Nintendo to host ‘hackathon’ at Facebook HQ to create Super Mario Maker level

Nintendo’s promotion of Super Mario Maker is kicking off early with a cross-promotion with Facebook. You know, the site your Mum is on. Nintendo will be hosting a hackathon at Facebook HQ on July 28th and 29th.

A hackathon is something Facebook does often, it’s when the company allows their staff to work on something not related to work and create something on company time as fast as possible – it can usually be anything – this time its a level in Super Mario Maker.

The level judged the best by a panel of Nintendo and Facebook staff will make it into the final game. A documentary will be made on the day and posted online later. On the day Nintendo will be keeping people updated on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Will be interesting to see what they come up with and of course how the promotion helps out the game.

“Facebook is known for connecting people through delightful shared experiences,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Video games fit that mission perfectly, and we’re thrilled to work with a partner like Facebook to help more people form connections through the joy of games like Super Mario Maker. It’s easy for anyone to create levels in the game and share them with friends, and we can’t wait to see what the talented Facebook employees will create before the game becomes available to everyone starting on the 11th of September.”

Super Mario Maker is the ultimate evolution of the Super Mario Bros. series and lets players’ imaginations run wild. For the first time ever, friends can have fun playing through levels they create for one another. The Wii U GamePad controller makes it so easy for anyone to create levels that it feels like simply sketching out ideas on paper. Players with Internet access can enjoy a seemingly endless supply of inventive Mario levels inspired by Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U from players around the world. Everyone who purchases the game will also receive a special Super Mario Maker Idea Book providing inspiration and thought starters on the level-creation process. In addition to the game, Nintendo will also release a special Mario amiibo figure to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. To coincide with the anniversary, both the Super Mario Maker game and the 30th Anniversary amiibo launch the 11th of September.