A recent revelation has shed light on a canceled 3D Donkey Kong game that was in development by Activision's Vicarious Visions studio. Here’s a detailed look at what could have been.

The Discovery

An image of the canceled game surfaced on Reddit, sparking interest among gamers and fans of the Donkey Kong franchise. This leak has confirmed long-standing rumors about a 3D Donkey Kong project that never saw the light of day.

Background of the Project

Vicarious Visions, now known as Blizzard Albany, is a studio renowned for its work on titles such as Destiny 2, Call of Duty, and the revival of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. The studio began working on a new 3D Donkey Kong game, codenamed "Freedom," intended for the Nintendo Switch.

Game Concept

The game was envisioned as an open-world adventure where Donkey Kong would explore an expansive island. An interesting twist was the incorporation of Vicarious Visions' expertise in skateboard mechanics, with Donkey Kong grinding across the map while wearing bananas on his feet.

Why It Was Canceled

Despite the promising concept, the project did not last long. Development began but lost momentum after just six months and was ultimately canceled in 2016. This decision coincided with Activision's shift in priorities towards the Call of Duty franchise, leading to the departure of Vicarious Visions' founders, Karthik and Guha Bala, who later established Velan Studios.

Impact and Legacy

Vicarious Visions has a rich history, established in 1991 and joining the Activision family in 2005. The studio has worked on several notable franchises, including Guitar Hero and Skylanders. The cancellation of the Donkey Kong project marks a missed opportunity for fans of the iconic ape, who have not seen a new Donkey Kong game since the 2014 release of Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze.

Community Reaction

The news has sparked a mix of reactions from the gaming community, with some expressing disappointment over the missed opportunity and others speculating about what could have been. The confirmation of the project's existence has also led to discussions about the potential for future Donkey Kong games and the direction Activision might take with its beloved franchises.