Nintendo producer: no zelda or animal crossing in mario kart
▼ Summary
– Mario Kart World excludes cameos from non-Mario franchises like Zelda or Splatoon, unlike previous entries such as Mario Kart 8.
– Nintendo deliberately chose to keep the game’s universe focused on Mario characters to avoid an “incongruous” feel, according to producer Kosuke Yabuki.
– The open-world design of Mario Kart World, centered on the Mushroom Kingdom, makes integrating non-Mario characters or tracks more challenging.
– Nintendo is strengthening Mario’s standalone identity through projects like Super Nintendo Land and the Super Mario Bros. Movie, separate from other franchises.
– Fans hoping for crossover content may need to look to future Super Smash Bros. titles, as the Kirby team is currently occupied with a new game.
Nintendo has made a deliberate choice to keep the Mario Kart universe exclusive to its core characters, shutting the door on crossover appearances from franchises like Zelda or Animal Crossing. This strategic decision reflects the company’s vision for maintaining the Mushroom Kingdom’s distinct identity rather than blending it with other Nintendo worlds.
Unlike Mario Kart 8, which featured guest stars such as Link, Isabelle, and the Inklings, the latest installment, Mario Kart World, sticks strictly to its roots. Even the long-standing option to race as a Mii character has been removed. According to producer Kosuke Yabuki, introducing outsiders would have felt out of place in this carefully crafted setting.
“As developers, adding characters from other games would have disrupted the cohesion of this universe,” Yabuki explained in an interview. “With so many Mario characters and costumes available, we didn’t see the need to look beyond what we already had.” When questioned about including fighters from ARMS, another Nintendo title he worked on, Yabuki’s response was emphatic: “Absolutely not!”
The decision aligns with Mario Kart World’s open-world design, which immerses players in a sprawling Mushroom Kingdom adventure. From Peach’s Castle to Bowser’s Fortress, the game’s environments are deeply rooted in Mario lore. Throwing in characters like Samus or Tom Nook would have felt jarring, breaking the illusion of a cohesive Mario-themed road trip.
This approach also mirrors Nintendo’s broader strategy of keeping its franchises distinct. The Super Nintendo World theme parks and the Super Mario Bros. Movie reinforce Mario’s standalone brand, separate from other Nintendo properties. Even the upcoming Legend of Zelda live-action film remains entirely disconnected from Mario’s animated sequels.
For fans craving crossover action, the next Super Smash Bros. installment may be the only hope, though series creator Masahiro Sakurai is currently focused on a new Kirby project. In the meantime, Mario Kart World offers plenty of depth with its extensive roster of classic characters, unlockable outfits, and hidden secrets scattered throughout its open world.
Players looking to maximize their experience can explore detailed guides on unlocking every driver, mastering Kamek’s abilities, and tracking down all the in-game food items to collect exclusive costumes. While the absence of guest stars might disappoint some, Nintendo’s commitment to a pure Mario experience ensures the franchise stays true to its roots.
(Source: IGN)
