When we think of Donkey Kong, the iconic ape from Nintendo, it’s hard to imagine him being called anything else. However, a recent discovery sheds light on the fact that Nintendo had considered a range of different names before settling on Donkey Kong. Some of the wild suggestions included “Bill Kong”, “Steel Kong”, “Kong Holiday”, and the cringe-worthy “Kong Dong”. It’s interesting to see the variety of names that were on the table before landing on the final choice.
A Laughable List of Suggestions
The list of potential names for Donkey Kong is not only amusing but also leaves us scratching our heads. Names like “Funny Kong”, “Kong the Kong”, and “Funky Kong” definitely make us wonder what the thought process was behind these suggestions. It’s hard to imagine a game titled “Kong Dong” hitting the shelves, and thankfully, it never did. The seemingly random assortment of names gives us a glimpse into the creative brainstorming process at Nintendo during that time.
In addition to the peculiar list of names, the documents also include a doodle by Miyamoto from a 1981 meeting about Donkey Kong. The doodle raises questions about the initial concept behind the game and whether Donkey Kong was always intended to be an ape. Furthermore, the lawsuit between Nintendo and Universal sheds light on the origin of the name “Donkey Kong”. Universal accused Nintendo of basing DK on King Kong, leading to a legal battle. However, the court ruled in favor of Nintendo, highlighting the differences between the two characters.
Judge Sweet’s comparison between Donkey Kong and King Kong provides insight into why Nintendo was able to defend their character. Describing Donkey Kong as “farcical, childlike, and nonsexual”, the judge distinguishes him from the ferocious and violent King Kong. The contrast between the two characters is evident in their behavior and motives, ultimately leading to the dismissal of Universal’s claims. The comparison showcases the whimsical nature of Donkey Kong in contrast to the more aggressive King Kong.
Looking Towards the Future
Although the naming debacle and lawsuit are in the past, the legacy of Donkey Kong continues to thrive. With an all-new HD release of Donkey Kong Country coming to Switch, fans have the opportunity to revisit the classic game in a modern format. While names like “Kong Dong” may have been left in the dust, the evolution of Donkey Kong as a character remains a fascinating journey. As we anticipate the upcoming release, it’s a reminder of the enduring popularity and charm of the Donkey Kong franchise.
The exploration of Nintendo’s naming process for Donkey Kong provides a glimpse into the creative decisions and challenges faced by game developers. From bizarre suggestions to legal battles, the journey of Donkey Kong from “Kong Dong” to Donkey Kong is a testament to the enduring appeal of the character and the ingenuity of Nintendo’s design team.
Leave a Reply