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Entertainment • Video games

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media series created by Shigeru Miyamoto.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media series created by Shigeru Miyamoto. The franchise began with the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong and expanded into platform games, spin-offs, animation, printed media, merchandise, and theme park material. It centres on Donkey Kong, a large gorilla known as DK, and other members of the Kong family.

History

The original Donkey Kong arcade game was released in 1981 and became one of Nintendo's early major successes. The character and setting later developed into a broader franchise with multiple game series and spin-offs.

Characters

Donkey Kong, often abbreviated DK, is the central character of the franchise and a prominent Nintendo mascot. Supporting characters commonly include members of the Kong family, as well as recurring figures from the Mario series.

Game series

The franchise encompasses the original arcade trilogy, the Donkey Kong Country series developed by Rare and Retro Studios, and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. It also includes spin-offs in genres such as racing, puzzle, rhythm, and edutainment.

Transmedia franchise

Beyond video games, Donkey Kong has appeared in animation, print publications, theme park material, and merchandise. This broader use reflects its status as a longstanding Nintendo property.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, developed and published by Nintendo.
  • Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo's flagship characters and appears in both the Donkey Kong and Mario franchises.
  • The series includes the original arcade trilogy, the Donkey Kong Country series, and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series.
  • The franchise has expanded beyond games into animation, printed media, theme parks, and merchandise.
  • The character Donkey Kong is typically depicted as a large, powerful gorilla who leads the Kong family.
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Canadian context

Nintendo of Canada distributes Nintendo products in Canada, so Donkey Kong is widely known to Canadian players through Nintendo game releases, merchandise, and crossover appearances.

Frequently asked questions

What is Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong is a Nintendo video game franchise and media franchise built around the character Donkey Kong.
Who created Donkey Kong?
The franchise was created by Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo.
When did Donkey Kong first appear?
Donkey Kong first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong.
Is Donkey Kong part of the Mario franchise?
Donkey Kong appears in the Mario franchise as well as in his own series, with recurring crossover roles across Nintendo games.
What kind of character is Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong is usually depicted as a large, powerful gorilla and leader of the Kong family.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, media expansion, and series structure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(character)
    Supports: Character description, Nintendo flagship status, and appearance in Mario franchise.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(1981_video_game)
    Supports: 1981 arcade debut, original game details, and Mario's first appearance.
  4. MarioWiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/History_of_Donkey_Kong
    Supports: Historical development and appearances across games and media.