Daily Debate: If Any Developer Was Allowed to Make a Zelda Game, Which Would You Like to See?
Posted on January 27 2024 by Charles Xavier
We’re in an interesting era where Nintendo seems to be a bit more experimental in trying out new experiences with their IPs. From licensing out Zelda games a lot more often, to working with Universal Studios to make Super Nintendo World, as well as partnering with Illumination and now Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. to make The Super Mario Bros. Movie and a live action Zelda film respectively. There are probably some things that could still never happen, (e.g. I wouldn’t hold my breath for Nintendo games to become cross platform.) That said, I still feel there are more possibilities now more than ever of things I would’ve never imagined happening becoming a reality in regards to Nintendo. Perhaps something like a developer Nintendo wouldn’t normally be thought to work with being licensed to create a Zelda game.
Earlier this week, in an Ask Me Anything with a couple of the developers behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, they were asked if they could work on any IP they haven’t had access to yet, what they would choose. Rémi Boutin, who worked as a senior game designer, expressed interest in working on a remake of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. “Ubisoft developing a Zelda Game” is not a headline I would think could happen, then again, it might not be totally out of the cards (considering the Mario + Rabbids series.) This really got me thinking, if we cast aside all preconcieved notions of what can or cannot happen, any company could develop a Zelda game, which one would people like to see a game from?
I do find the prospect of Ubisoft working on Zelda pretty interesting, but as mentioned, that’s something that could be semi-plausible to happen. What if we got a FromSoftware twist on Zelda with a darker tone and Soulsborne combat? Maybe Obsidan taking a crack at the series? They did well with Fallout, afterall. Those could be cool, but what I’d be most interested in is Ember Lab getting to do something with the series. As many of us probably remember, Ember Lab first gained wide recoginition with its Majora’s Mask themed short film, Terrible Fate. It was this film that went on to influence Kena: Bridge of Spirits. I think they could create a pretty interesting spin on Zelda!
What developers would you pick to work on Zelda? We’re interested to hear in the comments below!
Charles is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. He is a Visual Development artist focused on enviroments and pitch paintings. Check out his Instagram and Twitter to see his latest artworks, a lot of which is Zelda fan art! His favorite candy is Skittles – he feels the world should know this.
