Creator of the Viral ‘Focus, M’ Gaming Meme Surprised by Its Rapid Popularity

Late last month, a nostalgic video showcasing a hypothetical AAA Mario game went viral after two voice actors infused it with fresh dialogue reminiscent of blockbuster titles like Uncharted and Gears of War. Fast forward a few weeks, and one particular line, “Focus, M,” has taken the internet by storm, sparking a mix of annoyance and lively discussions across various platforms.

On December 23, voice actor Ryan Stewart shared a video featuring himself as Mario and fellow voice actor Ariel Hack as Peach, engaging in a conversation over comms as Mario approaches Bowser’s castle. The original gameplay footage, crafted by Funkyzeit as a conceptual mock-up of what a AAA Mario game could look like, was initially shared online in 2022. This new rendition, complete with dialogue that humorously parodies the narrative and tutorial styles of many AAA games, quickly gained traction, with Stewart’s Twitter post amassing over 25 million views by January 5.

One phrase from the video, “Focus, M,” quickly became a fan favorite. Delivered by Hack’s Peach after Mario cracks a joke, it perfectly captures the essence of the AAA video game dialogue that characterized blockbuster single-player experiences from the Xbox 360 and PS4 eras, and it still pops up in some major titles today. Stewart, who penned all the dialogue including the catchy “Focus, M” line, expressed surprise at its viral success, noting he recognized it as a standout moment once he heard Hack’s delivery.

“As I was writing the dialogue, I knew it was funny,” Stewart shared via email. “But once I got Ariel’s reads in, I knew it would be a hit. The level of discussion it generated afterward was unexpected.”

When asked about the emergence of “Focus, M” as a meme, with many using it without having seen the original video, Stewart remarked, “If nothing else, I think it’s resulted in some excellent fan art! I hope my future posts can do the same.”

While Stewart embraces the meme, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. The original creator of the AAA Mario video hasn’t commented publicly but did react to a YouTube comment likening them to Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb, hinting at some mixed feelings about their association with “Focus, M.”

Meanwhile, the “Focus, M” meme has rapidly evolved, with users applying it to a wide range of topics. New Marathon graphics? That’s a “Focus, M” game. The PS1 platformer Croc? Definitely a “Focus, M” game. Starfield? Sure, why not, that’s a “Focus, M” game too.

At this point, the meme seems to have run its course for some, losing its original meaning, akin to how people dismiss anything they dislike as slop. Many have voiced that they feel the meme is already dead. However, I still see people tagging new AAA games and remasters as “Focus, M” games. It’s likely that some developers are taking note of this trend and may be adjusting their dialogue in upcoming titles. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one game has already cut or altered a line that prompts players to “Focus…” in light of all this.