Video games can be hazardous to your health – in ways that you never thought was possible, actually. Take for instance, Parker Mills, who happened to be the person whom Nintendo hired to play the role of the iconic and much loved Donkey Kong character in the summer of 2013, over at the launch event for Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. However, it seems that Nintendo’s alleged poor working conditions has been blamed by Mr. Mills to be the contributing factor that led to a damaged heart. The response to this allegation? Simple – bringing Nintendo to court, that’s what.
In the suit, Mills claims that he was unable to take breaks while he was suited up, and neither was he given the adequate amount of ice packs so as to help him remain cool within, while the event was being held at the LA Zoo. According to Mills’ attorney, Mills has suffered a tear in his aortic wall as a result of that Donkey Kong gig, and was required to undergo surgery in order to implant a heart defibrillator. We do wonder what kind of outcome would this trial result in though. It makes me wonder whether all of the other people who suit up in mascot costumes fare in the industry though.