The End of an Era: Mario & Sonic’s Olympic Adventure Comes to a Close
For nearly two decades, fans of Nintendo and Sega’s iconic characters, Mario and Sonic, have eagerly anticipated their colorful Olympic showdowns. Commencing in 2007, the beloved gaming franchise has been a staple of Summer and Winter Olympic Games, creating memorable moments for families and players of all ages. However, this long-standing tradition has come to a sudden halt. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has made the decision not to renew its licensing deal with Nintendo and Sega, effectively ending the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series after the 2020 Tokyo edition.
A Shift in Strategy: From Mascots to NFTs and Esports
According to a Eurogamer report, the IOC is now setting its sights on new partners and ventures that include NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and esports. Lee Cocker, a developer intimately familiar with the Mario & Sonic franchise, divulged that the IOC’s primary motivation behind this shift was financial. “Basically the IOC wanted to bring [the licensing] back to themselves internally and look at other partners so they would get more money,” Cocker explained.
Gone are the days when gamers could enjoy friendly competition between Mario, Sonic, and their friends in various Olympic events. Instead, the IOC has thrown its weight behind new digital initiatives such as Olympics Go! Paris 2024, a free-to-play mobile game that offers Olympic-themed mini-games and commemorative digital pins in the form of NFTs.
The Emergence of Olympics Go! Paris 2024
The torch has been passed to nWay, the studio known for Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, to develop Olympics Go! Paris 2024. This game features a range of Olympic events such as archery, gymnastics, swimming, and golf, and incorporates NFT digital pins that players can collect. While the game aims to capture the spirit of the Olympics, it has yet to capture the hearts of the die-hard Mario & Sonic fans.
According to the game’s website, these digital pins are available on the Magic Eden marketplace and require an ETH L2 Base-supported wallet. While NFTs have been touted as the next big thing, their introduction in the Olympic-related gaming space has been met with mixed reactions.
Esports: The New Frontier for the Olympics
The IOC’s interest in esports isn’t entirely new. Back in 2017 and 2018, the organization hosted several summits to explore how esports could be integrated into the Olympics. Fast forward to 2021, and the Olympic Virtual Series marked the first medal event featuring competitive gaming experiences like baseball, sailing, cycling, and motorsports. Now, the IOC aims to solidify its commitment to esports with the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, slated for a 2025 debut in Saudi Arabia.
However, the path to esports acceptance has not been entirely smooth. Critics argue that esports lack the physical rigor traditional Olympic events entail, while supporters believe it offers a modern, inclusive way to engage younger audiences. Despite the controversy, the IOC’s pivot toward esports represents a significant cultural shift for the venerable institution.
What This Means for Mario and Sonic Fans
When it comes to beloved franchises, changes often bring a mix of disappointment and curiosity. The Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series offered a unique blend of nostalgia and friendly competition, bringing together generations of gamers. Although the series might be concluding, its impact on Olympic-themed gaming is undeniable.
For many, the absence of these animated icons from the Paris 2024 Olympics might create a void not easily filled by new digital endeavors. After decades of shared adventures, the camaraderie between Mario and Sonic fostered a sense of community among players worldwide. To see them retreat from the Olympic stage feels like the end of an era.
What’s Next for Olympic Video Games?
Looking ahead, the potential success of the IOC’s new ventures in NFTs and esports remains uncertain. While the financial incentives are clear, the ICO must balance commercial interests with the traditions and values of the Olympics. The introduction of NFT collectibles and competitive esports might attract new audiences, but it could also alienate long-time fans who cherished the simpler, more accessible fun offered by the Mario & Sonic series.
As the gaming and sports worlds continue to evolve, only time will tell if the IOC’s gamble on NFTs and esports will pay off. Until then, fans of Mario and Sonic can savor the memories forged over nearly two decades of Olympic-themed adventures, hoping that their favorite characters might someday make a triumphant return.
For more information and updates on Olympic video games, visit the official Olympics website.
Deepika 
Priyanka