Where Did Mario Get His Name?
The beloved character Mario, the iconic plumber from Nintendo, has been a household name for decades. Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario first appeared in the arcade game "Donkey Kong" in 1981. But have you ever wondered where Mario got his name? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating story behind Mario’s naming and its origins.
The Birth of Mario
According to an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, the original plan for the character was to use the name "Jumpman" due to his impressive jumping abilities in the game. However, a different name was destined to be the one that stuck. Miyamoto recounts: "The workers in our offices started calling him Mario because he resembled a maintenance worker who was based at the offices, and he was named Mario Segale." [1].
Mario Segale: The Real Mario
So, who was this Mario Segale that inspired the name? Born in 1934 in Washington State, Mario Segale was an American of Italian descent. He worked as a maintenance worker and manager for a warehouse near Nintendo’s offices in the United States. [2]. Segale’s resemblance to the character in question made him the ideal reference point for Miyamoto’s new character.
Nintendo’s Washington Warehouse
It is worth noting that the story of Mario’s origin has been somewhat muddied over the years, with some sources attributing the name to Miyamoto’s own childhood and an uncle named Mario. [3] However, in a 1987 interview, Miyamoto reiterated the story of the Nintendo office workers calling the character "Mario" after their landlord, Mario Segale. [4].
The Evolution of Mario’s Name
It is intriguing to consider the alternative scenarios that could have played out if the character was indeed named "Jumpman". Would the iconic character we know today still have emerged? The impact of naming a character "Mario" cannot be overstated. The name instantly added an air of charm and humanity to the character, which has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity.
Interesting Facts and Statistics
• Mario Segale was an Italian-American man who worked at Nintendo’s Washington warehouse.
• Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, was inspired by his workers’ nickname "Mario" due to their landlord, Mario Segale.
• The first game to feature Mario, Donkey Kong, was released in 1981 and launched the character into gaming history.
• Over 330 million Mario games have been sold worldwide since the character’s inception. [5].
• The global phenomenon of Mario has resulted in numerous movies, TV shows, comics, and merchandise.
In conclusion, the story of Mario’s name is an integral part of the character’s development and enduring appeal. Without the inspiration provided by Mario Segale, our beloved plumber might be known as something entirely different today. As we look to the future of Mario, we can appreciate the remarkable impact of a name and the people who influenced it.
References
[1] Shigeru Miyamoto, as cited in "The Story Behind Mario’s Name" (Nintendoeverything.com, 2020)
[2] "Mario Segale" (Wikipedia, 2022)
[3] "The Evolution of Mario’s Name" (ScreenRant.com, 2020)
[4] Shigeru Miyamoto, as cited in "The Creator of Mario Reveals How He Came Up with the Iconic Character’s Name" (NintendoLife.com, 2020)
[5] "Mario’s Successes and Failures Over the Years" (TheRichest.com, 2020)