10 Hidden Meanings Behind Iconic Video Game Characters

10. Mario Is Actually A Landlord

This utterly beloved Italian plumber is a titan of the gaming industry. As the leading mascot for Nintendo, he is the face of a vast section of the video-game landscape, and in his first iteration, he wasn't even named. But Nintendo knew that would have to change, as being called "Jumpman" wasn't going to cut it forever, and Shigeru Miyamoto was certain he wanted more of the character.

Nowadays, merely saying the word Mario conjures up images of this bright red plumber. Still, if he were to be more accurately based upon his inspiration, he might be trading up those overalls for something else entirely, as the character is actually named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America's warehouse.

After a heated dispute about rent, the designers opted to name the character after him. Therefore, Mario is almost a peace offering between Nintendo and Mario Segale, and this new identity would go on to shape the character, as his design was infused to be more Italian, and the name would become synonymous with the gaming industry.

Not too bad for a humble landlord.