The development of video games always involves numerous changes and decisions, and The Legend of Zelda series is no exception. In the case of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it was revealed that at one point in time, the title could have been very different. The game’s producer, Eiji Aonuma, shared insights from the new Zelda art book ‘Master Works’ indicating that there was serious consideration for the title ‘Tears of the Dragon.’ However, concerns arose regarding this title emphasizing the Light Dragon in the game, leading to a shift in the naming process.
Eiji Aonuma highlighted the challenges faced during the naming process, expressing worries about revealing too much information or giving away plot details unintentionally. The consideration to use ‘Tears of the Dragon’ as the title was eventually discarded due to the emphasis it would place on the Light Dragon, potentially spoiling a significant plot element. The team needed to find a balance between a captivating title and maintaining a level of mystery for players.
After much deliberation and running out of development time, a team member suggested incorporating the word “Kingdom” into the title. This suggestion led to the final decision to name the game ‘Tears of the Kingdom.’ The inclusion of “Kingdom” allowed for the use of dragon patterns in the logo, maintaining a connection to the dragon elements within the game while avoiding giving away too much about the storyline.
With the finalization of ‘Tears of the Kingdom’ as the official title, Nintendo opted to hold back on an immediate reveal to keep fans intrigued and to prevent any potential spoilers. The transition from ‘Tears of the Dragon’ to ‘Tears of the Kingdom’ raised questions among fans about their preferences and thoughts on the final title choice. Some fans appreciated the subtle nod to the dragon theme, while others may have been intrigued by the original title’s mysterious allure.
The evolution of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s title showcases the intricate decision-making process involved in game development. From initial considerations to the final choice, each step reflects the team’s dedication to creating an engaging and immersive gaming experience for players. The behind-the-scenes insights provided by Eiji Aonuma offer a glimpse into the thought and care put into every aspect of the game, ensuring that even the title reflects the essence of the adventure awaiting players.
Leave a Reply