I don't disagree with what you've said, but one thing has changed since Mario achieved 17 million:
Mario no longer defines video games in the eyes of your average person on the street. Most people have wider view of games, so Mario is no longer the must have.
Its also interesting to note a 3D mario game has never sold 17 million copies, mainly because the barier for entry for some casual gamers is too high.
You might say that the Wii crushes this barier, but there are still many who find the controls too complex compared to two-button/crosskey configurations of old.
Mario has gotten too complex and will never find an audience of 17 million again IMO.
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I don't disagree with what you've said, but one thing has changed since Mario achieved 17 million:
Mario no longer defines video games in the eyes of your average person on the street. Most people have wider view of games, so Mario is no longer the must have.
Its also interesting to note a 3D mario game has never sold 17 million copies, mainly because the barier for entry for some casual gamers is too high.
You might say that the Wii crushes this barier, but there are still many who find the controls too complex compared to two-button/crosskey configurations of old.
Mario has gotten too complex and will never find an audience of 17 million again IMO.