Speeding down the fast lane of nostalgia, it’s hard not to think of the countless hours spent playing classic kart racers that defined the childhoods of many gamers. While the likes of Crash Team Racing and Mario Kart stole the spotlight, a lesser-known project was quietly in the works, fueled by the creative minds at WB San Diego. Before its untimely closure, the studio had been secretly tinkering with a kart racing game that promised to shake up the genre. What could have been a high-octane addition to the world of karting, unfortunately, never made it to the checkered flag. Join us as we dive into the untold story of WB San Diego’s ill-fated kart racer, and explore the ‘what ifs’ surrounding a game that might have changed the racing landscape.
Insider Information Reveals WB San Diegos Secret Project
WB San Diego’s untold story surfaces as former employees come forward to reveal the studio’s last secret project. This closely guarded information sheds light on a kart racing game that was meant to take the world by storm. Insiders claim the game, which remains unnamed, boasted a star-studded lineup of popular Looney Tunes characters along with a slew of never-before-seen tracks inspired by real-world locations. These claims are supported by the following list of core features:
- Accessible gameplay catering to a wide audience
- Competitive multiplayer with both online and local play options
- Wide variety of customization options to personalize karts and characters
- Hidden shortcuts and power-ups scattered throughout each track
As with any ambitious game project, there were lofty plans for post-launch content. These plans would have included DLC packs containing additional characters and tracks, regularly updated leaderboards, and tournaments with prizes for top players. The game would have been the first to include this level of intense competition. Insiders revealed a rough estimate of the game’s proposed technical details in the following table:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Target Resolution | 4K at 60 FPS |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC |
| Soundtrack | High-energy electronic dance music with artist collaborations |
The Kart Racer That Never Was A Look at the Concept
Before its untimely shutdown, WB San Diego had been toying with an exciting kart racing concept. While we never got to see the finished product, we can still delve into the idea that was being developed. From what we know, the game was designed to be a frenetic and family-friendly experience, with a strong focus on multiplayer modes. This would have included both local and online multiplayer, allowing players to compete with friends and family no matter the distance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this unnamed kart racer was its unique track designs, which were said to be heavily influenced by WB’s vast array of popular franchises. Here are a few potential tracks that might have made the cut if the game were to have been released:
| Franchise | Potential Track Location |
|---|---|
| Batman | Gotham City Streets |
| Harry Potter | Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry |
| The Lord of the Rings | The Shire |
In terms of gameplay features, some of the ideas floating around included:
- Power-ups: A variety of wacky and creative power-ups to help give players an edge during racing, such as banana peels and inflatable hammers.
- Leveling system: A progression system that allowed players to unlock new characters, tracks, and game modes as they earned experience points and levelled up.
- Customization options**: A range of kart customization options, including body styles, paint jobs, and decals, allowing players to give their ride a unique look.
A Thrilling Game Modelled After Classic Kart Racers
The cancelled game was deeply rooted in the nostalgia of classic kart racers, drawing inspiration from iconic titles that brought endless hours of fun to gamers worldwide. By combining the retro feel of these games with modern-day visuals and gameplay mechanics, WB San Diego’s kart racer promised to offer an unparalleled gaming experience. The developers had envisioned a game that would rekindle the magic of classic karting games, while also catering to the expectations of modern gamers.
The game’s features included:
- Local Multiplayer Mode: allowing friends and family to compete against each other in split-screen mode, just like in the good old days of gaming.
- Stunning Track Designs: featuring beautifully crafted circuits, each with its unique obstacles, shortcuts, and challenges.
