Hideo Kojima credits Super Mario Bros. for getting him to the industry, felt games “would one day surpass movies” because of it

What’s the one game Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima has played the most? As it turns out, that would be Super Mario Bros.

Kojima was speaking on a variety of topics in a new feature from Wired. Regarding Super Mario Bros., he mentioned playing it for a year in college. He went as far as to say that if that title didn’t exit, he “probably wouldn’t be in this industry.” The game also gave him the feeling that “this medium would one day surpass movies.”

Kojima said the following when asked about the one game he’s played the most:

“Super Mario Bros., definitely. Played it for a year. I was a college student. I skipped school to play at home. Without Super Mario Bros., I probably wouldn’t be in this industry… Yeah. I can’t really play it now, though. It’s a side-scrolling action game. Mario just goes left to right. Basically just jumping. But there’s a dash button. Using that and jump subtly changes the jump trajectory to attack or dodge. It had almost no story, but it felt like you were on an adventure. When I saw that, although it was pixel art with no story, I felt this medium would one day surpass movies. That conviction brought me to the game industry.”

What’s the one game you’ve personally played the most? Let us know in the comments below.