The game was originally designed as a Popeye game but the rights expired in production, so new characters were made with the same characteristics of a giant taking away the girlfriend while being chased by the small hero.
When the game was released on the NES, one of the four levels had to be removed due to the technological limitations at the time.
Jumpman was given a mustache because the resolution of the arcade screens wouldn't allow a space between his nose and mouth.
Jumpman was given a hat because technology at the time wouldn't allow for realistic movement of hair.
Jumpman was later named 'Mario' by Nintendo of America's staff, in honor of his resemblance to their landlord Mario Segale.