“Super Mario” mobile ripoff among latest unauthorized Nintendo apps
Beijing Flyfish Technology Co. has created a Mario ripoff that goes beyond just the use of assets.
The title features multiple levels in which the mustached plumber is shown in his signature red hat and blue overalls as players jump to obtain mushrooms and coins. Wondering what the game’s name is? “Super Mario”.
Super Mario has been located on Baidu Inc.’s 91 Wireless online app store in China as well as Samsung Electronics Co.’s online China app store.
Beijing Flyfish co-founder Zhu Jinbiao seems to believe that no wrong has been done as he claims his company doesn’t need a license agreement or other permissions from Nintendo.
“There were already some similar kinds of PC-based games using flash technology. Our game is similar to those. Some parts are like the original. Some parts we’ve changed.”
“Super Mario” is one of numerous unauthorized Nintendo apps put up in app stores in China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Bloomberg has also come across a quiz and mobile wallpaper featuring Nintendo’s characters.
Nintendo spokesperson Yasuhiro Minagawa told the publication that the company’s legal team will be looking to crack down on these downloads:
“Nintendo has not approved these applications. Our legal team will investigate them from now.”
