Mario Kart World, the latest installment in the popular racing game series, has taken fans by storm with its open-world concept that allows players to drive from course to course and explore everything in between. However, what really caught everyone’s attention after the release of the first trailer for the Switch 2 exclusive was a cow riding a motorcycle. Yes, you read that right. A cow on a motorcycle. Not really sure why this matters, but hey, it’s definitely a unique addition to the roster.
The idea for the cow character actually stemmed from a sketch by a Nintendo developer, which was described as “adorable” by many. According to developer Masaaki Ishikawa, the team was brainstorming new characters for the game when someone came up with the silly idea of Cow cruising along. And just like that, the course surroundings became a goldmine of untapped resources for new playable characters. With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe already pushing the boundaries with its diverse roster, Mario Kart World had to think outside the box and look to former enemies and background props for inspiration. The result? A lineup that includes not only Cow, but also characters like Goomba, Hammer Bro, Conkdor, and many others who were previously just obstacles in the game. It’s like a reunion of all the underdogs in the Mario universe, giving them a chance to shine on the race track.
The introduction of Cow as a playable character sparked internal debates among the development team, leading to discussions about the role of NPCs in the game and even inspiring new game mechanics. Producer Kosuke Yabuki mentioned that the idea of having Kamek appear as an item was born from this brainstorming session. Developer Shintaro Jikumaru added that Kamek’s spell in the game transforms racers into playable NPCs, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself racing as Cow or any other obstacle character mid-race. The team had to get creative with the acting performances to ensure that these new characters were just as vibrant and engaging as the classic ones like Mario. Developer Atsuko Asahi shared that the voice team faced numerous challenges in capturing the personalities and characteristics of the ‘NPC drivers’ to make them stand out. So, next time you’re zooming past as Cow in Mario Kart World, remember that she’s not just a fun meme but a crucial part of what makes the game so unique and exciting.
