The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, has sparked discussions in the gaming community. Eiji Aonuma and Hidemaro Fujibayashi reflect on fan nostalgia for classic Zelda games and elaborate on their vision for the series. They highlight the freedom and creativity Tears of the Kingdom offers, allowing players to innovate in ways the developers hadn't imagined. This was showcased by the intricate in-game creations shared across social media, greatly surpassing expectations.

Addressing the narrative and structural elements of Tears of the Kingdom, Aonuma and Fujibayashi emphasize their intent to give players liberating experiences while also incorporating intricate dungeon designs, responding to fans' desires. The developers further explore questions surrounding the game's storytelling, the roles of Link and Zelda, and their potential relationship. Additionally, they touch on the benefits of having a veteran development team and the impact of new talent.

Technical accomplishments, including seamless travel between game layers on the Nintendo Switch, are discussed, demonstrating the team's dedication to overcoming hardware limitations. Aonuma reflects on his career and the future of the Zelda series, valuing the contributions of the development team and anticipating continued enjoyment in the creative process.

Aonuma and Fujibayashi's approach indicates a balance between staying true to the Zelda legacy while infusing modern design philosophies, ensuring the series progresses without being confined by traditional conventions or chronology. They conclude by acknowledging the series as a collective interpretation, allowing each player to experience the Legend of Zelda uniquely.

Will The Legend of Zelda continue with the open-world design of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, or return to its traditional roots?

Eiji Aonuma suggests that while there is nostalgia for the series' more traditional, linear past, the current direction affords players with freedom to choose their paths, which could be considered the new tradition of Zelda games.