The development process of “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” has been unveiled, shedding light on the extensive idea generation that fueled the game’s creation. The team behind this highly anticipated title generated over 2,000 ideas, demonstrating their commitment to crafting a game filled with hidden surprises and wonders.
In a recent “Ask the Developer” interview posted on the official Nintendo website, key members of the “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” development team discussed their approach to creating a game brimming with innovation and unexpected delights. Game designer Koichi Hayashida explained that he sought to apply some of the creative principles that underpin 3D Mario games, despite “Wonder” being a 2D experience. Hayashida described 3D Mario games as a “toy box of ideas,” and this philosophy served as inspiration for “Wonder.”
The team engaged in a collaborative idea-sharing session, inviting participation from various roles, including programmers, designers, and sound designers. Their approach was to have team members jot down gameplay concepts on sticky notes, irrespective of their specific field of expertise, and then proceed to create prototypes on the spot. The results were astounding, with the team amassing over 2,000 ideas.
During this creative process, the team explored a multitude of ideas, including the innovative bending Warp Pipes featured in the game’s initial trailer. By diligently prototyping these concepts, the team eventually uncovered what director Shiro Mouri referred to as the game’s “core.” According to Mouri, this approach involved pushing ideas to the extreme, knowing that adjustments could be made later in the development process.
One particularly noteworthy idea emerged from the sound director, Koji Kondo. He envisioned a live-action Mario, eight heads tall and life-sized, humming in harmony with the game’s background music as he navigated the world. Notably, this live-action Mario would vocalize “Boing!” when leaping. Although an intriguing concept, this idea did not find a place in the final game.
The creative process behind “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” underscores the dedication of the development team to crafting a game full of captivating surprises and imaginative experiences. While the live-action Mario concept may not have made it into the game’s initial release, it’s possible that fans may encounter such unique ideas in future downloadable content (DLC) for “Wonder.”
