Eiji Aonuma, the celebrated producer of The Legend of Zelda series, has shared insights that will likely disappoint fans hoping for a Zelda-focused level creator akin to Super Mario Maker.
Despite the creative liberties and exploratory nature introduced in the recent pair of installment, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Aonuma firmly believes that a dedicated Zelda Maker may not align with the series’ ethos.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a follow-up to Breath of the Wild, expanded on the sandbox elements of its predecessor, encouraging a new level of freedom and creativity among players. This evolution naturally led the fans to speculate about the potential for a Zelda game focused purely on building and creating, similar to the celebrated Super Mario Maker series. However, Aonuma’s stance on this subject is quite clear.
In an interview with Polygon, Aonuma emphasized that while creativity is encouraged in Tears of the Kingdom, it’s not a mandatory aspect of gameplay. This philosophy underpins his reluctance to develop a Zelda Maker game. “I think it’s important that we don’t make creativity a requirement,” Aonuma stated, underscoring that the essence of Zelda games is about discovery and exploration, not necessarily about building from scratch.
Aonuma’s view is that Zelda games are about offering multiple paths and solutions, not forcing players into a singular creative process. He acknowledges that while there are fans that relishes the ability to create from scratch, this doesn’t represent the entirety of Zelda’s fanbase. His approach prioritizes keeping the game accessible to all types of players, whether they are creatively inclined or not.
The Legend of Zelda series has dabbled in level creation before, albeit on a smaller scale, with the Chamber Dungeons in the Link’s Awakening remake. However, this feature was not a focal point of the game and hasn’t been replicated in subsequent releases. Aonuma’s current stance seems to suggest that while minor creative elements may be integrated into Zelda games, a standalone Zelda creation tool is unlikely.
This aligns with the broader philosophy of Zelda. From its inception, Zelda has been about exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative progression. While creativity is a part of this experience, it is not the central focus. A Zelda Maker would require a fundamental shift in this dynamic, prioritizing creation and design over traditional gameplay elements.
In the world of gaming, spinoffs and diversifications are not uncommon, particularly for long-running franchises like Zelda. However, Aonuma’s comments indicate a desire to maintain the core essence of the Zelda series rather than an attempt to branch out into significantly different gameplay styles. This decision, while possibly disappointing to some, is likely made with the intention of preserving the unique charm and appeal that has made Zelda a beloved franchise for decades.
While Aonuma’s stance might be disheartening for fans eager for a Zelda-themed level creator, it opens the door for indie developers to explore this niche. Games like Super Dungeon Maker and Quest Master have already started to fill this gap, offering Zelda-like dungeon creation experiences. This trend showcases the enduring influence and inspiration of the Zelda series, even if it doesn’t come directly from Nintendo.
Even if this means the prospect of an official Zelda Maker is slim, the essence of creativity and exploration that fans love about the series will continue to be a cornerstone of future Zelda games. This commitment ensures that the Legend of Zelda will remain a dynamic and captivating series for both new and longtime fans.
Speaking of Zelda, Aonuma confirmed that it’s done exploring the universe it built with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which means that no sequels or DLCs will be made going forward. The good news is the pair of games is likely going to be the basis for future installments in the franchise. Finally, a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is officially in the works.
