Ubisoft Milan's 'Goliath' Zelda Spinoff Canceled After Nintendo Rejects Ganondorf Prototype

Key points

• Ubisoft Milan pitched a Zelda spinoff called 'Goliath' to Nintendo in early 2023, following the release of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.
• Nintendo approved the concept but requested that the protagonist be changed from an original character to Ganondorf.
• The prototype was rejected by Nintendo in late November 2023, with the specific reasons remaining unclear.
• Following the rejection, Ubisoft attempted to pitch other Nintendo IPs, including Star Fox and Mario, but negotiations broke down by early 2024.
• Key developers, including Davide Soliani, left Ubisoft in July 2024 to found Day 4 Night, which is developing Bradley the Badger.

Background

This development follows a period of successful collaboration between Nintendo and Ubisoft Milan, which produced Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The cancellation of 'Goliath' marks the end of this partnership. Additionally, the news arrives ahead of the upcoming Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time, scheduled for release on November 5, 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Insider Gaming, the primary source of this report, emphasizes the ambition of the project and the personal impact on the developers, noting that the team believed 'Goliath' could have elevated Ubisoft Milan to a flagship studio status. GameSpot and Kotaku focus on the factual timeline of the pitch, the change in protagonist, and the subsequent rejection, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Nintendo's decision. Nintendo Everything provides a concise summary of the events, focusing on the transition from the original protagonist to Ganondorf and the eventual breakdown of the partnership. All outlets agree on the core facts but differ in their emphasis on the emotional and professional consequences for the developers.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'Goliath' highlights the complexities and risks involved in cross-company collaborations in the gaming industry. It also underscores the significant impact that a single project's failure can have on studio dynamics and personnel, leading to the formation of new studios like Day 4 Night. For fans, it raises questions about the potential for unique Zelda experiences and the reasons behind Nintendo's strict quality control.

What to watch

Day 4 Night is currently developing Bradley the Badger, which was revealed at The Game Awards in December 2025. The next major Zelda release is the Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time, scheduled for November 5, 2026. There is no indication of further collaboration between Nintendo and Ubisoft Milan at this time.