Super Mario Bros.—Nintendo’s iconic side-scrolling action game originally released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System—has served as a cornerstone for the modern gaming landscape.
Over time, its groundbreaking gameplay and creative innovations have inspired generations of players and developers alike.
Among its many admirers is Hideo Kojima, the renowned game producer and creator behind the Metal Gear and Death Stranding franchises, who recently revealed how Mario’s debut profoundly impacted his decision to enter the world of video game development. In a recent interview with Wired Japan, Hideo Kojima offered candid insights into how Super Mario Bros.
shaped his career path.
Kojima recalled his time as a college student, revealing that he played Super Mario Bros.
intensively for about a year.
His fondness for the game ran so deep that it even compelled him to skip classes just to immerse himself in Nintendo’s pixelated adventure.
According to Kojima, "I spent a year playing it while I was at university, sometimes skipping school to play at home.
Without Super Mario Bros., it’s likely I wouldn’t have become a game creator." Kojima further explained the transformative effect that Super Mario Bros.
had on his perception of video games as a medium for creative expression.
Despite its simple side-scrolling format and lack of character-driven narrative, he saw immense potential for the medium.
In his words, “When I played it, even though it was pixel art and didn’t contain a traditional story, I became convinced that video games would, in the future, surpass even movies in their impact.
That belief is what motivated me to join the game industry.” This acknowledgment from Kojima is a testament to the lasting influence of Nintendo’s franchise.
Since its debut, Super Mario Bros.
has grown into one of the best-selling and most recognized series in entertainment history, with over 58 million units sold worldwide across all platforms as of 2023 and continued reinvention on hardware like the Nintendo Switch. Kojima’s statements echo a broader narrative about Nintendo’s pivotal role in inspiring creativity and technical innovation among game developers globally.
As the industry continues to evolve—with new announcements arriving via Nintendo Direct, fresh titles debuting on the eShop, and classic franchises reaching new audiences—Super Mario Bros.' legacy remains a powerful beacon, demonstrating the timeless appeal and artistic potential of video games. For developers and players alike, Kojima’s story is a reminder that even seemingly simple games can spark lifelong careers and fuel the continued evolution of an entire industry.
Over time, its groundbreaking gameplay and creative innovations have inspired generations of players and developers alike.
Among its many admirers is Hideo Kojima, the renowned game producer and creator behind the Metal Gear and Death Stranding franchises, who recently revealed how Mario’s debut profoundly impacted his decision to enter the world of video game development. In a recent interview with Wired Japan, Hideo Kojima offered candid insights into how Super Mario Bros.
shaped his career path.
Kojima recalled his time as a college student, revealing that he played Super Mario Bros.
intensively for about a year.
His fondness for the game ran so deep that it even compelled him to skip classes just to immerse himself in Nintendo’s pixelated adventure.
According to Kojima, "I spent a year playing it while I was at university, sometimes skipping school to play at home.
Without Super Mario Bros., it’s likely I wouldn’t have become a game creator." Kojima further explained the transformative effect that Super Mario Bros.
had on his perception of video games as a medium for creative expression.
Despite its simple side-scrolling format and lack of character-driven narrative, he saw immense potential for the medium.
In his words, “When I played it, even though it was pixel art and didn’t contain a traditional story, I became convinced that video games would, in the future, surpass even movies in their impact.
That belief is what motivated me to join the game industry.” This acknowledgment from Kojima is a testament to the lasting influence of Nintendo’s franchise.
Since its debut, Super Mario Bros.
has grown into one of the best-selling and most recognized series in entertainment history, with over 58 million units sold worldwide across all platforms as of 2023 and continued reinvention on hardware like the Nintendo Switch. Kojima’s statements echo a broader narrative about Nintendo’s pivotal role in inspiring creativity and technical innovation among game developers globally.
As the industry continues to evolve—with new announcements arriving via Nintendo Direct, fresh titles debuting on the eShop, and classic franchises reaching new audiences—Super Mario Bros.' legacy remains a powerful beacon, demonstrating the timeless appeal and artistic potential of video games. For developers and players alike, Kojima’s story is a reminder that even seemingly simple games can spark lifelong careers and fuel the continued evolution of an entire industry.
