What Country Banned Mario?
The beloved Super Mario Bros. series, created by the legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, has been a staple of gaming culture for decades. The franchise has seen numerous releases, spin-offs, and remakes, and has been enjoyed by gamers of all ages. However, there have been instances where Mario games have been banned in certain countries due to various reasons. In this article, we’ll explore the countries that have banned Mario games and the reasons behind the bans.
Belgium: The Pioneer of Mario Bans
Belgium is often credited with being the first country to ban Mario games. In 2014, the country banned several Mario games, including Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario World, due to concerns over loot boxes. The Belgian Gaming Commission ruled that the games’ random item rewards and the inability to purchase items directly constituted gambling, which is illegal in the country.
China: A History of Banning Mario Games
China has a long history of banning Mario games. In the early 2000s, the Chinese government banned Super Mario Sunshine due to concerns over the game’s violence and perceived Western influence. The ban was later lifted, but the country continued to censor Mario games, including the 2019 release of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, which was banned due to its online multiplayer features.
Mainland China: The Ultimate Mario Ban
In 2014, the Chinese government issued a nationwide ban on Mario games, citing concerns over their "adverse impact" on society. The ban affected not only Mario games but also other Nintendo titles, including The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon. The ban was later lifted in 2015, but the country continues to strictly regulate video game content.
Roblox: The Online Platform Banned in Some Countries
Roblox, an online platform that allows users to create and play user-generated games, has been banned in several countries. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and North Korea banned Roblox due to concerns over its perceived inappropriate content and online interactions.
Mortal Kombat: The Fatal Blow to Mario
In 2011, Mortal Kombat, a fighting game franchise, was banned in several countries, including South Korea, due to its graphic violence and gore. The ban was later lifted, but the game’s reputation as a violent and mature title continues to be a concern.
South Korea: A Country of Censorship
South Korea has a reputation for being one of the most censored countries in the world. In 2019, the country banned several Mario games, including New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, due to concerns over their perceived impact on children and the environment. The country has a strict gaming policy, with many games requiring special licenses to be released.
Conclusion
Mario games have been banned in several countries due to various reasons, including concerns over violence, gambling, and online interactions. While the bans may be lifted, the stigma surrounding Mario games remains, and the country’s strict gaming policies continue to impact the gaming industry. In this article, we’ve explored the countries that have banned Mario games and the reasons behind the bans. Whether you’re a Mario fan or a gamer looking for a new adventure, there’s always something to learn from the world of gaming.
Table: Countries that Have Banned Mario Games
| Country | Reason for Ban |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Loot boxes and gambling concerns |
| China | Violence, perceived Western influence, and online multiplayer features |
| Mainland China | "Adverse impact" on society and strict regulation of video game content |
| United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and North Korea | Perceived inappropriate content and online interactions |
| South Korea | Graphic violence, gore, and concerns over impact on children and the environment |
Bulleted List: Mario Games Banned in Certain Countries
• Super Mario Bros. (Belgium)
• Super Mario World (Belgium)
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (China, Mainland China, and South Korea)
• Mortal Kombat (South Korea)
• Roblox (United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and North Korea)