- Iconic WB Characters: bringing together a diverse cast of beloved characters from various WB franchises, all set to join the racing fray.
| Character Selection | Bugs Bunny | Tom Cat | Yosemite Sam |
| Special Power-Ups | Carrots | Banana Peels | Slammin’ Soundwaves |
| Different Game Modes | Time Trials | Cup Challenges | Quick Play |
Warner Bros San Diegos Unfulfilled Vision
When the news broke out about the closure of Warner Bros. San Diego, many were left wondering about the projects the studio had in the works. One of the most intriguing was a kart racing title that, unfortunately, never got the chance to see the light of day.
| Project Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Genre | Kart Racing |
| Target Audience | Families, Casual Gamers |
| Notable Features | Iconic Looney Tunes characters, Colorful tracks, Power-ups and Boosts |
According to insiders, the game would have featured a host of beloved Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, among others. The title was reportedly designed to be a fun, family-friendly experience, with an emphasis on accessibility and pick-up-and-play gameplay. Some of the notable features that were rumored to be included in the game are:
- Speedster karts, each with its own unique abilities and powers
- A wide variety of tracks, set in iconic locations like Warner Bros. Studios and the Looney Tunes world
- A range of power-ups and boosts, includingAcme brand items and wild cartoon-style projectiles
What Could Have Been Key Features and Modes
Additional Tracks and Playable Characters
Early leaks and discarded project files revealed the potential inclusion of iconic tracks set in Metropolis, Gotham City, and other locations within the DC Comics universe. Tracks based on comic book series such as “The Flash” and “Green Lantern” also seem to have been in development. The “Stage Select” screen displayed nearly 20 levels, some in a dark gothic style like Gotham’s Abandoned Asylum or in a Metropolis-like gleaming, busy street with towering buildings and bright billboards. Additional playable characters were apparently being developed as well:
- Barry Allen (The Flash)
- Hal Jordan (Green Lantern)
- Shazam
- Static
- Cyborg
Key Features and Game Modes
WB San Diego had possibly envisioned their kart racing game to be an open-world, 4-player experience where gamers would have been able to travel and compete through DC’s multi-faceted universe. They also showed the implementation of different game modes such as:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Hero Showdown | Racing mode where every Hero wins – the fastest across the line in the first 3 laps. Speed and determination will have taken it to unlock a separate mode, after 5-laps of 1on1 gameplay against 3.5x increased competitive hero Karts. |
| Story Mode | Story Mode appears to have a driving force behind the DC universe, where collecting pick-ups such as turbos and crystals has come to unlock Hero unique cars. |
| Villain’s Rush | This multiplayer mode is described as a 5 on 1 scenario where you’re the supervillain threatening the city, while the other players are racing against you to either reach you within the short time frame or before. |
How the Closure Affected the Gaming Industry
The unexpected closure of WB San Diego sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, affecting not only the employees but also the gamers eagerly anticipating upcoming titles. One of the significant effects was the disruption of project pipelines. With WB San Diego’s shutdown, several projects were either cancelled or put on hold, including the mysterious kart racer. This disruption not only caused delays but also resulted in the loss of potential gaming experiences for fans.
The ripple effect of the closure also extended to the industry’s talent pool and IP development. Key team members from WB San Diego went on to join other studios, taking their expertise and experience with them. Meanwhile, some IPs, like the cancelled kart racer, remain in limbo, leaving fans wondering what could have been. This gap in IP development has also led to opportunities for other studios to fill the market gap with their own kart racing games, as seen in recent years.
| Game Title | Release Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled | 2019 | Activision |
| Team Sonic Racing | 2019 | Sega |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 2017 | Nintendo |
In response to this market gap, other studios have seized the opportunity to create their own kart racing games. This is evident in the recent releases of popular kart racing titles, such as Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled and Team Sonic Racing. The table above highlights some of the recent kart racing games that have taken advantage of the gap in the market.
Wrapping Up
As the checkered flag waves on WB San Diego’s unfinished project, we’re left with a lingering sense of what could have been. A kart racing game that never quite crossed the finish line, leaving behind only whispers of its existence. While we may never experience the thrill of speeding through colorful tracks or the joy of outmaneuvering friends, the remnants of this project serve as a poignant reminder that even the most promising ideas can sometimes stall. The racing world may have missed out on a new contender, but the impact of WB San Diego’s passion and creativity lives on, hidden in the shadows of an industry that’s always racing forward.
