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“The Meaning Behind ‘Country’ in Donkey Kong Country, According to Ex-Rare Dev”

Donkey Kong Country is an iconic video game that was released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed by Rare, a legendary game development company known for their innovative games and cutting-edge graphics. One of the intriguing mysteries about the game is the origin of its name: why was it called Donkey Kong Country? In this article, we will explore the fascinating backstory behind the game’s name, as told by an ex-Rare developer who played a key role in the game’s development. So strap in, grab a banana, and let’s dive into the world of Donkey Kong Country!

Image: Nintendo

Donkey Kong Country for the SNES had a special meaning behind its name. According to ex-Rare dev Kev Bayliss, the game was known as “The Country Project” during development due to the fact that Rare was located in a countryside area. Bayliss confirms that Nintendo decided to keep the word “country” in the name, hence Donkey Kong Country was born.

This information was already disclosed by the Creative Director at Rare, Gregg Mayles, in 2018, on a similar question posed by a fan. After Donkey Kong Country, Rare created two sequels to the game before providing support for the Nintendo 64.





In conclusion, the origin of Donkey Kong Country’s name is a fascinating tale that speaks to the creativity and ingenuity behind one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time. The insight provided by former Rare developer Steve Mayles sheds light on the thought process that went into crafting the brand identity behind Donkey Kong and his pals, and it’s truly fascinating to see how a seemingly random collection of words can come together to create something so iconic. Whether you’re a die-hard Donkey Kong fan or simply curious about the inner workings of the video game industry, there’s no denying the importance of understanding the stories and personalities behind some of our favorite games. So, until next time, keep on exploring the rich and complex world of video games – you never know what kind of secrets and surprises you might uncover!

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