Ubisoft Milan's 'Goliath' Zelda Spinoff Canceled After Nintendo Rejection

Key points

• Ubisoft Milan pitched a Zelda spinoff with an original protagonist in early 2023, later changing the lead to Ganondorf at Nintendo's request.
• Nintendo rejected the completed prototype in November 2023, though the specific reasons remain unclear.
• The cancellation caused communication breakdowns between the companies and led to the dissolution of the Milan team.
• Key developers Davide Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna left Ubisoft in July 2024 to found Day 4 Night.
• The new studio is currently developing a platformer titled Bradley the Badger, which was revealed at The Game Awards in December 2025.

Background

This development follows the successful release of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope in 2022, which strengthened the collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo. The cancellation of 'Goliath' marks a significant shift in their partnership, occurring amidst broader industry discussions about canceled projects and studio restructuring. Recent Zelda announcements, including the Ocarina of Time remake, highlight Nintendo's continued focus on its flagship franchise, making the lost spinoff a notable point of interest for fans.

How outlets are covering it

Insider Gaming provides the most detailed account, citing sources familiar with the project and noting that the reporting is part of a larger investigation for an upcoming book. Kotaku and GameSpot corroborate the core facts, including the codename 'Goliath' and the shift to Ganondorf, but offer less detail on the internal dynamics. My Nintendo News confirms the cancellation but lacks the depth of the other outlets. All sources agree that the project ended the partnership, but only Insider Gaming details the subsequent attempts to pivot to Star Fox or Mario titles before communication ceased.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'Goliath' illustrates the risks of cross-company IP collaborations and the impact of failed prototypes on studio stability. It highlights how a single rejected project can lead to significant talent loss and the formation of new studios, affecting the broader gaming industry landscape. Additionally, it underscores Nintendo's strict quality control over its franchises, even when working with external partners.

What to watch

Day 4 Night is expected to continue developing Bradley the Badger, with no further announcements regarding the 'Goliath' project. Ubisoft and Nintendo have not indicated any future collaborations, and the reasons for the prototype's rejection remain undisclosed. Fans may speculate about potential future Zelda titles, but no official updates are expected from either company.