Grand Theft Auto has surpassed Mario as a dominant force in video game sales, according to market research firm NPD Group. In 2002, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for the PlayStation 2 held the top spot for best-selling game in the United States, with Grand Theft Auto III following closely behind. This success from developer Rockstar Games outranked titles such as Madden NFL 2003, Kingdom Hearts, and Super Mario Sunshine. Nintendo's Super Mario Sunshine, a 3D entry in the Mario series, concluded the year in a distant tenth place.
This data suggests a significant shift in the gaming landscape, moving from the lighter-hearted adventures associated with Nintendo to the mature, gritty realism exemplified by Grand Theft Auto. The argument is made that a generation of gamers who grew up with Nintendo titles are now seeking more adult-oriented entertainment, a trend that PlayStation has capitalized on with its focus on mature games. The opinion piece posits that Nintendo should consider embracing more adult themes, even suggesting a hypothetical scenario where Mario is reimagined with a gun, engaging in violent revenge against Bowser, involving elements akin to organized crime and drug dealing within the Mushroom Kingdom.
The piece draws a parallel to Donkey Kong 64, suggesting that its popularity in 1999 was boosted by equipping the game's characters with firearms, despite its otherwise lighthearted tone. This speculative comparison highlights a perceived market demand for more mature content. The author concludes by asserting that adult male players are a demographic that the video game industry should prioritize, and that Nintendo giving Mario a gun would align with this perceived evolution of player tastes and industry focus.