The world of video games has given us many iconic characters, but few have captured the hearts of gamers like Super Mario. Created by the legendary video game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario first appeared in the arcade game “Donkey Kong” in 1981. Since then, he has become a household name, synonymous with fun, adventure, and excitement. However, have you ever stopped to think about Mario’s profession? Why is Super Mario a plumber? In this article, we will delve into the history of Mario’s character development, explore the reasons behind his profession, and examine the impact it has had on popular culture.
The Birth of Mario
To understand why Mario is a plumber, we need to go back to the early days of his creation. In the late 1970s, Nintendo was looking to create a new arcade game that would appeal to a wider audience. Shigeru Miyamoto, who was a young artist at the time, was tasked with designing the game’s characters. Miyamoto drew inspiration from classic cartoons and comics, and he wanted to create a character that was relatable, yet unique.
Initially, Mario was called “Jumpman” and was a carpenter, not a plumber. He was created to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a huge success, and Jumpman became an instant hit. However, it wasn’t until the release of the game “Mario Bros.” in 1983 that Jumpman became known as Mario, and his profession was changed to a plumber.
The Reason Behind Mario’s Profession
So, why did Miyamoto choose to make Mario a plumber? In an interview, Miyamoto explained that he wanted to create a character that was “someone who could fix pipes and unclog drains.” He thought that a plumber would be a relatable and accessible profession for players. Additionally, the idea of a plumber navigating through underground pipes and tunnels fit perfectly with the game’s mechanics.
Miyamoto also drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences. Growing up in Japan, he was fascinated by the sewer systems and pipes that ran beneath the streets. He thought it would be exciting to create a game where the player could explore these hidden worlds.
The Impact of Mario’s Profession on the Game’s Mechanics
Mario’s profession as a plumber had a significant impact on the game’s mechanics. The idea of navigating through pipes and tunnels allowed for the creation of a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Players had to use Mario’s jumping and hammering abilities to overcome obstacles and enemies, while also navigating through tight spaces.
The game’s mechanics also influenced the design of the game’s levels. The underground pipes and tunnels became a staple of the Mario games, providing a unique and exciting environment for players to explore.
The Evolution of Mario’s Character
Over the years, Mario’s character has undergone significant changes. He has appeared in numerous games, TV shows, and movies, and has become a cultural icon. However, his profession as a plumber has remained a constant aspect of his character.
In the 1980s, Mario’s character was further developed through the release of the game “Super Mario Bros.” This game introduced Mario’s brother, Luigi, and the two became known as the Mario Brothers. The game also established Mario’s iconic red hat and blue overalls, which have become synonymous with the character.
Mario’s Personality and Traits
Mario’s personality and traits have also played a significant role in his character development. He is known for his bravery, kindness, and determination. He is always willing to help others, and his iconic “It’s-a me, Mario!” catchphrase has become a beloved phrase among gamers.
Mario’s personality has also been influenced by his profession as a plumber. He is resourceful and skilled, able to use his tools and abilities to overcome challenges. He is also physically fit, able to jump and climb with ease.
Mario’s Impact on Popular Culture
Mario’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He has appeared in numerous TV shows, movies, and merchandise, and has become a cultural icon. He has inspired countless fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction, and has become a beloved character among gamers and non-gamers alike.
Mario’s profession as a plumber has also had an impact on popular culture. He has been referenced and parodied in numerous TV shows and movies, often as a symbol of Italian-American culture. He has also inspired numerous memes and jokes, often poking fun at his profession and iconic mustache.
The Legacy of Mario’s Profession
Mario’s profession as a plumber has had a lasting impact on the world of video games. He has inspired numerous other characters and games, and has become a staple of the gaming industry.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Mario’s profession. The release of the game “New Super Mario Bros. U” in 2012 introduced a new generation of gamers to Mario’s world, and the game’s success was largely due to its nostalgic value.
The Future of Mario’s Profession
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Mario’s profession as a plumber continues to influence the world of video games. With the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality gaming, it’s possible that we will see new and innovative ways for Mario to use his plumbing skills.
In conclusion, Mario’s profession as a plumber is an integral part of his character and has had a significant impact on the world of video games. From his humble beginnings as Jumpman to his current status as a cultural icon, Mario’s profession has remained a constant aspect of his character. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Mario’s profession continues to influence the world of video games.
| Game | Release Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong | 1981 | Arcade |
| Mario Bros. | 1983 | Arcade |
| Super Mario Bros. | 1985 | NES |
| New Super Mario Bros. U | 2012 | Wii U |
- Mario’s profession as a plumber was chosen because it was relatable and accessible to players.
- Mario’s character was influenced by Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood experiences and fascination with sewer systems and pipes.
- Mario’s profession has had a significant impact on the game’s mechanics and level design.
- Mario’s personality and traits have been influenced by his profession as a plumber, making him a resourceful and skilled character.
- Mario’s impact on popular culture is immense, with numerous references and parodies in TV shows, movies, and merchandise.
