Reggie ‘hated’ Donkey Konga and feared it would hurt the DK brand
Update [Sat 7th May, 2022 12:30 BST]: Now G4 has uploaded the full interview with Reggie, adding some much-needed context to that line about how much he “hated Donkey Kong”. Turns out he was just being protective and worried that a series of musical beats would destroy the Donkey Kong brand. In the end, however, he admits that the book sold “reasonably” well.
“I have to tell you, as an executive, I hated Donkey Kong. I hated it. I fought with our parent company. I thought it would hurt the Donkey Kong brand. Personally, I didn’t have much fun playing, so I stubbornly resisted. You know? We launched it. The first game actually sold quite well, but my God, I wasn’t a fan of it.”
Original article [Sat 30th Apr, 2022 02:30 BST]: Former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé is currently promoting his new book online. game breaking. If you thought you heard everything he had to say, maybe not.
In the new teaser (which lacks context and is obviously poking fun) for the upcoming G4TV XPlay interview, Reggie can be seen answering some poignant questions. We hear him talk a little in that short amount of time, but perhaps the most shocking (and hilarious) line is this: “As an executive, I hated Donkey Kong.”
Again, there is not really there’s a lot of context here, so there’s no need to raise the pitchfork just yet. No doubt G4TV is coming up with some excitement for this special interview. Reggie’s new book will be available on May 3rd. It is filled with inspiring stories and lessons about his “unlikely rise” to the top.
Stay tuned for our Nintendo Life review next week.