A Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update launched, and it shift a number of things about the game, including some balance adjustments. However, it also changes an animation in the game that was deemed to be offensive in several areas around the world.
One of the victory animations for the Inkling Girl character, in which she sort of flexes one arm and grabs her bicep with the other, can be interpreted as the “Italian Salute.” This isn’t much of a thing at all in America or Japan, but in many territories, especially in Europe and Latin America, is wildly offensive. It’s akin to a beloved cartoon character flipping everyone off.
If you’re curious about this silly little alteration, the source below at Gamespot has a slider you can use to compare. The Inkling Girl now just flexes her arm instead of going full “salute” with her other hand. For a list of all the other adjustments, check out the list below:
- Opponents’ names are displayed in the rear view mirror view in online matches.
- Invincibility period after a spin-out or crash is longer in online matches.
- Up to two players can spectate a friend group while they wait to join.
- Worldwide and Regional modes add players to Mirror and 200cc matches less often.
- Can now properly create a friend lobby when you have 100 or more friends.
- Inkling Girl’s animation has been adjusted.
- Starting positions in online races now properly reflect the order in which players join.
- Driver Miis now properly showing facial expressions.
- Tournament clock now properly reflects real-world time.
Source: Gamespot