Jumpman

Jumpman is a renowned video game character created by Shigeru Miyamoto and designed by Gunpei Yokoi, first introduced in the iconic arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, developed and published by Nintendo. This character was later renamed Mario and has since become an integral part of the Mario franchise, appearing in numerous games, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros., developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo of America. Jumpman's creation is often attributed to the innovative and imaginative approach of Shigeru Miyamoto, who also created other notable characters, such as Link from The Legend of Zelda series and Donkey Kong, in collaboration with Hiroji Kiyotake and Yoshiaki Koizumi.

Introduction

Jumpman, initially known as Jumpman, was conceived as a carpenter, later changed to a plumber, who must rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of the giant ape Donkey Kong, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi. The game was developed by Nintendo and released in 1981, featuring the character's debut, with music composed by Yukio Kaneoka and Akito Nakatsuka. The character's name was later changed to Mario in the game Mario Bros., released in 1983, which was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 1 and published by Nintendo of America, in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi. Jumpman's character design was influenced by Mickey Mouse and Popeye, with the iconic red hat and blue overalls, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi. The character's mustache was added to give him a distinctive look, similar to Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx, as suggested by Shigeru Miyamoto and Hiroji Kiyotake.

History

The history of Jumpman is closely tied to the development of the Donkey Kong game, which was created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi at Nintendo. The game was initially intended to be a Popeye game, but Nintendo was unable to secure the licensing rights, leading to the creation of new characters, including Jumpman and Donkey Kong, in collaboration with Hiroji Kiyotake and Yoshiaki Koizumi. The game's success led to the creation of Mario Bros., which introduced Luigi and established the Mario franchise, developed by Nintendo Research & Development 1 and published by Nintendo of America. Jumpman's character evolution is also linked to the development of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which was released in 1985 and featured Super Mario Bros. as a launch title, developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo of America, in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi. The character's popularity was further boosted by the release of Super Mario World in 1990, which was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo of America, featuring the character's iconic red hat and blue overalls, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi.

Appearances

Jumpman, now known as Mario, has appeared in numerous games, including Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and New Super Mario Bros., developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo of America. The character has also appeared in various spin-off games, such as Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Mario Sports, developed by Nintendo Software Technology and published by Nintendo of America, in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto and Hiroji Kiyotake. Jumpman's appearances extend beyond video games, with the character featuring in TV shows, such as The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, produced by DiC Entertainment and Nintendo of America, and films, including Super Mario Bros., directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, and released by Hollywood Pictures and Cinergi Pictures. The character has also been featured in comics, such as Super Mario Bros. by Valiant Comics, and merchandise, including toys and clothing, produced by Nintendo of America and Sanrio.

Impact

Jumpman's impact on the video game industry cannot be overstated, with the character's creation influencing the development of platformer games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Crash Bandicoot, created by Sega and Naughty Dog, respectively. The character's iconic design has also been referenced in various forms of media, including music videos, such as Weezer's Buddy Holly, directed by Spike Jonze, and films, such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, directed by Edgar Wright and released by Universal Pictures. Jumpman's influence can also be seen in the work of other game developers, such as Shinji Mikami, who created Resident Evil, and Hideo Kojima, who created Metal Gear Solid, both of whom have cited Shigeru Miyamoto as an inspiration, along with Sid Meier and Will Wright. The character's enduring popularity has also led to the creation of various fan art and cosplay, with fans around the world paying tribute to the iconic character, including Nintendo fans and gaming communities.

Legacy

Jumpman's legacy is a testament to the innovative and imaginative approach of Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo. The character's creation has led to the development of one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with Mario becoming a cultural icon, alongside Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, created by Walt Disney and Warner Bros., respectively. Jumpman's influence can be seen in various aspects of popular culture, from music to film, with the character's iconic design and charming personality continuing to inspire new generations of gamers and fans, including Nintendo fans and gaming communities, with the support of Electronic Arts, Activision, and Ubisoft. The character's legacy is a reminder of the power of creativity and innovation in the world of video games, with Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible, in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft Studios. Category:Video game characters