Super Mario’s 30th Anniversary: Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario’s Creator, Tells His Most Vivid Memory Of Everyone’s Favorite Plumber

2015 marks Super Mario’s 30th Anniversary. Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario’s creator, has been making the rounds this week, clearing up some Mario lore. The celebration is also in anticipation of the launch of Super Mario Maker on September 11.

Super Mario has been seen in many different titles throughout the years. Many of these titles are considered some of the best games ever made. Mario has been one character that has transcended generations. Every “gamer,” young or old, has their favorite Mario memory. It might surprise you to learn the history behind some of Miyamoto’s favorite memories of everyone’s favorite plumber.

IGN spoke with Shigeru Miyamoto this week. One of his most vivid memories doesn’t come from the original Super Mario Bros. or even Super Mario Bros. 3.

“Of course, I’ve had many memories with Mario over the last 30 years, but the one that sticks out for me most was when we made Super Mario 64. I felt very fortunate to be able to work in a 3D space for the first time, take on this new technology, and have Mario be the character that helped bring it to life. And that we did that by working with 3D technology at a time when there weren’t many people doing it. So that was a very important moment with Mario for me.

The other memory links back to my childhood. When I was younger I used to always like to make puppets and do puppet shows. When we made Super Mario 64, it was like I was able to do a puppet show with Mario in a 3D space. It’s been very fun for me to have these moments where the things that I’ve enjoyed from my youth have blended in with the work that I do in video games.”

In a nod to fans across Europe, Miyamoto also took time this week to answer a question about some of the history that actually surrounds Super Mario.

There are so many myths about Mario… Mr Miyamoto reveals the truth. #SuperMario30https://t.co/SGbDOz8wcB

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) September 10, 2015

It is hard not to look back fondly on fan-favorite moments from Super Mario games. Whether it is a memory of the first goomba you ever stomped or ethereal moments soaring between planets in Super Mario Galaxy, I would love to hear some of your favorite Mario moments in celebration of Super Mario’s 30th Anniversary. Shigeru Miyamoto shared his. Now, you have the opportunity to share yours.

[Photo courtesy of Nintendo of America]