What is Mario’s Occupation in Video Games?
The Mario franchise, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo, is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming series of all time. With numerous games, spin-offs, and adaptations, it’s no surprise that questions about the characters’ backgrounds and occupations have been swirling for decades. In this article, we’ll explore Mario’s occupation in the video game world.
Plumbing: The Official Job
Mario’s most well-known occupation is a plumber. This is stated explicitly in the original Super Mario Bros. game and has been consistently portrayed across the series. In an interview, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that the concept of Mario being a plumber came from his childhood, where he would spend time with his father in a plumbing shop. The red cap and blue overalls, which have become Mario’s signature attire, are inspired by the overalls worn by plumbers in Japan.
Historical Context
In the original Donkey Kong game (1981), Mario is portrayed as a carpenter, not a plumber. This was likely due to the game’s mechanics, which involved Mario building structures to rescue a damsel in distress. It wasn’t until the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985 that Mario’s occupation was firmly established as a plumber.
The Evolution of Mario’s Occupation
Over the years, Mario’s occupation has undergone some changes, reflecting the evolution of the character and the franchise. For example, in the early Mario Kart games, Mario is depicted as a driver, not a plumber. In Mario Sports, he is often portrayed as a athlete, participating in various sports.
Related Occupations
While Mario is primarily known as a plumber, he has been associated with other occupations in various Mario games and spin-offs:
- Builder: In the Super Mario Maker series, Mario is depicted as a builder, constructing levels for other players to play.
- Chef: In the Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time game, Mario is shown to have culinary skills, cooking for his friends and family.
- Gardener: In the Mario series, Mario is often shown taking care of gardens, which are a staple feature of the Mushroom Kingdom.
The Significance of Mario’s Occupation
So, why is Mario’s occupation as a plumber significant? It’s not just about his job; it’s about his character. The plumber occupation has allowed Nintendo to create a lovable, relatable, and humorous character that transcends age and cultural barriers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario’s occupation as a plumber is a central aspect of his character, and it has played a significant role in the Mario franchise’s success. While his occupation has evolved over the years, his plumber persona remains an iconic and beloved part of Nintendo’s legacy.
Bibliography
- Shigeru Miyamoto Interview: The Making of Mario
- Super Mario Bros. (1985) game manual
- Donkey Kong (1981) game manual
- Super Mario Maker (2015) game manual