The original Super Mario Bros team have gotten together to discuss the future of the Mario series in a new Nintendo Museum book created to celebrate the game’s 40th anniversary. One of the questions posed to the team is whether or not they think the Mario series can remain popular up to its 100th anniversary in 2085. They concede that in order for the Super Mario series to remain relevant, Mario games will have to continue to evolve with the advent of new technology and new gameplay ideas.
Takashi Tezuka:
“One might think it would be a miracle if Mario was still here after 100 years, since we make things while not knowing when our players may get bored with them. If it’s not fun to play, you’ll get bored, and I’m always thinking of how to keep it so that something like that doesn’t happen so that people keep playing.”
“Different times bring different kinds of fun. What Mario can do now is completely different from when we started out. I want to continue making things people find fun to play, including the actions you do, by changing things little by little.”
“I think it’d make me very happy if we can share that chance to experience Mario together with family and friends. We’ll continue to make Mario games for a long time, so please look forward to them.”
Shigeru Miyamoto:
“It’s a given that Super Mario will constantly evolve by incorporating new digital technology. Now we’re working in visual fields like movies, but I want to make sure we keep it interactive and digital. As long as we don’t forget Mario’s prime point – running and jumping – as we add new things, I think Mario will be with us for a long time to come.”
“Nintendo takes on unique challenges, and if a new technology is interesting, I believe that by incorporating that technology, we can make that fun expand and grow-like rolling up snow for a snowman. So I hope that you will continue to stick with us.”
