Donkey Kong, one of Nintendo’s most beloved and iconic characters, has been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. However, a recently revealed report sheds light on a ambitious 3D Donkey Kong project that was in development at Activision’s Vicarious Visions studio, but ultimately met an untimely demise.
According to multiple anonymous sources from Vicarious Visions, as well as a detailed investigation by the YouTube channel DidYouKnowGaming, the studio had pitched and begun work on an open-world 3D Donkey Kong platformer codenamed “Freedom.” Slated for release on the Nintendo Switch, the game would have taken players on an expansive adventure across a tropical island setting.
One of the game’s most intriguing features was the planned incorporation of Vicarious Visions’ expertise in skateboarding mechanics. The developers envisioned Donkey Kong grinding across the map while wearing bananas on his feet, adding a unique twist to the traditional platforming gameplay.
“The concept was incredibly ambitious,” said one former Vicarious Visions developer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We wanted to create a vast, seamless world for players to explore, filled with challenges and secrets that would truly capture the spirit of Donkey Kong.”
However, despite the promising concept and initial development efforts, the project faced significant hurdles. According to the report, after only six months of work, “Freedom” lost momentum and was ultimately canceled in 2016. This decision coincided with Activision’s strategic shift toward focusing its resources on its blockbuster Call of Duty franchise.
The cancellation of the Donkey Kong project also marked a pivotal moment for Vicarious Visions, as its founders, Karthik and Guha Bala, departed to establish their own studio, Velan Studios, shortly after.
While the details surrounding the game’s mechanics and gameplay remain shrouded in secrecy, the report confirms that Nintendo’s iconic character Pauline was slated to be a playable character alongside Donkey Kong.
Despite the tantalizing glimpse into what could have been, the fate of the “Freedom” project serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of game development. Countless ambitious ideas and concepts never make it past the drawing board due to shifting priorities, resource constraints, or strategic decisions within the industry’s ever-changing landscape.
For Donkey Kong fans, the revelation of this canceled project may provide a bittersweet moment, as they ponder the possibilities of an open-world adventure that never materialized. Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of the franchise leaves hope that Nintendo may one day revisit the idea and bring a new, groundbreaking Donkey Kong experience to life.
