When considering potential studios to work on a Donkey Kong project, Vicarious Visions, now known as Blizzard Albany, may not have been at the top of the list for many fans. However, new details have emerged about a cancelled DK project at the studio, shedding light on what could have been. After working on Skylanders: Superchargers, which featured characters like Bowser and Donkey Kong, Vicarious Visions wanted to collaborate more closely with Nintendo. The studio received developer kits for the Nintendo Switch and had ambitious plans to create something truly unique for the upcoming system.
The project involved creating a new Donkey Kong game set on an open-world island, with a strong focus on character movement and fluidity. In addition to DK’s classic abilities like climbing walls and swinging on vines, the studio wanted to introduce a grinding mechanic inspired by their experience with Tony Hawk games. However, reports suggest that Miyamoto himself was hesitant about this mechanic, expressing concerns about DK potentially getting rope burn on his feet. To address this, Vicarious Visions came up with the creative solution of having DK wear makeshift banana peels while grinding.
Rumors surrounding the project also included the possibility of Pauline being a playable character and a storyline involving an ecological disaster polluting DK’s home. The game was tentatively referred to as “Donkey Kong Freedom,” although this was just a codename and no official title had been decided. The project was in development for about six months and had evolved from an open-world island setting to a jungle-infested cityscape where players could build momentum to reach higher levels.
Despite the promising progress of the project, it was ultimately Activision, not Nintendo, that decided to pull the plug. After experiencing a decline in sales of Skylanders, Activision shifted its focus away from single-player titles, leading to the abandonment of the Donkey Kong project. While this was undoubtedly disappointing for fans and the developers at Vicarious Visions, the studio would go on to work on successful projects like Destiny and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.
Reflecting on the cancelled Donkey Kong project raises questions about what could have been. The innovative gameplay mechanics, potential for a diverse cast of characters, and intriguing storyline hinted at a game that could have revitalized the Donkey Kong franchise. It’s a reminder of the uncertainties of game development and the challenges faced by studios in delivering unique and engaging experiences to players.
The cancelled Donkey Kong project at Vicarious Visions represents a missed opportunity to explore new possibilities for the beloved franchise. While it’s disappointing that the game never came to fruition, it serves as a reminder of the creative risks and challenges inherent in the gaming industry. The legacy of the project lives on in the studio’s subsequent work on major franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo, showcasing the talent and creativity that could have made the Donkey Kong game a standout title in the gaming world.
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