Mega-Man/Mighty No. 9 creator Keiji Inafune says “if any creator has not played Mario, then they’re probably not a good creator”, shares fondness for the series
“I have total respect for Miyamoto, to the point where… It’s very strange that there are national cultural treasures – they’re traditionally sportsmen. I think it’s very strange that somebody as famous as Miyamoto hasn’t been designated one of those people. He’s talked about in all different countries. Lots of people know him. He’s pushed forward Japanese culture and interest in Japan all over the world. He’s somebody that deserves everyone’s ultimate respect, and a lot of that is due to being able to create Mario. And Super Mario Bros. 3, of course, within that, was a fantastic game.”
– Keiji Inafune
This quote comes as part of a large Super Mario related feature that IGN is putting together where many gaming-industry personalities– Greg Miller, Cliffy B, and Ted Price, for example. You can check that out here.