Back in the ’80s, Nintendo found itself embroiled in a legal battle with Universal over the similarities between Donkey Kong and King Kong. The court documents from the case revealed a treasure trove of alternate names that Nintendo had considered for their iconic ape.
The Wild Suggestions
Amongst the list of potential names were some truly bizarre choices such as “Kong Dong”, “Funky Kong”, and “Mr. Kong”. The range of names varied from the nonsensical to the humorous, showcasing Nintendo’s creativity in brainstorming.
In the court case, Judge Sweet highlighted the stark differences between the two Kongs – Donkey Kong was portrayed as a playful and nonthreatening character, in contrast to the ferocious and destructive King Kong. This comparison ultimately led to Universal losing the lawsuit and solidified Donkey Kong as a unique entity.
A Peek into Nintendo’s Creative Process
The documents also shed light on a doodle by Miyamoto from a 1981 meeting, indicating the initial brainstorming sessions for Donkey Kong. The whimsical and imaginative nature of the character’s creation is evident in the early sketches and name suggestions.
Despite the legal battles and alternate name considerations, Donkey Kong has solidified its place in gaming history as one of Nintendo’s most beloved characters. The upcoming HD release of Donkey Kong Country on the Switch serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Looking back at the alternate names considered for Donkey Kong, it’s clear that Nintendo’s creative process was filled with humor and experimentation. While some of the suggestions may seem outlandish, they ultimately led to the creation of a timeless and iconic character that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The journey from “Kong Dong” to Donkey Kong showcases the evolution and development of a gaming legend. Nintendo’s willingness to explore different avenues in naming their character ultimately resulted in the birth of a cultural phenomenon. Donkey Kong’s legacy lives on, proving that sometimes the most unconventional ideas can lead to greatness.
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