In a surprising revelation, court documents from the 1980s uncovered by gaming historian Norman Caruso have shed light on alternative names considered for Nintendo's iconic character Donkey Kong. Among the quirky and humorous options was the name "Kong Dong," which has since amused fans and brought back attention to the legal disputes between Nintendo and Universal over potential similarities to King Kong. Thankfully, the name Donkey Kong stuck, but this lighthearted piece of gaming history reminds us of how drastically different things could have been.
What were some of the alternative names considered for Donkey Kong?nSome of the alternative names Nintendo considered for Donkey Kong included Funny Kong, Kong the Kong, Jack Kong, Funky Kong, Bill Kong, Steel Kong, Giant Kong, Big Kong, Kong Down, Mr. Kong, Custom Kong, Kong Chase, Kong Boy, Kong Man, Kong Fighter, Wild Kong, Rookie Kong, and Kong Holiday.
The character Donkey Kong first appeared in the eponymous 1981 arcade game, a major success that established Nintendo as a dominant force in the video game industry. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, Donkey Kong's concept revolved around an oversized ape capturing Mario's girlfriend, leading to Mario's attempts to save her. This game was crucial in setting the stage for future Nintendo franchises, including both Donkey Kong's series and the Mario franchise.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Comments
Wow, can you imagine if they went with Kong Dong Sometimes the choices left on the cutting room floor give us a good chuckle and a new appreciation for the classics we grew up with.
It's wild to think how close we were to living in a world with Kong Dong as the name of such an iconic character—hilarious but probably for the best that Donkey Kong prevailed. This quirky bit of history is a fun reminder of how even the smallest decisions can have a lasting impact on gaming culture.
It's so wild to think that our beloved Donkey Kong could have been named Kong Dong—just imagine the memes This quirky peek into gaming history really underscores how even the smallest decisions can shape iconic legacies.