Full Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 IS on the disc, Activision confirms

Activision has said that the physical disc of new release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 does, despite speculation, contain the full game.

Following its US launch yesterday early buyers of the skating sequel were alarmed to find a mandatory 7.7GB day one patch – which is bigger than the vanilla game install itself.

Furthermore, those who do not download and install the patch are limited to playing the tutorial and remain locked out of the main game. This, Activision says, is due to the game’s online requirements – and online connectivity is not possible without the patch.

The core of the game is present on the disc and playable without downloading the patch,” the publisher told Game Informer. The patch does contain tweaks that are needed to fully integrate dedicated server support, which is needed if the player is connected to the internet since the game is always online. The patch also gives the players additional content as well as improved stability and overall experience.”

Prior to the release some were already suspicious of the title, not only due to some significant changes shortly before release but also due to Activision’s decision not to send out any pre-release review codes.

People’s worst fears seem to have been confirmed, with videos emerging shortly after launch of what appear to be some quite catastrophic glitches, as per Eurogamer’s video below:

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 will be released in the UK this Friday (October 2nd).