Nora Vasconcellos On THPS 3+4, In-Game Branding, and What’s Next

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Nora Vasconcellos, a renowned female skater hailing from Pembroke, Massachusetts, has left an indelible mark on skateboarding. Her influence and inspiration extend far and wide, not only due to her impressive skills but also because of the distinct personality she infuses into every action. Her allure is undeniable. Thus, when it was revealed that she would feature in the upcoming remake, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4,” it seemed like a logical fit.

Lately, I had a chat with Nora about potentially appearing as a playable character in THPS 3 and 4. Born in Massachusetts in a town that Vice calls “as random as it gets” for a pro skater, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) series was one avenue she used to connect with skateboarding culture. To be featured in a franchise as iconic as THPS, Nora finds the experience “unreal” and is “thrilled” to join the new remake. She also recalls how playing these games at her cousin’s house, who had both a PS2 and GameCube, significantly influenced her real-life skating abilities.

When asked about the impact of the THPS series on her skating, Nora explained, “Much like how skate parks offer different challenges and transitions in real life, the games had a vast array of skatable areas that were captivating for me. Being a vert skater, I was particularly attracted to these massive transitions.

Nora mentioned the “Skater Island” level as well. Skater Island was a location that was just an hour from where she grew up, but unfortunately, it closed in 2006, which was when she started skating. So, she never had the chance to visit Skater Island in person or even try skateboarding there. All she’s ever seen of it are videos and virtual experiences on Tony Hawk. Nora went on to say that it’s somewhat surreal because many Northeast skaters have visited and performed there, but she missed it by just a few months.

It’s clear that mastering the art of skateboarding within the THPS (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater) series gives skaters iconic status, making them recognizable figures to those outside the skating community. Household names like Andrew Reynolds, Elissa Steamer, Geoff Rowley, and Kareem Campbell are well-known not just for their skills in skateboarding, but also due to these video games. This recognition doesn’t diminish the incredible feats accomplished by these skaters within the skating world; they are all legends in their own right. However, only a select few, such as Tony Hawk or Bam Margera, manage to achieve mainstream fame.

Essentially, it’s the clothing that these playable characters wear in the game that players are likely to recall them by. During discussions about any limitations on their in-game costumes, Nora shared insights into how she selected outfits for her gaming character.

Nora commented about the possible restrictions for their in-game clothing, saying, “I’m not sure if there were many restrictions.” She continued, “I believe it’s important to express yourself authentically and wear things you’d actually own. So, I looked through my wardrobe and chose items that I might still be wearing 10 years from now. I want to stay true to myself and avoid anything too formal, like clothing I could skate in.

When choosing the designs for her skateboard, Nora follows a comparable approach as the one used by Welcome Skateboards, a skateboard brand established in 2010 by Jason Celaya who often creates their original graphic designs himself.

Nora mentioned while talking about their graphic choices, “We opted for designs that are currently trending, but also plans for those that could continue into the following years.” In other words, “We selected some graphics that are in vogue at the moment, yet we’ve also got ideas for those we may reuse in the near future, including Welcome-themed board graphics.

Nora went on, ‘Take for example, the Baker brand has always stood out as quite memorable.’ The design and the logo of this brand too, have become symbols of remembrance. Such items are likely to endure over time.

In a simpler, conversational manner: A skater being represented in THPS serves as a snapshot of who they were at that specific time. When asked what must be included in their character for THPS 3+4, Nora pointed out something she found “cool,” and discussed the differences between her in-game model and herself.

She commented, “I find the tattoos quite fascinating,” she said. “The unique way they’ve been designed required me to capture specific photos of my arms and legs, as I wore shorts in some shots and only one leg is tattooed. It’s amazing stuff. I’ve even gotten a few more tattoos since then, so it’s interesting to notice the changes.

Having Nora glide across a skateboard deck while sporting her Adidas pro sneakers contributes significantly to delivering an authentic skateboarding ambiance within the game. This authenticity extends beyond skateboarding brands, as numerous non-skateboarding companies in the game are sponsored by these firms. For example, it’d feel strange not to spot Jamie Foy donning a Red Bull cap or Tony Hawk riding a Birdhouse deck. When I asked Nora about her perspective on branding within the game, she echoed similar thoughts.

