In a rare and exclusive interview with Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma and Breath of the Wild director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, we delved deep into the highly anticipated upcoming sequel to Breath of the Wild, titled Tears of the Kingdom. The two masterminds behind one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time opened up about the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations behind the new game, as well as the current state of the Zelda franchise.
Aonuma, who has been involved with the Zelda series since Ocarina of Time, expressed his excitement about Tears of the Kingdom, stating that they are taking the game in a darker and more emotional direction than its predecessor. “Breath of the Wild was about exploration and discovery, but Tears of the Kingdom delves deeper into the characters and the story of Hyrule,” he explained. “We want players to feel a more personal connection to Link and Zelda and experience their journey on a more emotional level.”
Fujibayashi, who was the director of Breath of the Wild, discussed the challenges of following up such a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game. “We knew that we had to push the boundaries even further with Tears of the Kingdom,” he said. “We wanted to build on the freedom and open-world gameplay of Breath of the Wild while also introducing new features and mechanics that would surprise and delight players.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Tears of the Kingdom is the inclusion of time travel, a first for the Zelda series. Aonuma revealed that the decision to incorporate this mechanic was a natural evolution of the story they wanted to tell. “Time travel allows us to explore different timelines and dimensions within the Zelda universe,” he said. “It opens up new gameplay possibilities and provides players with a fresh and exciting experience.”
When asked about the current state of the Zelda franchise, both Aonuma and Fujibayashi expressed their gratitude for the continued support of fans around the world. “The Zelda series has been a part of so many people’s lives for over three decades now,” Aonuma reflected. “We are honored to be able to create games that resonate with players of all ages and backgrounds.”
Fujibayashi added, “We are always looking for ways to innovate and evolve the Zelda formula while staying true to the core elements that make the series so special. With Tears of the Kingdom, we are pushing the boundaries of what a Zelda game can be, and we can’t wait for players to experience it.”
As the interview came to a close, Aonuma and Fujibayashi both expressed their excitement for what the future holds for the Zelda franchise. “We have so many ideas and stories left to explore in the world of Hyrule,” Aonuma said. “We are constantly striving to create new and memorable experiences for our fans, and we hope to continue doing so for many years to come.”
With Tears of the Kingdom set to be released in the near future, fans of the Zelda series can look forward to embarking on a new and emotional journey through the magical land of Hyrule. Aonuma and Fujibayashi’s passion and dedication to creating unforgettable gaming experiences shine through in every aspect of the game, and it’s clear that Tears of the Kingdom will be a worthy addition to the storied legacy of the Legend of Zelda franchise.
