The Mystery of Mario’s Real Name
Super Mario Bros., the iconic Nintendo game, has been a beloved part of gaming culture for decades. From its humble beginnings in 1985 to its numerous spin-offs and sequels, Mario has become a household name. However, despite his ubiquity, few people know that Mario was originally known by a different name.
Early Days
Mario, or Jumpman as he was first called, was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned video game designer. Initially, Miyamoto wanted to give Mario a more Japanese name, and he chose Ossan (), which means "middle-aged guy." This name was used in some early games, including the 1983 arcade game Donkey Kong. Mr. Video was also another temporary name given to Mario.
A Real Name Emerges
However, Miyamoto was not satisfied with either of these names and decided to conduct a series of focus groups to gather feedback from fans. During this process, one focus group member suggested the name Mario, which was inspired by Mario Segale, a landlord who owned the warehouse where Nintendo was housed at the time.
The Final Name
The rest, as they say, is history. Mario became the official name of the mustachioed plumber, and the character was born. So, what was Mario’s real name, you ask? Well, it’s complicated.
Table: Mario’s Temporary Names
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ossan | Means "middle-aged guy" in Japanese, used in some early games |
| Mr. Video | A temporary name given to Mario before his official name |
| Mario Segale | The real-life inspiration behind Mario’s name |
Significance of the Name Change
The change from Ossan or Mr. Video to Mario marked a significant turning point in the development of the character. Mario’s new name added a touch of familiarity and approachability to the character, making him more relatable to Western audiences. This change was also a key factor in Mario’s rise to global stardom, making him one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the world.
Recent Revelations
In recent years, Miyamoto has revealed that Nintendo did consider changing Mario’s name once more. In 2015, at a Super Mario Bros. 30th-anniversary festival, Miyamoto confirmed that Mario’s full name is indeed Mario Mario. This news sent shockwaves through the gaming community, with fans of the series debating the implications of this new revelation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name "Mario" has undergone several changes throughout the character’s history. From Ossan to Mr. Video to his final name, Mario, each change has played a crucial role in shaping the character’s identity and popularity. Whether you think Mario’s name is a little bit kooky or completely Mario-tastic, one thing is clear: Mario is a cultural icon, and his name is synonymous with gaming excellence.