Skateboarding’s Gone to the Gamers
The popularity of skateboarding has led to retail sales other than skateboarding equipment and gear, and with its current popularity in one of the desired consumer markets – young adults and children – it is “all the rage” for gaming companies.
Unlike real skateboarding, skateboarding games do not require a certain level of physical fitness or talent, therefore, the potential consumer and audience is enormous.
Video games are a multi-billion dollar enterprise, and they have not ignored the popularity of skateboarding. Tony Hawk, the popular skateboarder, has become a household name because of the game releases carrying his name since 1999.
Online skateboarding games, just as many of the simple flash games available on the Internet, have increased in number, and can be played for any length of time. The simplicity of these games can be what makes them so addicting, as well as their ease of play for a short lunch break, or a whole evening. Because of the nature of skateboarding, game creators have been able to create simple graphics and simple game controls, to allow users to complete a variety of tricks and stunts with their skateboard character.
Also to be mentioned, other skateboarding games do exist outside of the electronic game systems, such as the trading card game Stoked.
The popularity of these skateboarding games can perhaps account for the continuing increase of actual skateboarders. People learn about and enjoy skateboarding in their games, and decide to try it for real. This in turn, continues to encourage companies to come up with more games outside of the popular activity, so they can continue making revenues.
Written by Skate Punk - Skate Shop
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