The Demise of the Mario & Sonic Olympic Games Franchise: A Surprising End to a Beloved Crossover

The Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games franchise, a beloved collaboration between Nintendo and Sega, has come to an unexpected end. According to a developer who worked on every game in the series, the franchise will not be making an appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, signaling the end of an era for this iconic crossover.

Uncovering the Reasons Behind the Franchise's Demise

The Franchise's Surprising Conclusion

Lee Cocker, a developer who worked on the "visual elements and gameplay" of multiple Mario & Sonic titles, broke the news that the franchise has come to an end. Cocker stated on social media that there will be no new installment for the 2024 Paris Olympics, confirming that the series concluded with the 2020 Tokyo edition. This revelation has left fans of the franchise surprised and saddened, as the Mario & Sonic crossover had become a staple of the Olympic Games.

The Potential Role of the International Olympic Committee

Further reports from Eurogamer suggest that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may have played a role in the franchise's demise. The publication claims that the IOC "walked away from its partnership with Nintendo and Sega," opting instead to "explore deals with new partners, NFTs and esports." This shift in the IOC's priorities could have led to the end of the long-running Mario & Sonic collaboration.

The Franchise's Troubled History

The Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games series had a somewhat troubled history, with the games often releasing in the year before the actual Olympic Games took place. This marketing decision was seen by many as a peculiar choice, as it meant the games were sometimes available up to eight months before the real-world event. Despite this, the series managed to release a total of six games over the past 17 years, catering to fans of both Nintendo and Sega's iconic characters.

The Franchise's Reception and Sales

While the Mario & Sonic crossover games often sold well, they were not universally acclaimed by critics. The original Wii-based Beijing edition, for example, only managed a Metascore of 67, suggesting that the games were not necessarily groundbreaking in terms of their quality. However, the franchise's popularity and the appeal of seeing these two gaming giants come together in a sports-meets-party-game format kept the series alive for nearly two decades.

The Missed Opportunity for Breakdancing

Despite the franchise's mixed reception, developer Lee Cocker expressed disappointment at the series' demise, particularly the missed opportunity to include "breakdancing as a playable event" in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This unique addition could have breathed new life into the franchise and provided a fresh take on the familiar Olympic sports-themed gameplay.

The Future of the Franchise

With the confirmation that the Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games franchise has come to an end, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for these iconic characters. While the series may have had its flaws, it provided a unique and entertaining crossover experience that allowed players to experience the world of the Olympics through the lens of two of gaming's most beloved icons. As the curtain falls on this long-running franchise, it remains to be seen if Nintendo and Sega will find new ways to collaborate and bring their characters together in the years to come.