August 17th, 2024
by Ivey Rhodes
by Ivey Rhodes
Nintendo is one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. They make movies, have their own theme parks, and their mascots are some of the most recognizable in the world (Even more recognizable than Mickey Mouse!). Their newest game console, the Switch, will probably finish its run as the most-sold video game console of all time. But did you know that Nintendo may not have existed if they were not given a second chance?
It was the early 1980s and while Nintendo was exclusively a Japanese company, they wanted to expand into the promising North American market. At this point there was no Nintendo home console, that wouldn't come until 1985, they were exclusively an arcade company. The famous game they chose to be their first offering in the U.S. was Donkey Kong.
There was a small problem. They named the Gorilla Donkey Kong, but they could not decide on a name for the hero. So he went by two unofficial names: Jump Man or Video Man. That was until Nintendo couldn't pay their rent.
It's hard to expand into new territories and Nintendo was struggling to stay afloat in the early days. In 1981 they were teetering on financial failure as they tried to sell Donkey Kong to arcades. They were unable to even pay their rent! So, their Seattle property owner, Mr. Segale, paid them a visit to collect their back rent. They were either going to pay up or be kicked out. After a long heated discussion, Mr. Segale saw the potential of this arcade company and gave them a second chance. Nintendo eventually sold their arcade cabinets and the rest is history.
It was this second chance that inspired the name of their hero. Mr. Segale's full name was Mario Segale. Out of gratefulness for his patience, Nintendo enshrined his name in one of the most famous characters in history: Super Mario.
Sometimes all you need is a second chance. If you've ever needed a second chance, join us tomorrow. I can't wait to tell you about the beautiful second chance that God gave Jonah, and how he is still giving second chances today.
It was the early 1980s and while Nintendo was exclusively a Japanese company, they wanted to expand into the promising North American market. At this point there was no Nintendo home console, that wouldn't come until 1985, they were exclusively an arcade company. The famous game they chose to be their first offering in the U.S. was Donkey Kong.
There was a small problem. They named the Gorilla Donkey Kong, but they could not decide on a name for the hero. So he went by two unofficial names: Jump Man or Video Man. That was until Nintendo couldn't pay their rent.
It's hard to expand into new territories and Nintendo was struggling to stay afloat in the early days. In 1981 they were teetering on financial failure as they tried to sell Donkey Kong to arcades. They were unable to even pay their rent! So, their Seattle property owner, Mr. Segale, paid them a visit to collect their back rent. They were either going to pay up or be kicked out. After a long heated discussion, Mr. Segale saw the potential of this arcade company and gave them a second chance. Nintendo eventually sold their arcade cabinets and the rest is history.
It was this second chance that inspired the name of their hero. Mr. Segale's full name was Mario Segale. Out of gratefulness for his patience, Nintendo enshrined his name in one of the most famous characters in history: Super Mario.
Sometimes all you need is a second chance. If you've ever needed a second chance, join us tomorrow. I can't wait to tell you about the beautiful second chance that God gave Jonah, and how he is still giving second chances today.
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