What was the original intention behind making Mario a plumber?
The original intention behind making Mario a plumber was largely driven by the game’s setting and the need for a relatable, working-class character. In the early 1980s, the video game industry was still in its infancy, and game developers were experimenting with different characters and storylines. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, wanted to create a character that was both accessible and endearing to a wide audience. By making Mario a plumber, Miyamoto aimed to create a character that was down-to-earth and easy to identify with.
The decision to make Mario a plumber also had practical implications for the game’s design. The underground setting of the original Donkey Kong game, in which Mario first appeared, required a character that could navigate pipes and underground tunnels. Mario’s profession as a plumber provided a convenient explanation for his ability to navigate these environments, and it helped to establish the game’s core mechanics. Over time, Mario’s profession has become an integral part of his character, and it continues to influence the gameplay and storyline of the Mario series.
How did Mario’s profession evolve over time?
Mario’s profession as a plumber has undergone significant changes over the years. In the early games, Mario’s plumbing skills were often used to explain his ability to navigate underground tunnels and pipes. However, as the series progressed, Mario’s profession became less central to the gameplay and storyline. In games such as Super Mario World and Super Mario 64, Mario’s plumbing skills were largely absent, and he was instead portrayed as a hero on a quest to rescue Princess Peach.
Despite this shift, Mario’s profession as a plumber has remained an integral part of his character. In recent games, such as New Super Mario Bros. and Mario Odyssey, Mario’s plumbing skills have made a comeback, and he is once again portrayed as a skilled plumber. The evolution of Mario’s profession reflects the changing gameplay and storyline of the series, and it highlights the versatility and adaptability of the character.
What role does Mario’s profession play in the Mario series?
Mario’s profession as a plumber plays a significant role in the Mario series, particularly in the early games. In the original Donkey Kong game, Mario’s plumbing skills were used to explain his ability to navigate underground tunnels and pipes. In later games, such as Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario World, Mario’s profession was used to create new gameplay mechanics, such as the use of pipes to travel between levels.
However, Mario’s profession is not just limited to gameplay mechanics. It also plays a significant role in the series’ storyline and characters. Mario’s profession has been used to explain his relationship with other characters, such as Luigi and Princess Peach, and it has helped to establish the series’ lighthearted and humorous tone. Overall, Mario’s profession is an integral part of the Mario series, and it continues to influence the gameplay, storyline, and characters.
How does Mario’s profession reflect the cultural context of the time?
Mario’s profession as a plumber reflects the cultural context of the time in which he was created. In the early 1980s, the video game industry was still in its infancy, and game developers were drawing inspiration from everyday life. The character of Mario was created during a time when blue-collar workers, such as plumbers and carpenters, were highly respected and admired.
Mario’s profession also reflects the cultural values of the time, particularly in Japan. In the 1980s, Japan was undergoing rapid economic growth, and there was a strong emphasis on hard work and dedication. Mario’s profession as a plumber reflects these values, and it helps to explain his determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Overall, Mario’s profession is a product of its time, and it reflects the cultural context in which it was created.
What impact has Mario’s profession had on popular culture?
Mario’s profession as a plumber has had a significant impact on popular culture. The character of Mario has become an iconic figure in popular culture, and his profession has been referenced and parodied countless times in film, television, and music. Mario’s profession has also influenced the way that people think about plumbers and plumbing, and it has helped to create a more positive and humorous image of the profession.
Mario’s profession has also had an impact on the video game industry as a whole. The character of Mario has been credited with helping to establish the platformer genre, and his profession has influenced the design of countless other games. The use of pipes and underground tunnels in the Mario series has become a staple of the platformer genre, and it continues to influence game design to this day.
How has Mario’s profession been received by audiences?
Mario’s profession as a plumber has been largely well-received by audiences. The character of Mario has become beloved by gamers around the world, and his profession has been seen as a key part of his charm. The use of pipes and underground tunnels in the Mario series has been praised for its creativity and originality, and it has helped to establish the series as one of the most iconic and enduring in gaming.
However, not everyone has been positive about Mario’s profession. Some critics have argued that the character’s profession is too simplistic or stereotypical, and that it reinforces negative stereotypes about plumbers and blue-collar workers. Despite these criticisms, Mario’s profession remains an integral part of his character, and it continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
What does the future hold for Mario’s profession?
The future of Mario’s profession is uncertain, but it is likely that it will continue to play a significant role in the Mario series. As the series continues to evolve and change, it is likely that Mario’s profession will be reinterpreted and reimagined in new and creative ways. The use of pipes and underground tunnels in the Mario series has become a staple of the platformer genre, and it is likely that it will continue to influence game design for years to come.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more nuanced and complex characters in video games, and it is possible that Mario’s profession will be reexamined in light of this trend. However, it is unlikely that Mario’s profession will be abandoned altogether, as it is such an integral part of his character and the Mario series as a whole. Instead, it is likely that Mario’s profession will continue to evolve and adapt, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of gamers.