Ubisoft Milan nearly embarked on a project to develop a Zelda spin-off centered around one of the series’ iconic villains, Ganondorf, but the plan was eventually scrapped by Nintendo. Despite initial interest, Nintendo decided not to proceed with the game.
In 2022, after the launch of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, talks began between Nintendo and Ubisoft Milan about a new collaboration. Despite the Mario + Rabbids sequel not achieving high sales, these discussions evolved into the concept for Project Goliath, a new spin-off from The Legend of Zelda.
Davide Soliani, a co-creator of Mario + Rabbids, was at the heart of these discussions, driving forward the vision for a fresh Zelda adventure featuring a unique protagonist. However, Nintendo proposed shifting the focus to Ganondorf, the primary antagonist in the Zelda franchise. Ubisoft Milan continued to work under this new direction.
Ultimately, in November 2023, Nintendo decided not to move forward with the Ganondorf spin-off prototype. The specifics as to why they made this decision remain undisclosed. Subsequent conversations entertained other potential projects, possibly involving a new Star Fox title or another expansion within the Mario universe, but by late 2023 or early 2024, collaboration between the two companies had stalled.
Following this, team members who were involved in the project were reassigned within Ubisoft, and Davide Soliani chose to depart the company. He has since founded his own venture, Day 4 Night. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Milan has partnered with Ubisoft Montpellier in developing Rayman Legends Untold, which holds promise.
Although the idea of a Ganondorf-centric Zelda title rests for now, it’s an intriguing concept that Nintendo could opt to explore again in the future.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.