Why did Nintendo choose Mario?

Why did Nintendo choose Mario?

The world-renowned gaming company, Nintendo, has been entertaining gamers for decades with their iconic characters, and one of the most beloved is Mario. The character has undergone numerous transformations over the years, but have you ever wondered how he came to be? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of how Nintendo chose Mario as their mascot and why he remains a beloved character to this day.

Miyamoto’s Original Vision

The story of Mario began in the 1980s, when Nintendo’s legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, was working on the company’s first arcade game, Donkey Kong. At the time, Miyamoto wanted to create a character that was simple, yet endearing, and that would appeal to a wide range of audiences. He envisioned a carpenter, who would later become known as Mario, as the protagonist of the game. Miyamoto wanted to create a character that was relatable and accessible, with a friendly face and a heroic spirit.

The Birth of Mario

The first game to feature Mario, Donkey Kong, was released in 1981 and became a huge success. In the game, Mario, then known as Jumpman, had to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of the titular ape, Donkey Kong. Miyamoto’s simple, yet innovative, game design captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, and Mario’s popularity was cemented.

The Evolution of Mario

Over the years, Mario underwent several transformations, from his humble beginnings as a carpenter to his current status as a plumber. The character’s design was tweaked and refined, making him more expressive and lovable. Mario’s popularity soared with the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985, which sold millions of copies and cemented Mario’s status as a gaming icon.

Why Nintendo Chose Mario

So, why did Nintendo choose Mario as their mascot? Miyamoto believed that Mario’s friendly, relatable nature and his ability to connect with people of all ages made him the perfect candidate. Additionally, Miyamoto wanted a character that could transcend genres and appeal to a broad audience, and Mario’s versatility as a character made him an ideal choice.

The Mario Brothers’ Family Tree

Here’s a brief overview of Mario’s family tree:

Conclusion

Nintendo’s choice of Mario as their mascot was a deliberate one, driven by Miyamoto’s vision of creating a character that was relatable, accessible, and endearing. Mario’s ability to connect with people of all ages and his versatility as a character have made him an enduring symbol of Nintendo’s success. Today, Mario remains one of the most beloved characters in gaming, with a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain gamers worldwide.

Interesting Facts

• Mario was originally going to be named "Jumpman" until the release of Super Mario Bros.
• Mario’s mustache was added to his design to make him look more masculine
• Mario’s iconic red cap and blue overalls were inspired by the colors of a real-life Italian flag
• Mario has appeared in over 200 games, including platformers, racing games, and sports games
• Mario is the best-selling video game character of all time, with over 330 million units sold worldwide