Nora put it this way: “I absolutely agree with you. The in-game branding seems to establish a sense of time as well. When you play the game, it feels as if you’re experiencing events in real time. However, when you look back on the game later, the logos and imagery that you recall skating past in certain levels become intertwined with your memories. For example, I consume Electrolit frequently while skating, and I believe many others do too. Thus, I feel it’s crucial to have these real-world brand representations within the game. It’s quite cool, really – like a way of marking the passage of time.

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) series has motivated countless children to take up skateboarding, with the playable characters almost serving as advocates for the sport. Given that Nora has inspired numerous skaters even before appearing in a video game (she was also featured in ‘Session: Skate Sim’ in 2022), she is an ideal fit for the THPS 3+4 lineup. When questioned about what advice she would offer to girls considering skateboarding, her response was straightforward.

Nora suggested, “Just go ahead and do what you desire without giving it a second thought. Engage in activities that bring out the childlike joy within you – things that are enjoyable, liberating, and allow you to momentarily forget yourself. I believe this might be challenging due to the constant bombardment of smartphones, tablets, social media, and so on. It’s tough for kids these days to truly disconnect completely. So, find some physical activities that let them explore new things, make mistakes, learn, and grow.

She added, “Don’t hesitate to visit a park and inquire about things.” She usually finds the people she meets at skate parks to be very friendly. Regardless of their age, this has always been beneficial for her throughout her life.

Ever since Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater debuted in 1999, the series has been celebrated for its representation of diverse skateboarding talent, proving that skating isn’t just for male professionals. Trailblazers like Elissa Steamer and Alexis Sablone, along with contemporary stars such as Nora, Nicole Hause, and Lizzie Armanto, have been instrumental in opening up the sport to individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive skateboarding community. Nora emphasized the role skaters play in maintaining an inviting atmosphere and recounted a tale that underscores how skateboarding no longer favors one gender over another.

She emphasized that it’s important to ensure all individuals, regardless of appearance, gender, or personal beliefs, feel at ease in your presence, especially at the skate park. In essence, strive to promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable – whether you’re practicing tricks on a curb or showcasing skills in a park setting, just remember to be mindful and respectful towards others.

Nora went on to say, “Indeed, it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. It was quite surprising! The other day, I saw my friend’s son, around five or six years old, who’s incredibly skilled, skating alongside girls who are about ten. They were all exceptionally talented in the skate park. At one point, he admired a trick and exclaimed, ‘That was fantastic!’ Then someone else commented, and he replied, ‘Of course they’re good at skateboarding; they’re girls.’ He’s been exposed to skate parks in Southern California where there are often many young girls demonstrating such impressive skills that he now associates skillful skateboarding with being female.

She clarified, “It’s similar to a change in roles. Nowadays, many children are learning skateboarding without any gender bias. It seems more equal, and that’s exactly what we want. In my opinion, this equilibrium is close to perfect.

Regarding Nora’s future plans, she has transitioned from Krux to Thunder not long ago. Thunder had given her a minor role last year. Although this shift wasn’t something she had expected, she expressed dissatisfaction with the direction that Krux was taking. A significant factor contributing to her decision to switch was the long-term prospect of traveling together with some cherished friends at Thunder.

Nora has been developing a fresh segment for some time now, and while an official launch date hasn’t been determined yet, it’s destined to be unveiled by both Adidas and Thrasher. This upcoming project promises to showcase her finest work accumulated over the last few years.

Nora has been working with Adidas and Thrasher for about three years now, compiling the finest content from the past three years. This project has been more than just work for her; it’s been a passionate endeavor she’s eagerly anticipated seeing come to fruition.

If it’s been a while since you last participated in something significant or high-quality, you might be overly critical of yourself,” she went on. “I just want to perform well, and I’m thrilled about it. In fact, I’m very, very eager.

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2025-06-25 23:13