Nintendo rejected Ubisoft's Ganondorf Zelda spin-off pitch
Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind Mario + Rabbids, reportedly pitched a Legend of Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf to Nintendo. Nintendo Everything was the first to report that the prototype was rejected in late 2023, leading to the departure of key personnel, including director Davide Soliani, and the dissolution of the team. The proposed game was codenamed Project Goliath.
Gamespot reported that Ubisoft also attempted to pitch other IPs like Star Fox and Mario, but these were also unsuccessful. Metro UK and Eurogamer both noted that discussions for other collaborations between Ubisoft and Nintendo have since reportedly broken down.
Coverage across 7 outlets
Ubisoft's Mario + Rabbids team reportedly came close to making an "ambitious" Zelda game starring Ganondorf, but it wasn't to be
Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind Mario + Rabbids, reportedly pitched an "ambitious" Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf to Nintendo. Despite initial interest, Nintendo eventually rejected the prototype in late 2023, leading to the project's cancellation and the departure of co-creator Davide Soliani. Conversations between the two companies have since reportedly broken down.
Ubisoft was reportedly working on a new Legend of Zelda game starring Ganondorf, only for Nintendo to shoot it down
Ubisoft Milan reportedly pitched a Legend of Zelda game starring Ganondorf to Nintendo, which was codenamed Goliath. After initial approval, Nintendo rejected the prototype by the end of 2023, leading to the project's cancellation. This cancellation is speculated to be the reason why key developers left Ubisoft to form their own studio.
Ganondorf almost got his own Zelda spin-off by Ubisoft claims report
A report claims that Ubisoft Milan pitched a Legend of Zelda spin-off game codenamed 'Goliath' to Nintendo, which would have featured Ganondorf as the playable protagonist. The prototype was reportedly built in late 2023 but was rejected by Nintendo in November 2023. Discussions for other collaborations between Ubisoft and Nintendo have since broken down.
Ubisoft Almost Made a Zelda Game With Ganondorf as the Protagonist
Ubisoft Milan reportedly pitched a Legend of Zelda game to Nintendo that would have featured Ganondorf as the protagonist in a new universe. The concept ultimately fell through, becoming a significant 'what-if' scenario in gaming history.
Nintendo Reportedly Canceled A Ubisoft-Developed Zelda Game Starring Ganondorf
Nintendo reportedly canceled a Legend of Zelda spin-off game developed by Ubisoft Milan that would have starred Ganondorf. The prototype was rejected in late 2023, leading to the departure of director Davide Soliani and other team members to form their own studio. Ubisoft attempted to pitch other IPs like Star Fox and Mario, but these were also unsuccessful.
Nintendo and Ubisoft partnered for a Zelda game that was eventually canned
Ubisoft Milan pitched a cancelled game to Nintendo set in The Legend of Zelda universe, tentatively titled Project Goliath. Nintendo expressed interest but requested the game star Ganondorf instead of an unknown protagonist, a change that ultimately did not lead to the game's development.
Rumor: Mario + Rabbids dev pitched Zelda spin-off to Nintendo featuring Ganondorf
Ubisoft Milan, the developer behind Mario + Rabbids, reportedly pitched a Legend of Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf to Nintendo in 2022. Despite developing a prototype, Nintendo rejected the project in late 2023, leading to the dissolution of the team and the departure of key personnel.
