Nintendo Criticizes Sega Mascot’s Foot in Mario & Sonic Olympics Development
Nintendo recently voiced its concerns to Sega during the development of the iconic game, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. The issue arose when Sega’s artwork featured Sonic’s foot positioned ahead of Mario’s. This revelation emerged from an interview with Ryoichi Hasegawa, a seasoned Sega developer involved in the project, which debuted in 2007.
Nintendo’s Demands During Development
According to Hasegawa, Nintendo insisted on alterations to the cover art intended for the game. Initially, the artwork depicted Sonic’s foot in front of Mario’s, which did not sit well with Nintendo. They requested that Sega modify the image to ensure both characters appeared in equal stature.
To comply with Nintendo’s request, Sega made the necessary changes. Hasegawa recalled, “We were like ‘oh my god’ we have to change it, or there will be no deal.” This insistence on character representation is not unique to this incident; Nintendo has a history of ensuring its characters are portrayed exactly as intended. In a similar vein, Nintendo once directed Disney on the proper portrayal of Bowser in a cameo for Wreck-It Ralph.
Success of the Franchise
Despite the behind-the-scenes tensions, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games ultimately became a commercial success. The game sold over 10 million copies globally, leading to several sequels. However, the franchise concluded in 2020 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted not to renew its licensing agreement with Nintendo and Sega. Instead, the IOC is shifting its focus toward mobile gaming and NFTs.
- Game Title: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
- Release Year: 2007
- Sales Figures: 10 million copies sold
- Franchise End Date: 2020
Lee Cocker, a producer who worked alongside the franchise, stated that the IOC aimed to internalize the management of future partnerships to maximize revenue. This strategic shift highlights the changing landscape of gaming and the partnerships involved.
As Nintendo moves forward, its commitment to brand integrity remains paramount, evidenced by its strong reaction during the development of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. The success and subsequent halt of the franchise emphasize the complex interplay between creative vision and business strategy in the gaming industry.
