The latest update of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has just been released. Keen players of the game will notice a rather intriguing change that was made on the Inkling Girl animation. It appears it has been tweaked a little. Rumors say that the change was done to remove an offensive gesture that the girl made.
The Gesture Was Offensive To Western Gamers
There are reports saying that Nintendo was not aware that the original gesture made by the Inkling Girl was offensive to players of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe who are living in Western countries particularly Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. The gesture is reportedly offensive as well in most of the Latin American countries.
Why Was It Offensive?
The gesture of the girl in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has her raising her clenched right fist while her left hand is holding her right biceps. Nintendo meant it to be a celebratory sign. They didn't know that this gesture is very similar to the "Italian Salute" which was a symbol of fascism. Naturally, those who were affected by this societal system (in the past) were offended.
In today's world, that becomes an offensive gesture because it could mean either "f*** you," or "up yours." By removing this hand gesture, the Inkling Girl of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe looks cleaner and nicer. Western gamers should be pleased now.
Other Minor Changes Were Also Implemented
Additionally, other minor changes were also implemented with the new patch notes. Among these changes is the invincibility period after a spin-out is now much longer in online matches. Gamers can now create a friend lobby properly even if they have more than 100 friends. The game's tournament clock is now synchronized with real-world time.
Gamers of online matches can now see their opponent's name in the rear view mirror. Up to two players can now watch their group of friends play the game while they are waiting for their turn. The order in which players join the game is now correctly reflected.
