Miyamoto’s favorite Mario fact: You never fight Bowser
Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary figure behind some of gaming’s most iconic franchises, is perhaps best known for pioneering revolutionary game design, but recently he shared a fascinating insight into the very DNA of his most famous creation, Super Mario Bros.
As a visionary who has shaped games like Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and Pikmin, Miyamoto has been recognized for his unique approach to playtesting—often involving unorthodox methods that truly capture the essence of what makes a game fun. This deep understanding of game mechanics is why his opinions carry such weight in the world of development.
Recently, following the receipt of the Japanese Order of Culture, Miyamoto took the opportunity to reflect on the history of the industry. While celebrating his achievements, he zeroed in on a surprising detail about the 1985 platformer that fundamentally changed how we view video games.
He posits that the most intriguing element of Super Mario Bros. is not the scrolling screens or the clever secrets, but rather the way the game handled its antagonists. Miyamoto suggests that the developers faced a genuine creative hurdle: how to design a climactic battle that felt satisfying.
Instead of focusing on a traditional, intense fight, Miyamoto points out that the innovation came from shifting the perspective. Since the core gameplay of Super Mario Bros. is about running to the right, the bosses naturally became defined by that motion.
From this simple premise, the developers conceived of Bowser’s challenges. These initial encounters were less about direct combat and more about interaction with the environment. Bowser’s “fights” involved Mario jumping over him and strategically using projectiles to destroy the bridge beneath him.
This design choice set the stage for an evolution in gameplay that became a staple of the Mario universe. Over time, these interactions grew more complex and dynamic. Mario’s encounters with Bowser evolved from simple obstacle navigation to actual confrontations, such as throwing explosives at the clown car in Super Mario World or launching Bowser into explosives in Super Mario 64.
It is a subtle but important detail: while the game allows for combat, Miyamoto notes that overwhelming Bowser with fireballs is often the most effective strategy, suggesting that the game rewards cleverness over brute force.
Beyond the specifics of game design, Miyamoto also reflects on the broader landscape of development. He believes that the integration of artificial intelligence in game development offers a powerful opportunity to step back and truly reflect on what is most important in creating engaging experiences. For Miyamoto, using AI is a positive tool for introspection, highlighting the deep, human principles behind great game design.
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