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Future Zelda games shouldn’t just reuse ideas, says Breath of the Wild director
Hidemaro Fujibayashi says future Zelda games should develop fresh ideas instead of relying on concepts already used in Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time. He sees the series as a place where developers can bring new ideas to life, leaving its next direction open.
Fujibayashi, who directed Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, says he asks younger staff whether their ideas would be fun and discusses whether similar ideas have appeared before. The article notes that the open-world approach may continue, but Fujibayashi’s comments suggest the series could take a different form.
In short
- Fujibayashi wants future Zelda games to explore new ideas.
- Developers are encouraged to question whether concepts feel fresh and fun.
- The series’ next direction remains unknown.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A long-running series stays vital when each game brings players something they have not experienced before. Developing fresh ideas can give younger creators room to contribute and let Zelda evolve, rather than treating the success of earlier games as a formula future teams must repeat.
The case against
Returning to ideas that players already love can provide continuity and make each new game recognisably part of Zelda. Building on successful designs may also let developers refine them and deliver the kind of experience fans expect, while reducing the risk that novelty comes at the expense of what made the series appealing.