punk roots into it. We have a lot to live up to. That's been as much of a discussion as the gameplay itself.What bands are you trying to bring into the game?
I can't really go into that. Some can't really get cleared, and I don't want to disappoint bands that are in it. I will say that I found a couple of bands because they were pleading with me on Twitter. I went and checked out their music and there are a couple that are actually in it.Did you ever expect to be a big figure in the video game world?
Not at all. When we first did our game, I just wanted it to be something skaters would be proud of, maybe even inspire skaters to play video games. That was the goal for me—something that speaks to hardcore skaters. When it started to take off in the video game world I never expected it. Every time we did another sequel it felt like another bonus. I never set out to start a franchise.
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What was it like skating at the White House?On Noisey: Meet Tony Hawk Pro DJ, a DJ who pretended to be Tony Hawk.
[Laughs] It was fun. I got invited to be a part of a Father's Day event at the White House, and I brought my skateboard simply because if I don't bring my skateboard to events like that people will ask where it is. I found myself in a hallway with an usher, so I was like "hey will you grab my phone and take a picture of me skating down the hallway?" And he said, "As long as you don't tell anyone it was me." I'd do it again.What's the floor like in the White House?
I skated across one marble floor and one brick floor.What does the White House smell like?
It smells like, uh, dignity.Follow Drew on Twitter.