Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind the acclaimed Mario + Rabbids video games, reportedly got here shut to creating a Zelda spin-off starring the collection’ greatest villain, Ganondorf, as a substitute of normal protagonist Hyperlink – however an initially receptive Nintendo finally pulled the plug on the entire thing.
That is based on a brand new report from Insider Gaming, which claims Ubisoft Milan started engaged on the pitch in 2022, shortly after the launch of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Regardless of the Mario-themed turn-based technique sequel’s modest gross sales, it is stated Nintendo and Ubisoft Milan started discussing one other potential collaboration quickly after.
In line with “sources aware of the discussions”, Mario + Rabbids co-creator Davide Soliani had significantly higher ambitions this time round, and Ubisoft Milan spent the winter creating “what they deemed the right pitch” for Undertaking Goliath – a brand new The Legend of Zelda spin-off that was to star a brand-new character as its protagonist.
Supposedly, Nintendo appreciated the idea however requested the workforce to interchange their very own character with Hyperlink’s archnemesis, Ganondorf. Work continued, however in November 2023, Nintendo reportedly rejected Ubisoft Milan’s prototype, turning the challenge right into a what-could-have-been. As to why Nintendo finally stated no, the explanations behind the choice “stay unclear”.
After that, one other challenge based mostly on a Nintendo IP was supposedly mentioned – rumours ranged from a brand new Star Fox sport to a different Mario spin-off – however “between late 2023 and early 2024, conversations between Nintendo and Ubisoft started to interrupt down.” With the challenge useless, members of the workforce have been reportedly dispersed throughout the broader firm to work on different issues, and Davide Soliani – a 25-year Ubisoft veteran at that time – made the choice to depart the writer and set up his personal studio, Day 4 Evening.
Since then, Ubisoft Milan has been collaborating with Ubisoft Montpellier on the promising Rayman Legends Untold. As for Ganondorf, his desires of starring in his personal Zelda spin-off have but to be fulfilled, however maybe it is an thought Nintendo would possibly select to revisit in another place and time.