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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/interest-in-the-legend-of-zelda-was-getting-smaller-and-smaller-before-breath-of-the-wild-according-to-former-nintendo-marketing-leads/
- Published: 2026-11-13T19:52:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T20:23:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Eurogamer
- Original article: https://www.eurogamer.net/legend-of-zelda-smaller-before-breath-of-the-wild
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming, TV

## Key points

- Former Nintendo marketers say Zelda’s audience was shrinking before Breath of the Wild.
- Sales rose from about 3 million for Skyward Sword to 34 million.
- Breath of the Wild’s success renewed debate about the series’ future direction.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.