The Mario series isn't diverse enough, according to Activision Blizzard's new tool Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. The Mario series isn't diverse enough, according to Activision Blizzard's new tool But praises Mario for being short and round. News by Ed Nightingale News reporter Published on 18 May 2022 46 comments Following Activision Blizzard's reveal of its Diversity Space Tool, a video of a GDC 2017 presentation has resurfaced online. In the video, presenters of the tool embarrassingly apply their findings to Nintendo's series. Apparently the game lacks diversity in ability and sexual orientation, as the characters aren't disabled and are all presumed straight. How you can tell someone's sexual orientation just by looking at them is beyond me. Watch on YouTube However, the presenters do praise the fact the brothers are Italian, which allows their position on the tool's graph to be a little more "out there" - whatever that means. They also praise the age range (apparently Toad and Toadette are children, which is surely an assumption just because they're short), as well as body type because Mario is short and "rounded". The video has been shared on social media, with one user commenting "this shit is genuinely hysterical". If you ever wondered how Mario characters would land on Acti-Blizz's diversity chart, look no further. This shit is genuinely hysterical. pic.twitter.com/K6GdDe7HO4- Ultima #вʟм (@UltimaShadowX) May 15, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings When Activision Blizzard revealed the tool over the weekend, the blog post does note development started in 2016, but it has been beta tested over the past few months. This video from 2017 suggests it's been in use (or at least tested) for longer than that. The tool has been heavily criticised by the industry, notably by Activision Blizzard's own staff. Overwatch 2 senior game designer Dylan Snyder said his team had not used the tool as they hadn't even heard of it. Overwatch character artist Melissa Kelly described it as a "creepy dystopian chart", while others online have noted it diminishes diversity to a checklist. Judging by the laughable video, that's certainly the case. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 8 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store