Dara O Briain Is Missing Mario

The comic and TV presenter is Fut 14 Coins preparing to host Wednesday's Video Game Bafta awards and isn’t as familiar with the portly plumber’s latest outing as he would like. As part of the six-strong shortlist for this year’s Best Game award, Super Mario 3D World feels like required reading for the host. “I haven’t played Super Mario 3D World or Tearaway at all,” says O’Briain. “I’ve played the other four of the Best Game nominations but not extensively. Which is a pity, but I now justifiably have to spend the week gaming.”
O’Briain’s enthusiasm for video games is infectious and genuine which, despite gaming’s ubiquity and increasing cultural relevance, is still something of an oddity amongst those that grace our television screens. At the start of our chat, I feel like I am the interviewee, O’Briain asking me just what makes Mario so good this year. He sounds how many of us feel as age and real life creeps up on us: a person with a beloved hobby who doesn’t have as much time to indulge as they would like.
Not that it stops O’Briain’s interest and involvement in the video game Baftas. This is the sixth consecutive year the comedian has hosted the awards, a ceremony that is growing in stature and import within the industry as each year passes. “There’s a certain stamp to a Bafta, and the organisation takes it equally seriously as the other ones, recognising the creative energy that goes into games,” says O’Briain. “Within the organisation they feel that a Bafta in games should be equal to a Bafta in film or TV. It’s very difficult to point out to people that this is an art. There are awards in games that we know mean a lot, but if it’s put on a poster people might not have heard of it, but they see a Bafta and people know it. Bafta itself is a brand, and a good endorsement.”
Indeed, the added gravitas that the Bafta name brings is reflected in a industry passionate about its achievements. The Bafta Fellowships, recognised as the highest honour the organisation can bestow, are a testament to that. Of the recipients, Peter Molyneux famously blubbed on stage during a heartfelt acceptance, while Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto also attended the awards to pick up the gong in person. “You look at the people with fellowships and there’s not a bum note among them.” says O’Briain. “They are chosen very wisely. There are so many awards and people may not attend, but that’s not the case with Bafta, you know people will attend and covet that award.” This year, Grand Theft Auto creator Rockstar will receive the Fellowship as a collective and the studio’s oft-secretive commandants the Houser brothers will ut Coins be up on stage to receive it.