Video Game Mascots: Where Are They Now?

Back in the day, the success of your video game console was determined by the popularity of your company’s mascot. It is from those times that we have the Mario and Sonic franchises of today. But what about the figureheads of consoles passed that didn’t make it? After some investigating, I was able to track a few of them down so we can learn the age-old question: where are they now?

Gex the Gecko

Gex was the lovable gecko whose career was launched in 1995 as the poster boy for Panasonic’s ill-fated 3DO console. He went on to produce two sequel titles across many platforms, making the leap from his humble 2D beginnings into the third dimension by his franchise’s end. He was voiced by Dana Gould (before he became funny and took over the reigns of The Simpsons) and, according to his bio, indulged heavily in watching television to ease the pains of losing his father when he was a child.

Where is he now?

After his video game career crashed, Gex was overwhelmed by the depression of failure. Television could no longer provide him with sufficient escapism from his woes, but rather perpetuated them by reminding him of the titles he’d once starred in. Gex then turned to drinking.

The years that followed were a dark period for the former C-List video game hero. If not for the love and support of his wife and close friends, Gex would have never had the strength to complete his rehab program. Now six years sober, Gex has left the video game industry behind and established a rewarding career for himself in the world of auto insurance…though he doesn’t work for the company you may think (he gets that ALL the time).

Alex Kidd

Alex Kidd was Sega’s mascot in the late 1980s before being replaced by Sonic The Hedgehog. He starred in five Sega Master System games and one for Sega Genesis. Alex’s games seldom lent themselves to a single genre of gameplay, showing that his character could take one any challenge while maintaining his integrity. However, he was no match for the charismatic attitude of Sonic that made him such a marketable brand for Sega.

Where is he now?

Alex put his diversity to good use within the video game industry, working more “behind the scenes.” Still an employee of Sega, Alex has co-produced some smaller titles, as well as working in motion capture and special effects design. He still makes occasional appearances in-game, as you may have seen in Sega Superstars Tennis and he’s unafraid to poke fun at himself as he did for his cameo in the parody game, Segagaga. Alex has declined comment when asked about the recent rumors of negotiations with Aceland Studios concerning a possible revival of his franchise, though he has expressed interest if presented with a solid script.

Alex Kidd currently resides in San Francisco, CA (where he can be close to Sega of America HQ) with his life partner Donald and two adopted children. In his off-time, he enjoys sailing, dirt biking, and is an avid fan of Harry Potter.

Bonk

Bonk was the mascot for the popular, but quickly forgotten TurboGrafx-16 console in the early 1990s. His claim to fame was his trademark head-butt and gravity-defying spin attacks. Sadly, the TG-16 suffered from poor sales and he was not able to keep the console he’d flagshipped alive for very long. With video games being no less fickle than any other entertainment industry, NEC retired Bonk in favor of a new kid, Air Zonk, when time came to promote their new Turbo Duo hybrid console.

Bonk managed to put out a few more games in Japan and Europe, but never quite reclaimed his former glory.

Where is he now?

Bonk was wise enough to negotiate a lucrative contract with Hudson so that he can sustain himself well enough through royalties. This allowed him the freedom to pursue his own personal endeavors. 2007 was especially fruitful with the release of two of his old TG-16 titles on Nintendo’s Virtual Console.

Bonk teamed up with another NEC alum, Johnny Turbo, to form their own advertising firm. While it’s not well known, Bonk and Johnny Turbo’s company pitched the caveman and gecko advertisement campaign concepts to the company for which Gex is often mistaken. In fact, the two are currently in litigation over likeness rights. The hearings are scheduled for May 2011.