Nintendo shot down Ubisoft’s Ganondorf Zelda game
The path between a creative pitch and a massive game development partnership is often fraught with high hopes and unexpected turns. For the team behind the popular Mario + Rabbids franchise, a significant chapter of collaboration with Nintendo was poised to unfold, though ultimately the dream took an unexpected detour.
Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind the beloved tactical adventure series, reportedly took the initiative to pitch a new game to Nintendo. The concept centered around the world of The Legend of Zelda, specifically featuring the series antagonist, Ganondorf. This idea, which was envisioned under the codename Goliath, sought to blend the beloved Zelda mythology with the sensibilities of the Mario + Rabbids universe.
Nintendo has long maintained a relatively open door for external developers to contribute to its franchises, a policy that has allowed studios like Forever Entertainment and Velan Studios to contribute to titles such as Donkey Kong and Star Fox remakes. This openness created a fertile ground for bespoke crossover experiences, exemplified by the successful Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and the unique blending found in the Cadence of Hyrule.
Following the success of recent collaborations, discussions between Nintendo and Ubisoft Milan intensified. The goal was to develop a new Zelda title, and the studio was given time to deliver a prototype for this ambitious project.
However, as development progressed, the vision faced an obstacle. Reports suggest that Nintendo ultimately rejected the prototype delivered by the team, leading to the cancellation of the project. After this setback, the developers explored alternative avenues, proposing ideas for new Mario or Star Fox titles, but those conversations eventually stalled.
The impact of this cancelled venture was felt by the creative team. Davide Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna, the core developers from Ubisoft Milan, made a significant pivot shortly thereafter. They left the studio to establish their own creative venture, Day 4 Night.
Now, the team is channeling their energy into new projects, most notably working on the platformer Bradley the Badger. This shift marked a new creative direction for the developers, proving that even when grand collaborations fall through, the journey of game creation continues with fresh ideas and new opportunities.
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