Bloc magazine winter 24-25

64 Design Icons #38. The character was born out of necessity. In the early 1980s, Nintendo was creating Donkey Kong, and its lead designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, needed a simple but distinct protagonist. With limited pixels to work with, Mario’s design was shaped by practical constraints. His hat was added to avoid animating hair, and his oversized moustache was a clever way to circumvent difficulties in rendering facial expressions. His brightly coloured overalls ensured his arms were distinguishable during movement. Mario's simplicity became his strength. His bright primary colours stood out against the pixelated backgrounds of early games, making him easy to identify even on small, low-resolution screens. As technology advanced, so too did Mario’s design. His 3D transformation in Super Mario 64 (1996) marked a turning point, introducing fluid motion and a more detailed, expressive character. Beyond the technical aspects, Mario’s design has always reflected the character's personality. His stocky, everyman appearance embodies a sense of approachability and relatability, helping players connect with him as the hero of whimsical adventures. His role as a plumber was a nod to the blue-collar worker, giving Mario an endearing, grounded quality despite the fantastical worlds he inhabits. Today, Super Mario is more than just a video game character; he’s a design icon, instantly associated with joy, nostalgia, and adventure. His evolution over four decades showcases not only the growth of video game design but also how a simple, well-crafted character can transcend generations and cultures, becoming an enduring symbol in popular culture. Few characters in gaming history have achieved the cultural signifi- cance of Super Mario. Since his debut in 1981 as "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong, Mario has evolved into a global icon, his red hat, blue overalls, and signature moustache instantly recognisable to millions.