With cozy games on the rise in recent years, it would be a wise move for the Mario series to jump into the genre with a new spin-off. Considering how many areas the Mario games have already expanded to, including sports games, RPGs, and more, cozy games may be one of the last domains for the ever-expanding series to conquer. The coincidence is ironic, because that may be the genre that Mario spin-offs would be most suited to tackling. While it would be new territory for the long-running franchise, it could be the best next step as well.
When it comes to gaming, the remarkably popular Super Mario franchise is one of the biggest names in the industry, if not the biggest. Ever since Donkey Kong became a pop culture phenomenon, Mario and his associated games have been associated with Nintendo more closely than any other title. Almost every Nintendo console features a Mario game among its release titles, and the franchise has spawned several successful spin-offs, such as Mario Kart and Mario Party. As long as Nintendo keeps making games, it's a near-certainty that Mario games will continue as well. With the series having so many, the next new Mario IP may not be far away.
Cozy Gaming Could be a Perfect Fit for the Mushroom Kingdom
In recent years, the rise of cozy games such as standard-setting indie farming sim Stardew Valley has changed the playing field in the industry. A lot of low-key games that have little or no action have been garnering significant fan bases, and many players have been putting countless hours into games about farming, management, and all sorts of topics that one may not expect to be big sellers. Even some action games have gotten into this trend, with Like a Dragon: Ishin!'s Another Life mode being a standout example. It's only a matter of time before the AAA market sees more of these titles.
Nintendo already introduced one of the first major comfy games with Animal Crossing on the Gamecube, but it's surprising that the Super Mario universe has yet to enter the genre. The Mushroom Kingdom and its inhabitants have a design and art style that make them innately likable, with even enemies such as Goombas and Koopa Troopas being adorable in their own way. With the world of the Mushroom Kingdom already crafted over decades of games, players have gotten to explore it through both adventures and side games. However, it may be time for players to get a chance to relax in the Mushroom Kingdom.
A cozy game set in the Mushroom Kingdom could come from any number of ideas. Disney Dreamlight Valley's nostalgic character-focused approach has already shown that a game that largely revolves around interacting with popular characters can be a winning combination. There are likely a lot of longtime Nintendo fans who would love an opportunity to just hang out in the Mushroom Kingdom or other associated lands, and spend time with beloved characters like Luigi and Yoshi. Whether the player is farming like in Stardew Valley or running a community like in Animal Crossing, the Mushroom Kingdom likely has a place for them.
The Super Mario franchise would probably be able to ease into the cozy gaming genre well with its lovable characters and memorable world. With Super Mario's many spin-offs, there is surely room for a game that can let players spend a more relaxing time in the Mushroom Kingdom. Maybe instead of stomping Goombas and kicking Koopa shells, players could get a whole new perspective of the Super Mario world through a more leisurely, low-stakes adventure. Cozy games probably aren't going away anytime soon, and the Super Mario name would be perfect for a spin-off in that vein.