- Super Mario's pipes are inspired by an everyday item in Kyoto.
- Miyamoto was looking for a technical solution for gameplay.
- The design prioritized fun over visual coherence.
- The creation of the pipes marked a before and after in the saga.
Super Mario, the iconic character that has marked generations of players, has many stories behind its creation. Among them, the origin of its famous green pipes, an element that has become a symbol of the franchise. The curious thing is that its introduction was not the result of a planned design, but rather a chance encounter with an everyday item on the streets of Japan.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creative behind Super Mario, revealed in different interviews that the idea of including pipelines The idea for the game's design came about while he was walking around his hometown of Kyoto. This peculiar everyday detail gave rise to one of the most recognizable elements of the series. But how could something as simple as a pipe have such an impact on the gameplay and design of a video game?
A walk through Kyoto and the spark of inspiration
The story of the birth of pipes is not only interesting, but also a clear example of how the smallest details can influence great works. During the development of Super Mario Bros., the technical team was faced with a problem: enemies that left the screen had to reappear at the top to maintain the game's coherence. While pondering how to solve this challenge, Miyamoto found the solution in an unexpected way.
On a walk through the streets of Kyoto, Miyamoto He noticed a plastic pipe sticking out of a wallThis simple observation inspired him to create a mechanism in which enemies would respawn seamlessly, implementing a system that would also add an iconic element to the series.
Design focused on player fun
If there is something that has always characterized the creations of Shigeru Miyamoto is his tireless pursuit of fun in his games. In various interviews, Miyamoto has stressed that his priority has always been the Gameplay, leaving visual coherence or any other technical consideration in the background. pipelines de Super Mario were no exception: they were designed with the goal of optimizing the player experience in mind.
The system not only solved a technical problem, but also added a new level of interactivity to the game. pipelines They became portals that transported players to new levels, secret areas and underground worlds, significantly expanding the possibilities for exploration in the Mario universe.
A concept that evolved from everyday details
Another fascinating aspect of the design is how Miyamoto incorporated comic and manga influences into his games. In later interviews, he commented that old mangas often depicted pipes as common elements in urban settings, which reinforced his decision to use them in Super Mario. This approach demonstrates the ability to transform common elements and currents in key pieces of immersive experiences.
In terms of design, the pipelines They also helped connect areas of the game, creating a sense of continuity. This feature allowed developers to experiment with vertical levels and more complex structures, taking gameplay to new heights.
A symbol of innovation in video games
Although in their origin these pipelines They were born as a practical solution, their impact transcends the technical. They became a symbol of creativity from Nintendo and Miyamoto's commitment to innovation. The pipelines, along with other iconic elements such as mushrooms and blocks, have defined the visual and functional identity of the saga since its inception.
Over the years, the pipelines have evolved alongside the Mario games. They now not only transport the player between levels, but are also part of complex game mechanics, such as puzzle and challenges that continue to surprise new generations.
The detail of how an element as simple as a pipeline on a street in Kyoto completely changed the course of design video games It is a reminder that the inspiration can be found anywhere.
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