Canceled Zelda Spinoff 'Goliath' Ended Ubisoft-Nintendo Partnership, Report Says

Key points

• Ubisoft Milan pitched a Zelda spinoff with a new protagonist in early 2023, but Nintendo requested Ganondorf as the lead.
• The project, codenamed 'Goliath,' was rejected by Nintendo in late 2023 for unclear reasons.
• The cancellation led to the breakdown of the Ubisoft-Nintendo partnership and the departure of key developers.
• Davide Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna left Ubisoft in July 2024 to found Day 4 Night.
• Day 4 Night is currently developing a platformer called Bradley the Badger.

Background

This follows earlier coverage of the 'Goliath' project's cancellation and its impact on the Ubisoft-Nintendo partnership. It also relates to recent Nintendo Directs and rumors about upcoming games, including a potential Star Fox title and a new 3D Mario.

How outlets are covering it

Insider Gaming, Kotaku, and GameSpot all report on the 'Goliath' project, but Insider Gaming provides the most detailed account, including the initial pitch with a new protagonist and Nintendo's request for Ganondorf. Kotaku and GameSpot focus on the cancellation and its impact on the partnership. Nintendo Everything provides a brief summary of the report.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'Goliath' highlights the challenges of developing games with Nintendo and the impact of failed projects on studio partnerships. It also shows the resilience of developers who leave to form new studios and continue their work.

What to watch

Day 4 Night is expected to release Bradley the Badger in the future. Nintendo and Ubisoft may or may not collaborate on future projects, but the partnership appears to have ended.