Overview
- Artist Kevin Bayliss speaks out in favor of Donkey Kong’s revamped appearance in the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza.
- He urges fans to adapt to changes in character design.
- The game is scheduled for release on July 17 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Renowned artist Kevin Bayliss, who played an instrumental role in designing Donkey Kong for the Donkey Kong Country series, has defended the character’s new look in the highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza. This latest redesign represents a fresh take on the beloved franchise 31 years after the original game launched, despite sparking mixed reactions among fans.
Throughout its history, Donkey Kong’s design has undergone remarkable transformations, even making a notable appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, the character’s new iteration for Donkey Kong Bananza—one of the flagship titles for the Nintendo Switch 2—has provoked some backlash. Nostalgia for the earlier visual style established by Rare has led to debates over the necessity of this change, prompting Bayliss to step up in defense of the redesign.
Kevin Bayliss Stands by Donkey Kong’s New Look
… I don’t understand why there’s any debate to be had. It’s still DK, only better looking. People need to embrace change more! All good things get better with age (I would say that though – since I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years now) Everyone give a big warm welcome for… pic.twitter.com/rEGmFsC4fJ — Kevin Bayliss (@Kev_Bayliss) April 3, 2025
In a Twitter thread, Bayliss expressed his belief that the new design is a fitting evolution of the character while highlighting the significance of honoring previous designs. He mentioned, “Evolution, while being sympathetic to the original, is an art, but it has to be done gradually, and this latest incarnation is perfect, in my opinion.”Many fans echoed his sentiments, agreeing that the redesign was essential for keeping Donkey Kong relevant.
Fans have particularly praised the updated character for his increased expressiveness in Donkey Kong Bananza. Responding to this positive feedback, Bayliss humorously attributed DK’s vibrant visage to the talents of seasoned artists, subtly contrasting it with the trend of AI-generated art in major gaming franchises like Call of Duty.
Fans eager to see this new rendition will not have to wait long, as Donkey Kong Bananza is set to release on July 17, coinciding with the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This installment promises exciting gameplay advancements, new features, and characters that could become integral to the franchise’s future.