Shawn Bradley 
Locksmith services are indispensable in our daily lives, providing essential security and access solutions. Interestingly, the influence of locksmithing extends into the virtual realm, particularly within the ever-evolving world of video games. Mechanics and characters often draw inspiration from real-world professions, including the unexpected connection between Mario, Nintendo’s iconic plumber, and locksmithing.
As the face of the famous video game company, Mario is easily recognized by his red cap, blue overalls, and signature mustache. Even though he’s not officially called a locksmith, Mario often deals with keys, locks, and doors in his adventures. This connection makes his character even more interesting.
The following lines will explore how Mario and other beloved video game characters incorporate locksmithing elements, blending real-world skills with digital heroism, and for real-life locksmith needs, you can always rely on trusted locksmith professionals.
The Super Mario Craze in the Locksmithing Industry
Mario’s versatility is probably what best defines him as a character. Throughout his endless adventures, Mario is seen as a jack of all trades, encountering specific locksmithing elements that he cleverly uses to navigate, access secret game areas, unlock new levels, or rescue Princess Peach from Bower’s castle.
This necessity to overcome obstacles and “open up” new paths within the game can also be seen as a metaphor for the type of skills shown by professional locksmiths.
Super Mario has become so famous that real-life locksmith businesses have used his image and name to attract customers. For example, “Mario’s Locksmiths” in Notting Hill, “Super Mario Locksmith Corp” in Miami, Florida, and “Mario’s Locksmith” in both London and San Francisco have all taken advantage of his recognizable character.
The blend between the two worlds highlights the surprising influence Mario has on popular culture. Although Mario wasn’t created as a locksmith, he’s often perceived as one in real life. This is evident from businesses using his name and image, as well as the funny “Super Mario locksmith” pictures circulating online. These examples show how a video game character can be associated with a real profession that fits well with what he does in the game.
Locksmithing Mechanics Displayed in Popular Video Games
In addition to Mario, many other video games feature locksmithing mechanics more prominently, often incorporating lockpicking as an essential part of the gameplay. These games strive to simulate the experience with varying levels of realism. Here is an overview of some of the most popular titles that include these elements:
The “Thief” Series – Masterful Lockpicking
“Thief” is a series of games where players get the role of Garrett, a master thief in a fantasy steampunk world. The reboot, which was released in 2014, is especially notable for its detailed lockpicking action, which mirrors the skills of a professional locksmith. In this game, you manipulate the pins inside locks using the vibrations of the controllers, creating a tactile and immersive experience. This mechanic is highly praised for its accuracy and how it makes players feel like genuine master thieves.
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”- the Lockpicking Minigame
The widely popular RPG features a highly realistic lockpicking minigame where players are asked to rely on a lockpick and a tension wrench, two mandatory tools used by expert locksmiths, to manipulate the pins of locks while experiencing the tension and resistance via game controllers.
The minigame is high-praised for striking the right balance between realism and difficulty, turning it into one of the most beloved features of the game.
The “Fallout” Series – Looting with Locksmith Skills
In iconic games like “Fallout 3” and “Fallout: New Vegas,” lockpicking, a key skill for any locksmith, is a primary gameplay element. While the mechanics are simplified compared to real-life locksmithing, they are crucial for exploring new areas and discovering valuable loot.
“Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory” – See the Lock from the Inside
Another stealth game that displays a lockpicking system introduces players to a cutaway view of the interior of a lock. Players, taking on the role of a locksmith, are asked to manipulate the pins using a tension wrench, adding extra layers of realism and strategy to the experience.
“Dying Light” – Pick Euro Cylinder Locks with Paper Clips
The survival horror game asks players to rely on a peculiar lockpicking method that not many professional locksmiths are likely to use nowadays: bent paper clips.
The improvised tools must be used to pick Euro-cylinder locks in a semi-realistic mechanic, asking players to use all their senses to guess the right positions of the pins.
“Sleeping Dogs” – Lock Picking Under Pressure
“Sleeping Dogs” is an open-world game where players take the role of Wei Shen, an undercover policeman trying to crack down on Triads from the inside out. The game features a peculiar lockpicking system that asks players to set one pin at a time while time is running out for more pressure and is, overall, a more challenging game.
Final Thoughts
Locksmithing portrayed in video games has turned into a familiar and often enjoyable gameplay mechanic that adds depth and realism to the gameplay while boosting the public’s interest in the real-world profession of locksmithing. Games like “Thief”, “Skyrim”, and “Fallout” offer players a sample of some of the challenges and skills that locksmiths must constantly go through and use, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world experiences.
