Between the THPS games and the X Games, skateboarding has gone from counterculture to mainstream. Tony Hawk landed the 900 and became a household name. Skate parks are popping up everywhere.

Is this good or bad for the culture? I'm a skater and I'm honestly conflicted. More parks is great but the corporate money feels weird.

More parks, more acceptance, more kids skating. That's objectively good. The corporate stuff is annoying but it funds the parks and events.

The THPS games got me into actual skating. I'd never have picked up a board without playing THPS2. That game did more for the sport than any competition.