According to a recent DidYouKnowGaming video, Vicarious Visions, known for their prowess in 3D platformers such as the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, was once developing a 3D Donkey Kong game for Nintendo Switch. This project, showcased under the working title "Freedom," aimed to innovate the platform genre by integrating unique movement and traversal dynamics, including vine rail grinding, a natural fit for the jungle-dwelling Donkey Kong. 

However, the development of this promising title was short-lived. After approximately six months, the project was halted in 2016 as Vicarious Visions shifted its focus toward supporting Activision's Call of Duty franchise. This shift in focus also led to the shelving of another potential project by Vicarious Visions, a revival of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.

In a significant shift, Vicarious Visions was integrated into Blizzard Entertainment in 2021 and rebranded as Blizzard Albany. Since then, the studio has contributed to major projects like Diablo 2: Resurrected and the upcoming Diablo 4. This new alignment focuses their talents on highly anticipated developments in the Blizzard franchise.