Why EarthBound Might Be Gaming’s Most Important Story About Motherhood

While EarthBound appears to be a classic SNES role-playing game, it’s also a surprisingly insightful look at how mothers have been depicted in video games. At a time when games often feature complex, even troubled, single fathers, mothers are frequently relegated to minor roles or portrayed as villains. EarthBound stands out by giving Ness’s mom a meaningful presence, celebrating the importance of everyday motherhood, and presenting her as a source of warmth and stability, making it a significant and unique story about mothers in gaming.




