Why Did Nintendo Choose an Italian Plumber?
Nintendo’s beloved character Mario has been entertaining gamers of all ages since his debut in the iconic arcade game "Donkey Kong" in 1981. But have you ever wondered why the creator of Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto, chose to make Mario an Italian plumber? Let’s dive into the story behind Mario’s origins and explore the fascinating reasons why Nintendo chose an Italian plumber as the main character of their beloved game.
The Birth of Mario
In the early 1980s, Miyamoto was working on a game called "Donkey Kong," which would eventually feature Mario as its main protagonist. At the time, Miyamoto was a young developer at Nintendo, and his goal was to create a game that would appeal to a wide audience. In an interview, Miyamoto revealed that he was influenced by classic Western movies, particularly the characters played by actors like Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis. He wanted to create a character that was relatable, charismatic, and had a unique sense of style.
Miyamoto’s Inspiration for Mario’s Personality
To create Mario’s personality, Miyamoto drew inspiration from his own life experiences and interests. Miyamoto loved playing with building blocks, and he often found himself getting lost in the labyrinthine structures he created. This fascination with architecture and exploration would eventually influence Mario’s love of jumping, climbing, and navigating pipes. Miyamoto also took inspiration from classic American and Italian movies, particularly those featuring charismatic characters who were experts in their field. This culminated in the creation of Mario, a plumber who was both brave and dashing.
The Why Behind the Mustache
Mario’s distinctive mustache is another integral part of his character. In his interview, Miyamoto explained that he chose to give Mario a mustache as a nod to the stylish, charming protagonists of Italian neorealist cinema, such as Federico Fellini’s classic film "La Dolce Vita." The mustache was intended to convey a sense of sophistication and Italian flair, which would contrast with the more rugged, blue-collar image of an American plumber.
Other Interesting Facts About Mario
• Mario’s original name was Jumpman, a moniker that Miyamoto had intended to be temporary but stuck due to the popularity of the game.
• Mario’s love of eating spaghetti comes from Miyamoto’s love of Italian food. As a child, Miyamoto would often enjoy spaghetti Bolognese with his family.
• Mario has been renamed as Mario from Jumpman due to copyright issues.
• Mario is often shown wearing a pair of white gloves, a nod to the classic fashion style of the 1930s and 1940s.
Table: A Brief Timeline of Mario’s Evolution
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Debut in Donkey Kong | Original character, jumpman name |
| 1985 | Super Mario Bros. released | Widespread popularity, official name becomes Mario |
| 1989 | The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past released | Expanded Mario universe |
| 1990 | Super Mario World released | New style, new mechanics |
| 1995 | Mario 64 released | Introduced 3D gameplay, new Mario icon |
| 2006 | Mario Kart Wii released | Established Mario as racing icon |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nintendo chose an Italian plumber as the main character of their iconic game "Super Mario Bros." for a combination of reasons: the influence of Western cinema, Miyamoto’s childhood experiences, and a love of Italian food and fashion. Mario’s character would go on to become a beloved icon in the gaming world, known for his bravery, sense of adventure, and charm. So the next time you rescue Princess Peach or stomp on Goombas, remember the fascinating story behind why Nintendo chose an Italian plumber as the star of the show.