Shocking revelations from Earthbound's creator: Nintendo almost brought Mother 3 to the West, but here's why it fell apart
Nov 29, 2023 11:51 AMThe gaming community continues to buzz with discussions around the potential localization of Mother 3, the highly anticipated sequel to Earthbound that never officially made it to North America. In a recent documentary, Earthbound USA, series creator Shigesato Itoi expressed interest in seeing Mother 3 reach US audiences, acknowledging past talks with Nintendo about using an existing translation. However, complexities were cited by Nintendo, and Itoi reflected on not revisiting completed projects, implying he's unlikely to work on the game's localization personally.
The decision not to localize Mother 3 has long been speculated, with Nintendo's various representatives, including the game's producer Shinichi Kameoka and former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aimé, suggesting commercial reasons. Fans continue to campaign for an official English release, hoping Nintendo will eventually reconsider. Despite his step back from the series, Itoi conveys warmth towards Mother 3's passionate fanbase, endearingly referring to them as children and humorously inviting them to his future funeral.
Gamers looking for updates on Mother 3's localization status and related Nintendo RPG news can stay tuned to see if Nintendo will change course and finally bring this sought-after title to a global audience.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
Follow us
Fans
Fans
Fans
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2023-11-29 13:28:07
The tug-of-war between fan desires and Nintendo's business decisions keeps the Mother 3 localization saga intriguing; Itoi's personal reflection adds a bittersweet note to our collective longing. It’s commendable how the fanbase's undying hope mirrors the enduring spirit of Earthbound itself, but whether that'll sway Nintendo remains the cliffhanger in this gaming narrative.
Stimpy commented on: 2023-11-29 13:18:05
Gotta admire the tenacity of EarthBound fans; they keep the hope for Mother 3's localization alive like a boss battle they refuse to lose. That bittersweet mix of developer affection and corporate hesitation sure keeps the community on its toes, eager for a surprise twist in this long-standing localization saga.
Sephiroth commented on: 2023-11-29 13:08:05
The latest chatter on Mother 3's potential localization is a real rollercoaster for fans, clinging to Shigesato Itoi's mix of interest and reluctance. It's heartening to see the creator's affection for the community, even if the game's journey West remains steeped in what ifs and corporate hesitation.
