Kenta Motokura
Reporting and statements that mention Kenta Motokura.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Holiday Dreams Get a Reality Check as Mario Hopes Cool Down
Speculation about a new 3D Mario game launching with the Nintendo Switch 2 for the holidays is cooling down, according to industry insider @Stealth40k. While Nintendo has a history of pairing major franchises with new hardware, the lack of official announcements and the need for a summer Nintendo Direct suggest that expectations should be managed. Nintendo is known for its surprises, and whatever they have planned for the Switch 2's launch will likely be special, even if it's not the anticipated Mario title.
Donkey Kong Bananza has a big-brained approach to asset recycling
Nintendo programmer Tatsuya Kurihara detailed Donkey Kong Bananza's voxelization pipeline, which allows for the creation of destructible terrain from 3D assets. This system enables artists to efficiently reuse models, expanding their lifecycle beyond their original conception and integrating them into core gameplay. The discussion highlights a growing trend in sustainable game design through asset recycling.
Tencent's genAI animation tools don't seem to make games more fun
Tencent's new generative AI animation tools, demonstrated at GDC, aim to create more realistic character movements by dynamically generating in-between frames. While the technology can reduce animation imperfections like clipping and sliding, the article questions whether these improvements fundamentally enhance gameplay fun or are primarily for investor appeal. Concerns are also raised about the ethical implications of training data and fair compensation for performers whose movements are used.
How voxels enabled a juicy gameplay loop in Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza utilizes destructible voxel environments to create a unique gameplay loop that blends combat and exploration. This technology, also seen in Super Mario Odyssey, allows for "chains of destruction" where combat actions directly impact the environment, revealing secrets and enabling further progression. Developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara presented how this approach offers players more opportunities and enhances the game's design.
Nintendo producer can't say if there will be another 3D Donkey Kong game, but Bananza's positive reception helps him "communicate the potential for that character"
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura stated that the positive reception of Donkey Kong Bananza helps him communicate the character's potential for future 3D games. While Nintendo has not confirmed any new 3D Donkey Kong titles, Motokura believes the success of Bananza demonstrates the character's appeal beyond 2D entries.
Nintendo says Donkey Kong Bananza contains 'hints' to next 3D Mario
Nintendo director Kenta Motokura has indicated that the upcoming 3D Mario game will draw inspiration from Donkey Kong Bananza, similar to how Odyssey influenced Bananza. While specific mechanics like destruction are unlikely to be carried over, Motokura expects elements from Donkey Kong Bananza to provide hints for future developments in the 3D Mario series.
Donkey Kong Bananza Focused on Kong’s Raw Strength to Differentiate Him From Mario, Says Producer
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura discussed the challenges of differentiating Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from Super Mario Odyssey, focusing on Donkey Kong's raw strength and destructive capabilities. Consultations with Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi helped define Donkey Kong's unique characteristics, such as his longer arms and powerful actions, to create distinct gameplay experiences compared to Mario. The goal was to offer players variety by highlighting the differences between the two IPs and their respective playstyles.
Donkey Kong Bananza devs want to make sure Mario and DK's games feel different: "Is there perhaps a slightly different kind of person that might prefer one character over the other?"
Nintendo developers aimed to differentiate Donkey Kong Country Returns from Super Mario Odyssey by focusing on distinct gameplay mechanics and character abilities. Producer Kenta Motokura explained that the team considered what unique actions Donkey Kong could perform, such as large-scale destruction, to set the game apart.
Donkey Kong Bananza May Influence Future Projects, But Producer Says Freshness is the Real Standard
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura stated that ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza may influence future projects, similar to how Super Mario Odyssey influenced Bananza's development. The focus remains on delivering fresh experiences to players, with the game featuring unique mechanics like Pauline's singing power. The article also mentions the paid DLC, DK Island and Emerald Rush, which adds a roguelike mode and limited-time events.
Some ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza could be in Nintendo’s next big project
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura stated that ideas and concepts from Donkey Kong Country Returns may influence the company's next major project. He drew a parallel to how Super Mario Odyssey's development provided hints for Donkey Kong Country Returns, expecting a similar phenomenon for future titles.
