Eiji Aonuma Didn’t Want to do Majora’s Mask 3D, Miyamoto All But Demanded it be Made

Despite being Eiji Aonuma’s first major Zelda project that he ran, it appears Eiji Aonuma wasn’t really that keen on making a 3D version, even with Ocarina of Time 3D on the table. However, Miyamoto was rather insistent it happen, practically demanding Eiji Aonuma to make it happen. In the end, everything worked out and not only was Miyamoto happy, so were the fans and Eiji Aonuma ended up having a good time.

“Iwata: Well, so let me ask the group; how did recreating that “challenging” game Majora’s Mask get started?

Aonuma: Here again, it came from Miyamoto-san. He told me one day “let’s release Majora’s Mask for Nintendo 3DS.” Sano-san mentioned how she lost the challenge, and I think Miyamoto-san feels quite strongly that there are quite a lot of people like her, who gave up on the Nintendo 64 version part way through the journey. He probably felt that it was such a shame in how we put in so much in the game, but then people aren’t able to see them because they weren’t able to get there. Of course, we were the ones who challenged the players if they could clear these mysteries in the first place! (laughs)

Iwata: Well, it did turn from hospitality into a challenge! (laughs)

Aonuma: Well, when I was told that by Mr. Miyamoto, all I could say was “you’re absolutely right.” An added benefit of releasing it for the Nintendo 3DS was that if you get stuck somewhere in the game, you could just close the lid and put it in sleep mode¹⁵, so it was all the more reason to work on Majora’s Mask. However, I couldn’t just simply say “yes, I’ll do it.”15. Sleep mode: This mode is when a 3DS console is closed shut while it is on. By doing so, the device will save energy, making it easier to continue playing games after the console is opened up again.

Iwata: Now why is that?

Aonuma: I said this before, but it was one of those games where I was able to do quite a bit because I was much younger.

Iwata: Right.

Aonuma: So I didn’t want to open that lid again! (laughs)

Iwata: What do you mean you didn’t want to open the lid! (laughs)

Aonuma: I knew that as soon as I opened it I would break out in cold sweat! (laughs)

Everyone: (laughs)

Iwata: So Aonuma-san, you wanted to keep it closed forever?

Aonuma: As in a “please pretend it didn’t happen” kind of way! (laughs) Of course we’re not allowed to pretend that it didn’t happen, but I didn’t want to work on another iteration. But I was met by Miyamoto-san’s firm “nope”.

Iwata: He told you to make it in a year for the Nintendo 64 version, and told you to not run away for the 3DS version. Miyamoto-san’s such a strict man! (laughs)”

I find it interesting he wanted to pretend it never happened, just so he wouldn’t have to revisit it. Thoughts?

Source: Iwata Asks