Dying man races to finish Zelda Ocarina of Time remake
The world of gaming is poised for a monumental event, as the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. For Nintendo, this marks a major opportunity to bring a classic Nintendo 64 title to a new generation of hardware, cementing its place as a heavy-hitting exclusive for the new console.
But this technological milestone is framed by a deeply personal and moving story. It is the story of Blake, a man facing the reality of motor neuron disease, who found an unexpected path to completion and connection through the world of video games.
Blake, who is battling ALS, a condition that impacts muscle control, shared a powerful ambition with the gaming community. In September 2021, he posted on Reddit about his plan to make the new Ocarina of Time the first game he would ever fully complete. His post resonated instantly, drawing massive support from gamers who offered not just encouragement but concrete support, offering to buy the game for him.
“All these strangers and people I’ve obviously never interacted with before sending me all these good wishes and offering to buy me the game, it was crazy,” Blake shared. He emphasized how these small acts of kindness brought him immense joy during a difficult time.
His journey into gaming began in the late 1980s with classic systems like the Apple II and Prince of Persia”>Prince of Persia, eventually leading him to the N64. While he enjoyed competitive titles like GoldenEye 007″>GoldenEye 007, the classic adventure did not immediately click with him. He moved on, diving into the world of massive multiplayer online games like Dark Age of Camelot”>Dark Age of Camelot, where he dedicated thousands of hours, forging friendships that endure today.
More recently, Blake has explored a wide variety of titles, including Hades”>Hades, Celeste, Ori and the Blind Forest, and the cozy management game Spiritfarer. These games have served as a vital outlet, allowing him to find peace and a means to spend quality time with his family. For Blake, gaming isn’t just entertainment; it is a necessary escape and a cherished source of connection.
Facing a terminal diagnosis of ALS, Blake found a profound sense of purpose in completing a challenge. The timing of the Ocarina of Time remake announcement simply clicked into place for him, making the remake the first, and likely only, video game he ever intended to fully beat.
When asked what message he would share with readers, Blake offered a simple but powerful reflection: “life is short, trust me. Try your best to not leave any regrets behind because you never know when the time will come that you won’t be able to easily fix those.” He spoke about choosing to fight his diagnosis, prioritizing family, and finding joy in the present moments. He concluded with a poignant reminder that if one cannot find happiness in this time, there is little reason to keep living.
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