Nintendo sees no danger in releasing numerous Mario games

Nintendo is not fearful that continually releasing new Mario games will come back to bite the company. Speaking to Games Industry International, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime responded to a question regarding whether or not there is a danger in using Nintendo's intellectual properties, like Mario, too much.

"I would say categorically, no," the executive responded. "And that's because our developers, starting with Mr. Miyamoto and going through the entire EAD development organization, they understand the power of our franchises, and they understand that the only reason these franchises have the power that they do is that they have to make sure that each subsequent edition is unique, different, and offers something new."

Fils-Aime stressed that this must be the case. If Nintendo fails to create innovative sequels, then there could be problems, he admitted.

"They know that if they don't do that, we'll kill the golden goose that lays the golden egg," he continued. "So it's something they are highly cognizant of, and even the executives on the business side, we hold that IP very dearly to make sure that every edition in the series is foundationally sound."

In the past 12 months, Nintendo has released a host of Mario-focused games. These include Super Mario 3D Land and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games in November 2011; Mario Kart 7 in December 2011; Mario Party 9 during March 2012; Mario Tennis Open in May 2012; and New Super Mario Bros. 2 in August 2012. Upcoming Mario titles include Paper Mario: Sticker Star and New Super Mario Bros. U, both of which are set to arrive during November 2012.