# Gamer Planet Parodies The ‘Super Mario Earth' Image Transforms the Globe By Jaime Neely | Published 2011-07-07 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-earth References: [buzzfeed](http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/super-mario-earth-281t) & [goape.storenvy](http://goape.storenvy.com/products/116172-the-plumber-s-empire) This ‘Super Mario Earth’ image by Ian Gibson for Go Ape will certainly appeal to a wide range of gamer enthusiasts, regardless of the decade in which they were born. The colorful image transforms a map of planet earth into a [Nintendo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-super-mario-travel-items) Super Mario fantasy land. The image boasts the iconic Super Mario aesthetic, using vibrant hues and iconic objects. Ian Gibson has accurately created a [new video game map](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthguessr) using the aesthetic and style from the Nintendo game, resulting in 'Super Mario Earth.' With plenty of mysterious tubes to slide down, stars to collect from each continent and a terribly scary Bowser cave to enter, Ian Gibson's ‘Super Mario Earth’ looks like it would be an entertaining game for Mario and Luigi. **Implications** - By incorporating two similar concepts into one, a business will appeal to many consumers based on the notion of familiarity. Consumers will be more likely to forge a personal connection with such a product, a quality to which many consumers will appeal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gamer Map Transformations:** The use of iconic video game aesthetics to transform real-world maps into fantasy lands creates unique and engaging experiences for gamers. - **Fantasy Map Merchandise:** Creating merchandise that combines popular video game imagery and real-world geography presents a new opportunity for the gaming merchandise industry. - **Real-life Video Game Experiences:** Using real-world locations and objects to create video game experiences brings excitement to traditional tourism and event industries. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can explore the creation of more fantasy map games and merchandise through the use of iconic video game aesthetics. - **Merchandising:** The use of popular video game imagery and real-world geography creates a new opportunity for the merchandising industry. - **Tourism:** Incorporating video game experiences into tourism destinations and events can bring excitement to traditional tourism and event industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game Travel Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-super-mario-travel-items.md) - [Video Game Refreshment Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suntory-x-super-mario.md) - [Cozy Video Game Loungewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-meets-gelato-pique.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Expansive Gamer Treat Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baskinrobbins-super-mario-menu.md) - [Resort-Inspired Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-party-jamboree.md) - [Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-mist.md) - [Holographic Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protohologram.md)