Mario in Real Time

Mario in Real Time (more commonly known as MIRT) is an interactive system developed by SimGraphics and introduced in 1991, and has since been used by Nintendo in various s. Thought up by SimGraphics CTO Mike Fusco , MIRT is notable for being Charles Martinet's first role as Mario (prior to his video game debut in Mario Teaches Typing).

The system, based on Fusco's VActor technology, allows an actor (almost always Martinet), to communicate with passerbys as Mario, along side other characters, such as Luigi, and formerly Wario and Donkey Kong.

MIRT has been repeatedly used by Nintendo throughout the years for promotional events all the way up to present day, modern examples including San Diego Comic-Con 2012 and the Nintendo World Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon launch event in New York in 2013 (the former having featured Martinet (as Mario) answering questions from fans, while the latter involved Luigi welcoming fans to the Dark Moon launch event.

Function
MIRT displays Mario on a screen, through which he can talk to those attending the trade fair. Charles Martinet himself (with substitute Stevie Coyle) works the device, standing out of view and reciting Mario's lines, which are instantly reiterated by the character. Martinet also provides Mario's movement through sensors courtesy of Simgraphics Engineering, who developed the VActor technology on which MIRT works. (Mario sound effects and various impossible movements are also available to Martinet.) Although Martinet is hidden from the audience, he can see and hear them through a hidden camera and microphone. In addition to trade shows, an early Mario in Real Time was used to animate Mario's face in Mario Teaches Typing and its sequel.