Kingdom Hearts Success Almost Led Disney to Create Its Own Super Smash Bros Style Fighting Game

A former developer recently revealed that Disney briefly initiated work on its own crossover fighting title patterned after the iconic Super Smash Bros franchise. The ambition stemmed directly from the massive popularity and critical success of the Kingdom Hearts series, which successfully demonstrated that blending diverse Disney characters and universes into a cohesive video game experience resonated deeply with global audiences. Following that momentum, the company began early concepts to bring its extensive roster of famous animated and cinematic characters together in a fast-paced arena brawler setting. However, despite the rich pool of intellectual property available and initial creative exploration, the project was ultimately shelved during early development phases without being officially announced. This behind-the-scenes revelation highlights how deeply Kingdom Hearts influenced Disney's willingness to experiment with ambitious gaming concepts.