Who Invented Donkey Kong? The Story Behind Nintendo's Iconic Game
Primary Inventor: Shigeru Miyamoto, a young artist at Nintendo, created Donkey Kong in 1981. This was his first major game design and introduced both Mario (then called Jumpman) and the Donkey Kong character.
The Creation of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong's invention came from unique circumstances at Nintendo:
- Nintendo needed a hit arcade game after the mediocre reception of Radar Scope
- President Hiroshi Yamauchi assigned Miyamoto, then a 24-year-old artist, to repurpose unsold cabinets
- Miyamoto drew inspiration from Popeye, King Kong, and classic chase films
- The game introduced platforming mechanics that didn't exist previously
- Originally conceived as a Popeye game until licensing fell through
Key People Involved
Shigeru Miyamoto (Designer)
- Created characters, story, and gameplay concepts
- Designed the multi-screen platform format
- Later created Mario, Zelda, and other Nintendo franchises
Gunpei Yokoi (Mentor)
- Nintendo's head of R&D who supervised Miyamoto
- Helped refine the technical implementation
- Creator of Game & Watch and Game Boy
Genyo Takeda (Engineer)
- Led the hardware conversion from Radar Scope
- Programmed the arcade board's capabilities
Donkey Kong's Development Timeline
Nintendo's Radar Scope arcade game underperforms in North America, leaving thousands of unsold cabinets
Shigeru Miyamoto, a new hire with no game design experience, is tasked with creating a game to reuse Radar Scope hardware
Original Popeye concept abandoned when licensing fails; Miyamoto creates original characters (Jumpman/Mario, Pauline, Donkey Kong)
Donkey Kong launches in Japanese arcades to immediate success
North American release makes Nintendo a major player in arcades
Donkey Kong's Lasting Impact
The game revolutionized the industry by:
- Introducing platforming gameplay (jumping between platforms)
- Featuring the first iteration of Mario (then called Jumpman)
- Presenting a story through gameplay (rescue narrative)
- Using multiple distinct levels (construction site, conveyor belts, etc.)
- Establishing Nintendo as a creative force beyond just hardware
FAQ About Donkey Kong's Invention
Was Donkey Kong Nintendo's first game?
No. Nintendo had been making games since the 1960s, but Donkey Kong was their first international arcade hit and the start of their modern game franchises.
Why is it called Donkey Kong?
Miyamoto wanted "stubborn gorilla" (donkey in English slang) and "Kong" from King Kong. The mistranslation became iconic.
How much did Donkey Kong earn?
The arcade game grossed over $280 million in its first year (equivalent to ~$900 million today), saving Nintendo's struggling arcade division.
Did Miyamoto think it would be successful?
In interviews, Miyamoto admitted he had no expectations, just wanting to create something fun. He was surprised by its massive success.
Conclusion
Donkey Kong's invention by Shigeru Miyamoto marked a turning point for Nintendo and gaming history. What began as a salvage operation for failed arcade hardware became one of the most influential games ever made, launching the careers of gaming's most legendary designer and its most recognizable character.
Miyamoto's innovative approach - focusing on character-driven storytelling and accessible yet challenging gameplay - established the template Nintendo would follow for decades. From these humble beginnings in 1981, Donkey Kong not only saved Nintendo's arcade business but planted the seeds for the gaming empire we know today.