Ubisoft Milan pitched a new Zelda-style game called 'Goliath' to Nintendo in 2023, but the project never moved beyond the prototype stage. The project's cancellation underscores Nintendo's strict creative control over its major franchises and the challenges external studios encounter when attempting to meet these standards. The situation illustrates how major partnerships can stall when core design philosophies diverge.
Ubisoft Milan pitched a new Zelda-style game called 'Goliath' to Nintendo in 2023, but the project never moved beyond the prototype stage.
The 'Goliath' prototype introduced a new main character who was distinct from the series' usual hero, Link. Nintendo reviewed this concept in November 2023 and ultimately decided against moving forward with the project. The Japanese publisher did not disclose the specific reasons for rejecting the prototype, leaving the exact creative disagreements unclear.
Key personnel changes followed the project's cancellation, with developers Davide Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna departing Ubisoft Milan in July 2024. These former Ubisoft employees founded a new studio called Day 4 Night and are currently developing a game titled 'Bradley the Badger'. The departure of these team members represents a notable change in the studio's leadership structure.
Communication between Ubisoft and Nintendo regarding other potential collaborations, including projects involving Star Fox and Mario, ceased in early 2024. The cessation of communication suggests that the 'Goliath' rejection had broader implications for the relationship between Ubisoft and Nintendo. The absence of further joint ventures indicates a reduction in collaboration between the two companies during this period.
Nintendo reportedly suggested that Ubisoft make Ganondorf the protagonist for the 'Goliath' project, according to an Insider Gaming report. Ubisoft did not pursue this direction, and the original concept remained with a new character. Although unconfirmed by Nintendo, this detail offers insight into the creative negotiations that occurred before the project was shelved.
Source: IXBT
