Even if your familiarity with video games is limited to classics like Tetris or the early 1970s tennis-style game Pong, you almost certainly recognise Mario. The moustachioed plumber, created by Japanese company Nintendo, stars in countless games and blockbuster movies featuring a roster of Hollywood celebrities. A remarkable 1990 survey revealed that Mario was more recognisable to American children than the legendary Mickey Mouse.
The Staggering Scale of the Gaming Phenomenon
In terms of sheer revenue, the video gaming industry now dwarfs its entertainment counterparts. According to a detailed Forbes report, the sector generated an estimated $184.4 billion in 2022. This figure is more than double the combined total of the music industry, at $26.2 billion, and the global box office revenue for movies, which stood at $26 billion. With over three billion video game players worldwide, this is undeniably a cultural and economic force of immense significance.
A Personal Journey into Gaming History
Keza MacDonald's passion for gaming ignited in 1994 when, at just six years old, she and her brother received a Nintendo console and a Super Mario game for Christmas. They played relentlessly until their parents finally disconnected the console from the wall. By then, MacDonald was utterly captivated. She ran a fan site as a teenager, secured a job at a games magazine by age 16, and now, two decades later, has authored a compelling history of Nintendo.
Her book is designed to appeal not just to dedicated gamers but to anyone curious about this dominant cultural sphere. While enthusiasts are naturally drawn to such works, the staggering financial and social impact of gaming makes it a subject worthy of broader attention.
Nintendo's Evolution from Cards to Consoles
Nintendo's origins trace back over 130 years to its founding as a manufacturer of 'hanafuda', a traditional type of Japanese playing card. The company began experimenting with electronic and mechanical toys during the 1960s before transitioning fully into the games arena. In 1977, Nintendo produced its first home games console, which offered several variations of the simple Pong game.
The Birth of an Icon: Donkey Kong
A pivotal moment arrived with employee Shigeru Miyamoto, who conceived a game based on a quirky love triangle involving an ape, a carpenter, and his girlfriend. Released in 1981, Donkey Kong was a revolutionary creation, featuring a mesmerising puzzle of platforms, ladders, fireballs, and barrels. It became the world's highest-grossing arcade game for two consecutive years, earning Nintendo over $1 billion in today's currency and cementing its innovative reputation.
MacDonald, writing with the zeal of a true believer and the precision of an adept journalist, navigates Nintendo's rich history by focusing on the development of its most famous titles, including Donkey Kong, Super Mario, and Animal Crossing. She also highlights key personalities, such as the revered fourth president, Satoru Iwata.
Leadership and Legacy: The Story of Satoru Iwata
During a challenging financial period for the company, Iwata demonstrated remarkable integrity by halving his own salary and reducing payouts to the board of directors. His dedication was so profound that upon his death in 2015, more than 4,000 mourners defied a typhoon to attend his funeral in Kyoto, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Enduring Success in a Competitive Landscape
Unlike many historic rivals like Sega and Atari, Nintendo continues to thrive by producing both games and consoles, boasting a formidable cash reserve exceeding $13 billion. Japan is renowned for hosting some of the world's most venerable companies, with histories spanning over a millennium. Given Nintendo's robust financial health and iconic character roster, Mario and his companions are poised to remain cultural fixtures for many years to come.
