Interest in The Legend of Zelda was “getting smaller and smaller” before Breath of the Wild, according to former Nintendo marketing leads

Two former Nintendo of America marketing leads say The Legend of Zelda was losing audience interest before Breath of the Wild prompted a major change in direction. Their comments add context to current debate over whether future games should favour the series’ traditional, carefully directed design or its newer open-world approach.

Kit Ellis recalled focus groups where players said the fan base was dwindling and games were not attracting newcomers; former public relations manager Krysta Yang described the series as being in “dire straits”. Twilight Princess sold about 8 million copies, compared with roughly 3 million for Skyward Sword, while Breath of the Wild sold 34 million. Its success led to Tears of the Kingdom and influenced Echoes of Wisdom.