"Zelda sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, to feature Hyrule and focus on hands as key theme"

Nintendo always planned to use the same Hyrule setting for the sequel to Breath of the Wild, according to an interview with series producer Eiji Aonuma. The team had been coming up with ideas for a direct sequel since the original game was in development, and the idea of staying in the same place but layering on new mechanics and ideas came from Wii Sports Resort. The ground being a familiar location helps encourage players to use the mechanic of diving from the sky to the ground. "Hands" are also a key theme in the upcoming game.