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Images, Screens & GamesGame Design

Why Mario Has a Moustache

In a 16×16 sprite, a moustache was easier to draw than a mouth

A famous video game hero wears a cap, a moustache and overalls. None was chosen for style. Why are they there?

You'll find out

  • Why a cap beats a head of hair
  • What a moustache does for a tiny face
  • How overalls make arms visible

Why it matters

Emoji and app icons are still drawn to be read at a tiny size, where every square has to count.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 152 · Zone 17

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