Koji Kondo and the Revolution of Mario Music | The Legendary Game Sound History that Began with Overworld BGM

When you hear the overworld BGM of Super Mario Bros. with its "Tatatan, Tatatan", everyone instantly recalls Mario's adventures. The composer behind the most famous melody in the history of game music is Koji Kondo. Even nearly 40 years since its release in 1985, Mario's music continues to be loved all over the world. How did Koji Kondo create this legendary music within the constraints of the limited Famicom sound hardware? This article will explain in detail Koji Kondo's profile, the secret story behind the birth of the overworld BGM, and the history of how Mario music was established as a culture.

Who is Koji Kondo | A Legend in Game Music

Koji Kondo, born in 1961, is a representative game music composer from Japan. He is known as a pioneer who elevated game music from mere sound effects to "culture" by working on globally recognized titles such as Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. His works are highly regarded beyond the realm of games as music itself and are performed in various forms, including orchestral concerts and jazz arrangements.

Joining Nintendo and the Path of Game Music

Koji Kondo studied music at Osaka University of Arts and joined Nintendo in 1984. At the time, game music was often regarded as an "extension of sound effects", making it uncommon to hire dedicated music staff. However, Nintendo recognized the importance of music in the gaming experience early on and hired Kondo as the music director. Shortly after joining, he was responsible for music production on titles such as Devil World and Punch-Out!!, starting to explore how to emotionally move players within the limited sound capabilities of the Famicom. This experience led to revolutionary music production later on in Super Mario Bros.

Representative Works and Achievements

Koji Kondo's representative works are undoubtedly Super Mario Bros. (1985) and The Legend of Zelda (1986). The overworld BGM of Mario was the first game music to be registered in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, where its cultural value was officially recognized. The main theme of The Legend of Zelda is also loved worldwide as an epic melody that stirs the spirit of adventure. He continued to expand musical expression in line with hardware evolution in subsequent titles like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. As the sound group manager at Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development division, Kondo is also dedicated to nurturing young creators and continues to contribute to the overall development of the game music industry.

Famicom's Sound Hardware Constraints and Creativity

During the Famicom era, the hardware constraints were unimaginably severe by today's standards. However, these constraints became the soil that maximized Koji Kondo's creativity, allowing him to produce simple yet memorable masterpieces. To make the most of the limited sound capabilities, Kondo devised various methods in melody lines, rhythms, and harmonic progressions.

Family Computer Sound Source Specifications

The sound chip "2A03" installed in the Family Computer could only play a mere 4 channels simultaneously. Specifically, it consisted of 2 channels of square wave (pulse wave), 1 channel of triangle wave, and 1 channel of noise. The square wave was used for melody lines, the triangle wave for bass lines, and the noise for drums and percussion. Moreover, the memory for storing music data was extremely limited, making it difficult to incorporate complex tone variations or long phrases. Considering that modern game music can play dozens of orchestral instruments simultaneously, one can understand how strict these limitations were. However, Mr. Kondo embraced this limitation as the "aesthetics of simplicity" and pursued melodies stripped of unnecessary embellishments.

Masterpieces Born from Constraints

Within the limited sound source, Mr. Koji Kondo prioritized the clarity of melodies and their memorability. It was precisely because complex chord progressions and tone variations were impossible that simple and powerful melodic lines emerged in the music. For instance, the opening phrase of the overworld BGM, "Do-re-mi, Do-re-mi," is composed of just three notes, yet it possesses a catchiness that anyone who hears it once cannot forget. Additionally, ingenuity is applied rhythmically, with drum patterns using the noise channel that harmonize beautifully with the tempo felt by players when controlling Mario. Precisely because of these constraints, Mr. Kondo carefully selected only the "necessary sounds," achieving an economical music design. This universal simplicity is one reason why Mario music has not faded even after nearly 40 years.

The Birth Story of the Overworld BGM

The overworld BGM of Super Mario Bros. is one of the most famous pieces of music in video game history. The story behind its creation embodies Mr. Koji Kondo's deep understanding of games and music. Rather than simply creating "good music," he aimed to compose music that "enhances rather than interferes with gameplay," resulting in a legendary masterpiece.

