Why Nintendo swapped ink-shooting rabbits for squid-human hybrids

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The iconic Inklings of Splatoon weren't always the final design. The game's creators originally envisioned anthropomorphic rabbits as their protagonists, choosing them specifically for their real-world territorial behaviors. However, internal company pushback over the logic of ink-shooting bunnies forced a radical pivot toward marine life.

Developed by a young team at Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis & Development (EPD) division, Splatoon originated as a competitive multiplayer prototype focused on territory control using ink. The developers initially leaned into the concept of territorial animals, selecting rabbits to represent this trait. This creative direction faced immediate friction from other company members who argued that the premise of rabbits shooting ink lacked inherent logic.

To resolve the conflict, the team pivoted to squid-human hybrids. These characters, now known as Inklings, were designed with visual characteristics inspired by the mannerisms of skateboarders. The final mechanics allowed players to transform between humanoid and cephalopodic forms: in human form, they shoot ink to cover the environment or 'splat' enemies; in squid form, they can swim through their own ink to travel across walls, through grates, and replenish their supplies.

The game world is set 12,000 years into a post-apocalyptic future where humans have gone extinct due to climate change. Marine animals like Inklings (terrestrial squids) and Octarians (octopuses) now occupy the land. The Great Turf War, a territorial struggle spanning one hundred years, provides the setting for this history; it drove Octarians into subterranean domes where they currently endure a shortage of power.

While Splatoon became a multimedia success with sequels on the Nintendo Switch, its original Wii U era was defined by unique hardware interactions. Players could use the Wii U GamePad to view maps and instantly launch toward teammates using gyroscopic controls. Although official online play for the original title ended in April 2024, the game remains a landmark for its blend of high-speed movement and tactical territory management.

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