Monolith Soft's Enduring Partnership with Nintendo's Zelda Series

Monolith Soft, a developer celebrated for its Xenoblade Chronicles franchise, has also established itself as a vital collaborator on several prominent Nintendo projects. Their contributions extend to well-known titles such as Mario Kart World, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, showcasing their versatile development capabilities.

Their involvement with the iconic Zelda series commenced with Skyward Sword in 2011, marking the beginning of a deepening partnership. A recently published interview delves into this collaborative history, featuring insights from Monolith Soft's Yasuhiro Fujita and Nintendo's Daiki Iwamoto. They discuss the evolution of their joint efforts, particularly their integral roles in the creation of critically acclaimed games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Initially, Monolith Soft approached their work on a major Nintendo title like Skyward Sword with a degree of apprehension. However, with each successful project, both Monolith Soft and Nintendo grew increasingly confident in their collaboration. This synergy culminated in Monolith Soft's involvement from the early stages of Tears of the Kingdom's development, with Nintendo team members frequently visiting their studio to exchange ideas and foster innovation. This close working relationship underscores Monolith Soft's integral position within Nintendo's development ecosystem.

The clear synergy between Monolith Soft and Nintendo points towards a promising future for the Zelda series. Iwamoto-san's expressed wish for Monolith Soft to assume a central role in developing the Zelda franchise from its inception highlights the profound trust and respect that has blossomed between the two entities. This evolving partnership is not merely about creating games; it's about pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and fostering a spirit of innovation that benefits players worldwide. The prospect of a future Zelda title developed predominantly by Monolith Soft is an exhilarating one, hinting at new creative directions and unforgettable experiences for fans of the legendary series.