Composition Tailored to Gameplay

When composing the overworld BGM, Mr. Koji Kondo placed the utmost importance on "not interfering with player controls." Unlike film music, video game music is heard repeatedly by players. Therefore, music that is overly prominent or imposes specific emotions can actually become a hindrance. Mr. Kondo chose tempos and rhythms that naturally fit Mario's movements, such as jumping and running, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game without being conscious of the music. In fact, the tempo of the overworld BGM harmonizes exquisitely with Mario's running speed and jumping rhythm, allowing players to operate naturally in time with the music's beat. This "unity of music and gameplay" is what makes Mario music transcend mere BGM and become "a part of the gaming experience."

The Secret of a Melody that Never Gets Boring

The overworld BGM loops for about a minute, yet it is designed in a way that players never get tired of it even after hours of play. The secret lies in the development and variation of the melody.

The song begins with a simple A melody, gradually transitions to an expansion section, and finally returns to the A melody again. This cyclical structure allows listeners to feel a natural "beginning" and "end" while maintaining a continuous loop. Additionally, the melody line alternates between rising and falling, providing movement and variation to the music. Furthermore, Koji Kondo intentionally created a "not overly perfect melody". By leaving a bit of playfulness and unpredictable developments, he sustained the listeners' interest. These innovations combined have made the surface BGM a "masterpiece that never loses its freshness no matter how many times you listen to it."

Contrast Between Underground BGM and Underwater BGM

The charm of Mario music is not limited to the surface BGM. Upon entering the underground stage, the atmosphere dramatically changes as the underground BGM plays, and in the underwater stage, a calm and buoyant underwater BGM fills the air. Koji Kondo prepared different music for each stage, allowing players to feel changes in the stage not only visually but also aurally. The underground BGM has a fast tempo, creating a sense of tension, while the underwater BGM expresses a sense of buoyancy with a relaxed tempo. This atmospheric portrayal through music was groundbreaking for its time in gaming and became an important example showing the potential for music to enrich the gaming experience.

Evolution of Mario Music | From the Original to the Latest Title

From the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985 to Super Mario Bros. Wonder in 2023, Mario music has undergone significant changes alongside hardware evolution. However, the philosophy of "the unity of gameplay and music" established by Koji Kondo has been inherited throughout all eras. Here, we will examine the evolution of Mario music across different periods.

Evolution of the Super Famicom Era

With the release of the Super Famicom in 1990, sound sources evolved to 16 bits, greatly enhancing the richness of timbre. In "Super Mario World" (1990), the simple tones of the Famicom era evolved into more expressive sounds. The surface BGM retained the original melodies while incorporating new arrangements, resulting in a richer sound. Additionally, in "Super Mario Yoshi's Island" (1995), under Koji Kondo's supervision, a wider variety of timbres and instruments were used, resulting in a comical and warm sound. The Super Famicom era can be said to be a time when Mario music simultaneously achieved "liberation from the limitations of the Famicom" and "exploration of new expressions."

3D and Orchestral Sound

With the release of the Nintendo 64 in 1996, Mario evolved into a 3D space. In "Super Mario 64," music design was adapted to the 3D environment, introducing a system in which the music changes according to the player’s position and perspective. Furthermore, in 2007's "Super Mario Galaxy," the series achieved its first full orchestral recording. The immersive orchestral sound, fitting for an epic adventure set in space, showcased new possibilities for Mario music. Koji Kondo continued to be involved as a music supervisor during this era, supporting the evolution of Mario music alongside young composers.

The Music of the Latest Release, Wonder

In the 2023 release of "Super Mario Bros. Wonder," the music has evolved in new ways. When players acquire the characteristic "Wonder Flower" of this title, not only does the entire screen change, but the music also changes in real-time. This interactive musical expression creates a new experience where the player’s actions and the music become one. Furthermore, while Wonder references the melody of the original Mario, it features a warm sound combining modern arrangements and recordings of live instruments. Koji Kondo's philosophy is firmly carried over into this latest release.

