Cancelled Donkey Kong Project Revealed by Former Blizzard Albany Studio
A Surprising Collaboration: Vicarious Visions and Nintendo
When it comes to potential studios to work on a Donkey Kong project, few would have expected Vicarious Visions, now known as Blizzard Albany, to be at the top of the list. However, exciting details have emerged about a now-cancelled Donkey Kong project that was in development at the studio. It all came to light in a new video from Did You Know Gaming. With sources also citing DK Vine, it appears that Vicarious Visions, after their work on Skylanders: Superchargers, wanted a closer collaboration with Nintendo, which led to the project.
A Unique Vision for the Nintendo Switch
Vicarious Visions, known for their innovative work, had received developer kits for the upcoming Nintendo Switch and aimed to create something truly monumental for the new system. To achieve this goal, the studio had developed a demo for a new Donkey Kong game set on an open-world island. The emphasis was on character movement and especially fluidity, as players could navigate the environment by climbing walls, swinging on vines, and even incorporating a grinding mechanic inspired by their experience with the Tony Hawk games.
Miyamoto’s Concern and Unique Solutions
According to reports, even the legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto was in talks with Vicarious Visions about the project. The iconic developer was apparently anxious about the grinding mechanic, fearing that Donkey Kong’s feet would sustain unpleasant rope burns. In response, the creative minds at Vicarious Visions came up with the ingenious solution of having DK wear banana peels as protective gear whenever he would perform grinding tricks.
Plot Twists and Potential Features
According to speculation, the cancelled Donkey Kong project would have introduced interesting new elements. For instance, the beloved character Pauline would have been a playable character, and the game would have featured a storyline involving DK’s home being polluted by an ecological disaster. Although the game acquired the name “Donkey Kong Freedom” in later years, it should be noted that ‘Freedom’ was nothing more than a codename, as the project did not have an official title.
An Abrupt End and Pivoting Directions
Unfortunately, the Donkey Kong project was short-lived as Activision, not Nintendo, made the decision to pull the plug. The project only endured for approximately six months, during which the setting evolved from an island to a jungle-infested cityscape that focused on developing momentum to reach higher levels. Regrettably, following a significant decline in Skylanders sales, Activision shifted their focus away from single-player titles, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the Donkey Kong project.
Vicarious Visions’ Remarkable Journey
Although the Donkey Kong project met an untimely demise, Vicarious Visions showcased their immense talent in the gaming industry. Following their collaboration with Nintendo, the studio went on to provide assistance to Bungie in the popular Destiny franchise, as well as develop the critically acclaimed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. They continued their success, contributing to other renowned franchises such as Call of Duty and Diablo. Today, the studio has undergone a name change and operates as Blizzard Albany.
What Could Have Been
The revelation of the cancelled Donkey Kong project has left fans yearning for the unique experience that was lost. The combination of Vicarious Visions’ innovative approach and the beloved Donkey Kong franchise had the potential to create a truly special game. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond their control, the project never had a chance to flourish. Let us know your thoughts on this cancelled Donkey Kong project in the comments below.
[source youtube.com]
