Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind the Mario + Rabbids series, was reportedly developing an original Legend of Zelda spinoff game before Nintendo decided to pass on the project. The game, codenamed Goliath, was envisioned as a spinoff starring a new protagonist, but Nintendo later requested that Ubisoft focus on Ganondorf, a prominent antagonist in the Zelda franchise.
According to a report from Insider Gaming, Ubisoft Milan spent a year developing a prototype for the Ganondorf-focused spinoff. However, Nintendo ultimately rejected the prototype in November, though the specific reasons for this decision remain unclear. It is also unknown what the prototype gameplay entailed.
Following the rejection of the Zelda project, Ubisoft Milan reportedly explored opportunities to develop games based on other Nintendo intellectual properties, including potential titles featuring Mario characters or Star Fox. However, discussions between Nintendo and Ubisoft began to falter in late 2023 and early 2024, leading to the dissolution of the partnership. Some members of the Ubisoft Milan team were reassigned to other projects, including Beyond Good and Evil 2, while others formed a new studio called Day 4 Night, which is developing the upcoming Bradley the Badger.
This is not the first time a Zelda spinoff has been canceled; Retro Studios, known for Metroid Prime, previously worked on a Sheik-focused game about the Master Sword's origins, which was reportedly abandoned due to developmental issues.
While this particular Zelda spinoff will not see the light of day, Nintendo is set to release a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5.