Cultural Influence and Historical Value

The music of Mario has transcended the realm of games, providing cultural influence. The BGM created by Koji Kondo is not just game music; it is recognized as a "cultural heritage" acknowledged worldwide. Here, we will explain the cultural role that Mario music has played and its historical value.

Registration with the U.S. Library of Congress

In 2012, Mario's ground BGM was registered in the "National Recording Registry" of the U.S. Library of Congress. This registry preserves recordings that are culturally and historically significant in America and marked the first registration for video game music. The reason for selection was that it is "one of the most recognized melodies in the world and demonstrates the important position of video game music in popular culture." This registration signifies that game music is not a "temporary entertainment sound" but an "art that should be remembered culturally for future generations." Koji Kondo's contributions have been formally recognized by such public institutions.

Mario Music Loved Worldwide

The music of Mario is loved worldwide, transcending language and cultural barriers. On YouTube, countless cover and arrangement videos of the ground BGM have been uploaded, reaching hundreds of millions of total views. It has been arranged in every genre, including piano, guitar, orchestra, jazz, and hip-hop, and possesses independent value as music itself. Additionally, social media is filled with posts noting how "the moment Mario's music is heard, the body moves naturally," showcasing how deeply ingrained Mario music is in people's memories. This universal appeal can be considered a result of Koji Kondo's goal of creating "music that everyone can enjoy."

Orchestral Concerts and the Elevation of Video Game Music Status

Since the 2000s, orchestral concerts featuring game music have been held around the world. Notably, the "Nintendo Orchestra Concert," which performs music from Nintendo games, captures the admiration of fans globally, focusing on pieces from Mario and Zelda. Once regarded as "simple sounds for children," video game music is now performed in concert halls of classical music and is celebrated as art. This is a result of the efforts of composers like Koji Kondo and has served as a turning point in elevating the cultural status of video game music.

Koji Kondo Discusses the Philosophy of Mario Music

Koji Kondo has shared his thoughts on music production in various interviews. His philosophy can be summarized not as simply "creating good music," but as "creating music that maximizes the gaming experience." Here, we will unravel the philosophy behind the creation of Mario music through Kondo's words.

The Philosophy that "Music is Part of the Gaming Experience"

In an interview, Koji Kondo stated, "Music is not something that can be evaluated on its own; it is only complete when integrated with the game." For him, music complements gameplay, stirs the player's emotions, and serves as a means to create memorable experiences. Therefore, when composing, Kondo always considers the game's movements and the player's psychology. For example, the background music for the ground level expresses "adventure," "brightness," and "vitality," designed so that players can progress through the game with a positive mindset. This prioritization of enhancing the overall quality of the gaming experience over the perfection of the music on its own is the reason why Mario music continues to be loved.

Influence and Message for Future Generations

Koji Kondo is also committed to nurturing young creators, providing guidance within Nintendo's sound team. He expresses that "while the evolution of technology and equipment is important, what matters most is the desire to convey something to the player." The ability to discern the essence, cultivated during the limitations of the Famicom era, remains vital in modern game production. Kondo's philosophy is passed down to the next generation of game music creators, continuing to pave the way for the future of game music.

Conclusion: The Legacy Left by Koji Kondo and Mario Music

The legacy left by Koji Kondo and Mario music transcends mere game sound. Within the constraints of the limited audio capabilities of the Famicom, he created simple yet universal melodies, elevating game music to "culture." The registration of the ground level background music with the U.S. Library of Congress is official recognition of his achievements.

The greatest feature of Mario music is that it is "music integrated with the gaming experience." Koji Kondo pursued music that enhances the enjoyment of the game rather than focusing solely on perfection in isolation. This philosophy has been consistently passed down from the original Super Mario Bros. to the latest title, Wonder.

Furthermore, Mario music has been covered worldwide, performed in orchestral concerts, and has significantly contributed to the elevated status of game music. The era where game music, once regarded as "children's sound effects," is now appreciated as art is the result of the efforts of pioneers like Koji Kondo.

Even nearly 40 years later, the ground level background music of Mario continues to be cherished by new generations of players without fading away. The legacy left by Koji Kondo will continue to be played around the world.