Overview
A copywriter made RPGs personal. Shigesato Itoi wasn’t a game developer—he was Japan’s most famous advertising writer. The Mother series (EarthBound in the West) reflected his sensibilities: contemporary settings, emotional honesty, humour mixed with melancholy. Baseball bats instead of swords. Homesickness instead of world-ending threats. Games that felt genuinely human.
Fast facts
- Profession: Copywriter, essayist.
- Series: Mother/EarthBound.
- Approach: Contemporary RPG settings.
- Legacy: Cult classic status.
Mother series
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Mother | 1989 | Famicom |
| Mother 2 (EarthBound) | 1994 | SNES |
| Mother 3 | 2006 | GBA |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Application |
|---|
| Contemporary setting | Modern towns, not fantasy |
| Emotional truth | Real feelings, not clichés |
| Mundane objects | Baseball bats, yo-yos |
| Humour | Absurdist comedy |
| Melancholy | Genuine sadness |
EarthBound elements
| Conventional | Mother series |
|---|
| Swords | Baseball bats |
| Castles | Suburban homes |
| Monsters | Weird creatures |
| Magic | PSI powers |
| Inns | Mom’s house |
Copywriting background
| Skill | Game application |
|---|
| Brevity | Memorable dialogue |
| Emotion | Character connection |
| Observation | Everyday details |
| Humour | Absurdist writing |
Cultural impact
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|
| Cult following | Devoted fan base |
| Undertale influence | Acknowledged inspiration |
| Fan translation | Mother 3 community effort |
| Merchandise | Ongoing fan demand |
Mother 3 themes
| Theme | Exploration |
|---|
| Loss | Death of family |
| Progress | Technology’s cost |
| Community | Village life |
| Identity | Who we become |
See also