Unauthorized Mario Strikers Clone Appears on Xbox Store
Game featuring Mario-like character and similar branding to Nintendo’s series raises copyright concerns.
A game bearing striking similarities to Nintendo‘s Mario Strikers series has emerged on the Xbox Store, raising potential copyright concerns. The title, “Mariostro Strikers: Soccer League,” features cover art with a character closely resembling Nintendo’s iconic Mario character.
PureXbox reports that while the game’s cover art mimics Nintendo’s visual style, the actual gameplay screenshots reveal notably different graphics. The apparent attempt to capitalize on the Mario Strikers brand name and aesthetic has drawn attention from gaming communities, particularly given Nintendo’s typically stringent approach to protecting its intellectual property.
The gaming industry has witnessed numerous instances of developers creating unauthorized copies of popular titles. Nintendo’s franchises have frequently been targets of such cloning attempts, with the company actively defending its properties through legal channels. Recent examples include Nintendo’s response to perceived similarities in games like Palworld, and their previous actions against unauthorized use of their brands.
As of now, Mariostro Strikers: Soccer League remains available for purchase on the Xbox Store, with neither Microsoft nor Nintendo having taken action to remove the title. However, given Nintendo’s history of protecting its intellectual property rights, including attempts to challenge even small-scale uses of their brands, industry observers anticipate the game’s presence on the platform may be short-lived.
The situation reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where successful Nintendo formats often inspire similar titles. Platform fighters following Super Smash Bros.’ model and racing games inspired by Mario Kart demonstrate the company’s influence on gaming genres, though most developers typically avoid direct mimicry of Nintendo’s protected properties.