Activision studio Vicarious Visions was working on a 3D Donkey Kong title, it’s claimed.
The title, reportedly codenamed “Freedom,” was in development for Nintendo Switch before being eventually scrapped.
The game was reportedly a 3D platformer focussed on movement, wherein one of the key mechanics would see Donkey Kong grinding on vines.
Reporting on the game was first published by Donkey Kong fansite DK Vine, with a new video from video game historian Liam Robertson expanding on the story.
DK Vine claims the project was greenlit following the inclusion of Nintendo characters in the Skylanders SuperChargers, which impressed Nintendo, however Robertson was not able to substantiate this part of the report.
Following this, Nintendo partnered with Vicarious Visions to work on the project. According to DK Vine, Shigeru Miyamoto was heavily involved, providing feedback and suggestions for mechanics.
According to Robertson, the game never progressed beyond very early stages, and was worked on for around 6 months.
However, the project ultimately faltered, reportedly due to Activision shifting focus away from a wide catalog of titles, instead focusing on Call of Duty almost exclusively.
The game was reportedly scrapped in 2016.
This was reportedly “the last straw,” for Karthik and Guha Bala, the founders of Vicarious Visions. The pair left the studio in 2016 and went on to form Velan Studios.
Velan Studios would go on to develop Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.
Vicarious Visions was folded into Activision Blizzard in 2021.
Donkey Kong’s last main series game, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, was released in 2014 for Wii U, and then rereleased in 2018.
Donkey Kong has remained a focus for Nintendo in wider media, taking a starring role in the Super Mario Bros. movie. A Donkey Kong-themed area will also be added to Super Nintendo World in Japan this year, with its American equivalent set for launch in 2025.