How did Nintendo get rights to Sora?
The addition of Sora, the protagonist of Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts series, to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a surprise to many fans. The Kingdom Hearts series is owned by Disney, and Sora is a beloved character within the Disney universe. So, how did Nintendo manage to secure the rights to include Sora in the popular fighting game?
According to the leak, Sora got into the game by sheer coincidence
While attending an undisclosed awards show, Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., stumbled upon one of the managers of Disney and informed the individual that he wanted to invite Sora into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This unexpected encounter led to a meeting between Nintendo and Disney, resulting in the agreement to include Sora in the game.
Disney owns the content, Square Enix is the brains behind the operation
It is essential to note that Disney owns the content, including the Kingdom Hearts series. Square Enix, the developer of the series, is responsible for creating the games and characters, including Sora. This ownership structure highlights the complexity of the rights agreement between Nintendo, Disney, and Square Enix.
A brief history of the Kingdom Hearts series
The Kingdom Hearts series was first released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 and has since become a beloved franchise. The series is a result of a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, with Disney providing the intellectual property and Square Enix developing the games. The series has expanded to include numerous games, including Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, and Kingdom Hearts III.
The inclusion of Sora in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sora’s inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a significant addition to the game, as it marked the first time a character from the Kingdom Hearts series had been featured in a Super Smash Bros. game. The character’s moveset was designed to reflect his abilities from the Kingdom Hearts series, including his iconic Keyblade and abilities such as Attraction and Dive Down.
What copyrights has Disney lost?
Disney has lost the copyright for Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse, in 2024. This means that the character’s likeness is no longer protected by copyright, and anyone can use it without permission.
Is Roxas owned by Disney?
Roxas, a character from the Kingdom Hearts series, is also owned by Disney. The character is a Nobody, a being without a heart, and is a key character in the series.
Did Disney copyright Mickey?
Disney released Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, and officially registered the Mickey Mouse character for copyright protection on December 16, 1928. This copyright prevents others from copying and using the likeness of Mickey Mouse without Disney’s permission.
In conclusion
The inclusion of Sora in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a result of a chance encounter between Masahiro Sakurai and a Disney manager. The character’s inclusion highlights the complex rights agreement between Nintendo, Disney, and Square Enix. The Kingdom Hearts series has become a beloved franchise, and Sora’s addition to the game has brought new excitement to fans of the series and the Super Smash Bros. franchise.
Key points:
- Sora’s inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a result of a chance encounter between Masahiro Sakurai and a Disney manager.
- Disney owns the content, including the Kingdom Hearts series.
- Square Enix is responsible for creating the games and characters, including Sora.
- The Kingdom Hearts series has expanded to include numerous games, including Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, and Kingdom Hearts III.
- Sora’s moveset was designed to reflect his abilities from the Kingdom Hearts series.
- Disney has lost the copyright for Steamboat Willie in 2024.
- Roxas, a character from the Kingdom Hearts series, is also owned by Disney.
- Disney released Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, and officially registered the Mickey Mouse character for copyright protection on December 16, 1928.