Persona Meets Mario: What Today's Gaming Mashups Teach ... | TAG
Developers of Donkey Kong Bananza admit the game's 'Elephant Bananza' transformation feature may have gone too far, while Nintendo clarifies the elephant mechanics in Super Mario Bros. Wonder were coincidental. Separately, X-Men '97 season 2 hints at its release date through a new comic series, and Ghost of Yotei's free online mode 'Legends' is praised for its quality. The article also touches on Starfield's composer, Pokémon TCG's new set, and rising V-Bucks prices.
"Some ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza" may inform Nintendo's next big project, producer says, but "the standard is really what will feel fresh to a player in a new title"
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura suggests that ideas from Donkey Kong Country Returns may influence future projects, similar to how development on that game provided insights for Super Mario Odyssey. He emphasizes that the team prioritizes creating fresh experiences for players in new titles.
Donkey Kong Bananza Producer Can't Discuss DK's Future Just Yet, But Is Relieved After Fan Reception
Donkey Kong Bananza producer Kenta Motokura expressed relief at the positive fan reception for the game, which has sold over 4 million units on the Switch 2. While unable to discuss future plans for the Donkey Kong franchise, Motokura highlighted the character's potential and the success of the recent title. Nintendo also released a surprise update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD earlier this year.
'It Is Getting Very Hard to Keep Players From Going All Over the Place' — Yes, the Donkey Kong Bananza Devs Are Watching Your Speedruns - IGN
Donkey Kong Bananza developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara are closely watching player speedruns and unintended tricks, finding it increasingly difficult to prevent players from exploring all areas. While they design for player freedom, they also acknowledge and sometimes even appreciate the creative sequence breaks and movement techniques discovered by the community.
Nintendo says Donkey Kong in Bananza is different from the one in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura clarified that the Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Country Returns is distinct from the character featured in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Motokura explained that in the game, Donkey Kong acts as a player avatar and does not speak, allowing for greater player projection, unlike his movie counterpart.
Donkey Kong Bananza dev says Elephant Bananza “probably went too far” with destruction
Nintendo developers discussed the destructive capabilities of the Elephant Bananza transformation in Donkey Kong Bananza, with programmer Tatsuya Kurihara admitting it "probably went too far" but remains fun. Producer Kenta Motokura added that the goal was to allow for playful destruction and enable Donkey Kong to transform anytime to increase the chaos.
"It Probably Went Too Far" - Even Bananza's Creators Think One Transformation Is Overpowered
Creators of Donkey Kong Country Returns admit the Elephant Bananza transformation may be overpowered, with programmer Tatsuya Kurihara stating it "probably went too far." Producer Kenta Motokura explained the goal was playful destruction, and the team found the transformation fun despite its destructive capabilities. The developers also noted the elephant's appearance in both Donkey Kong Country Returns and Super Mario Bros. Wonder was a coincidence.
Donkey Kong Bananza Developers on Voxels, Sandboxes, and a Delicious Bacon Burger Prototype - IGN
Donkey Kong Bananza developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara discuss the game's voxel technology, sandbox research, and the evolution of its destructive gameplay mechanics. They also touch upon early prototypes, including a bacon burger concept, and the challenges of designing destructible environments for the Nintendo Switch.
We asked Nintendo point-blank about Donkey Kong Bananza's biggest mystery: They wouldn't tell us who Pauline…
Nintendo developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara declined to reveal the true identity of Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza during an interview at the Game Developers Conference. The game features narrative twists and Easter eggs for fans, but leaves the mystery of Pauline's connection to the original Donkey Kong and Super Mario Odyssey unresolved.
Donkey Kong Bananza's Best Feature Went "Too Far," Dev Says
A developer for Donkey Kong Bananza stated that the game's most destructive feature, the Elephant Bananza transformation, may have gone "too far" but is ultimately fun. Producer Kenta Motokura also commented on the coincidence of elephants appearing in both Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, noting their different design goals.
