In the special video message issued today, September 7, Miyamoto recalled when Martinet made his debut as the voice of Mario in 1996’s seminal 3D platformer, Super Mario 64, his penchant for calling the Nintendo legend “papa!”, as well as the many trips the pair had taken together promoting Mario and Nintendo across the globe.

Miyamoto said he was “deeply grateful” for Martinet’s work bringing Nintendo characters to life for nearly 30 years. “Charles-san, thank you very much,” Miyamoto said.

  • Endorkend@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    They don’t need him anymore, so they retired him.

    He’s one of the first victims of AI and automation.

    • ExploratrixLunae@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      If you have a source on this, please share it - I have not found anything to corroborate that he is being replaced by AI, although the idea that this is happening is plausible and believable.

    • Bri Guy
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      1 year ago

      Wait, Nintendo is going full AI for the Mario voice now?? Wild