This interview (originally dated April 28, 2003) was taken from Shigesato Itoi's website, Hobo Mainichi. Translation by Tomato.
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Hobonichi
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And that brings us to Mother 3.
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Itoi:
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We announced that it was being worked on, but I don't feel it would be a good idea to talk about it yet. If I were to say something, it would wind up set in stone and take away from our creative freedom.
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Hobonichi:
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I'm sure many people would like to ask, but is it also because of trade secrets?
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Itoi:
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No, that's not it. You know how when a married couple finds out the woman is pregnant they don't say anything until they're absolutely sure about it? I guess it's a bit like that. A lot of people are looking forward to it, but I'm sure they're also uneasy since it was cancelled once before. So if I were to say too much, it would probably panic a lot of people, us included. It's a fact that we're working on it, and a fact that it's coming along. (laugh)
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Hobonichi:
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Are you going to show it off only after it's finished?
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Itoi:
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I'd like to do something like that. Imagining stuff while waiting for a game is another part of the game experience. With Mother 1+2, people are saying how glad they are that the announcement came after it was done. I'd like to do something along those lines.
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Hobonichi:
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So you're saying to forget "3" for now?
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Itoi:
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Yes! Please! Just know that it's being developed not as a movie or a novel but as a GameBoy Advance game. The rest you can forget. I think it's best for the development team to have the time to be able to make things by trial and error; it's not something you make on a conveyor belt in a factory. For better or for worse, it's done by hand, so I think it's vital that they have room to work out any kinks or other problems.
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Hobonichi:
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It was cancelled once before; can we assume you're being more cautious this time around?
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Itoi:
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Yes, of course. I don't want to put too much pressure on the team. When the release date approaches, I'd like them to think, "Whew, all done!" It's like in baseball. It's common for a rookie pitcher to quietly stay in the farm to gather strength, and then one day finally step onto the mound. I'd like to do something like that here.
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Hobonichi:
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Understood. If anything big happens, please let us know. Until then, we'll try to forget the number 3.
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Itoi:
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Whoops, I seem to have forgotten it myself. (laugh)
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Hobonichi:
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For now, there's a bit of time until "1+2", and I plan to enjoy that to my heart's content. Thank you very much.
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Itoi:
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Not at all. I'm thankful that I wasn't able to brag too much.
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Hobonichi:
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No, not at all.
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Itoi:
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No, no, not at all. There'll be no end to this, so let's turn the tape off. Thank you very much to the people reading this!
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Hobonichi:
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Don't end the interview yet! I still want to discuss Mother 1+2 for the last part. Everyone's looking forward to it.
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Itoi:
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Sure thing.
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Disclaimer: This translation is provided "as is". It was done as a voluntary effort, and the translator cannot accept any responsibility, as to the accuracy of the translation.
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