Zelda's Enduring Success: Gameplay First, Story Second Philosophy
TL;DR
Nintendo prioritizes gameplay over story in its game development process, particularly in The Legend of Zelda series. According to series producer Eiji Aonuma, the gameplay is established first, and the story is crafted afterward to complement it. This approach is evident in games like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Aonuma believes starting with the story and then developing gameplay would be challenging. However, the upcoming Zelda movie will focus more on storytelling, as films are driven by narrative.
- Nintendo on why Zelda stories are made after the gameplay Nintendo Everything
- Why the classic Zelda formula is so durable — and so tough to imitate The Washington Post
- Legend of Zelda mastermind Eiji Aonuma says he always focuses on gameplay before story: "I've never really made a game where you think of the story first" Gamesradar
- Eiji Aonuma Explains Why Zelda's Gameplay Takes Priority Over Story Nintendo Life
- ‘The Legend Of Zelda’ Series Producer Eiji Aonuma Says Nintendo Games Are Designed Around Gameplay, Not Story: “I Think It Would Actually Be Kind Of Difficult To Do The Reverse And Start With The Story, Then Try To Match The Gameplay Mechanics To Bounding Into Comics
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