In a revealing new interview, acclaimed game designer Hideo Kojima shared insights into the video game that influenced him most profoundly: Nintendo’s groundbreaking Super Mario Bros.
Kojima, best known for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise and Death Stranding, detailed his connection to the iconic platformer in a recent feature with Wired. Super Mario Bros., originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, is widely acknowledged for its revolutionary impact on both game mechanics and the broader trajectory of the video game industry.
Developed by Nintendo and featuring the beloved character Mario, the title remains a cornerstone of the company’s enduring legacy and a defining influence within global gaming culture. Kojima recalled his early experiences with the game, stating that as a college student, he dedicated significant time to playing Super Mario Bros.—so much so that he would occasionally skip academic commitments simply to continue his adventure at home.
Describing the lasting impression the title had on him, Kojima remarked, "Super Mario Bros.
was unquestionably the game I played most consistently.
For an entire year as a student, I spent countless hours with it.
Without this game, I genuinely doubt I would have entered the game industry." He went on to explain why Super Mario Bros.
resonated so deeply: despite its straightforward side-scrolling action, sparse narrative, and basic pixel graphics, the game provided an immersive sense of exploration and excitement.
Kojima emphasized how the nuances of gameplay—such as the dash and jump mechanics—subtly altered the player’s relationship to the on-screen adventure, equipping Mario to overcome obstacles in innovative ways.
While the story was minimal, the compelling design offered a genuine feeling of embarking on a journey. Reflecting on his first encounters with the game, Kojima conveyed that Super Mario Bros.
filled him with a belief that video games could one day rival, or even surpass, the cinematic experience.
"Seeing how simple visuals and mechanics could create such a powerful adventure convinced me of the potential for video games to become an art form that stands alongside movies.
That conviction is what ultimately drew me into making games myself." Since its original release, Super Mario Bros.
has sold over 40 million copies globally, and it continues to be featured across multiple Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch via Nintendo Switch Online.
The ongoing influence of the title is evident not only in Kojima’s career but also in the countless developers and players inspired by its design philosophy. Whether through classic NES hardware or contemporary services like the Nintendo eShop, Super Mario Bros.
remains a central touchstone in gaming history—its reach extending even to industry luminaries such as Kojima, whose own groundbreaking creations are a testament to its lasting legacy.
Kojima, best known for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise and Death Stranding, detailed his connection to the iconic platformer in a recent feature with Wired. Super Mario Bros., originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, is widely acknowledged for its revolutionary impact on both game mechanics and the broader trajectory of the video game industry.
Developed by Nintendo and featuring the beloved character Mario, the title remains a cornerstone of the company’s enduring legacy and a defining influence within global gaming culture. Kojima recalled his early experiences with the game, stating that as a college student, he dedicated significant time to playing Super Mario Bros.—so much so that he would occasionally skip academic commitments simply to continue his adventure at home.
Describing the lasting impression the title had on him, Kojima remarked, "Super Mario Bros.
was unquestionably the game I played most consistently.
For an entire year as a student, I spent countless hours with it.
Without this game, I genuinely doubt I would have entered the game industry." He went on to explain why Super Mario Bros.
resonated so deeply: despite its straightforward side-scrolling action, sparse narrative, and basic pixel graphics, the game provided an immersive sense of exploration and excitement.
Kojima emphasized how the nuances of gameplay—such as the dash and jump mechanics—subtly altered the player’s relationship to the on-screen adventure, equipping Mario to overcome obstacles in innovative ways.
While the story was minimal, the compelling design offered a genuine feeling of embarking on a journey. Reflecting on his first encounters with the game, Kojima conveyed that Super Mario Bros.
filled him with a belief that video games could one day rival, or even surpass, the cinematic experience.
"Seeing how simple visuals and mechanics could create such a powerful adventure convinced me of the potential for video games to become an art form that stands alongside movies.
That conviction is what ultimately drew me into making games myself." Since its original release, Super Mario Bros.
has sold over 40 million copies globally, and it continues to be featured across multiple Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch via Nintendo Switch Online.
The ongoing influence of the title is evident not only in Kojima’s career but also in the countless developers and players inspired by its design philosophy. Whether through classic NES hardware or contemporary services like the Nintendo eShop, Super Mario Bros.
remains a central touchstone in gaming history—its reach extending even to industry luminaries such as Kojima, whose own groundbreaking creations are a testament to its lasting legacy.
