Project Origins
Ubisoft Milan reportedly pitched a Zelda game to Nintendo that would have taken place in a new universe with a totally different protagonist, though the plan ultimately did not move forward.
The project was internally titled Goliath to reflect the scale of what Ubisoft Milan hoped to achieve. A former developer described the ambitious concept as a major shift for the video game universe.
The proposed spin-off would have departed significantly from traditional entries in the series by following a brand-new character rather than Link in Hyrule.
The Ganondorf Pitch
During the early concept phase, Nintendo reportedly requested that the protagonist be changed to Ganondorf. This would have marked the first time the iconic antagonist served as the central, playable character in a Zelda title.
Sources indicated that Ubisoft Milan was given a deadline of late 2023 to deliver a prototype for the Ganondorf project, but Nintendo ultimately rejected the proposal.
Following the release of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Ubisoft Milan began ideation on Goliath, building on the momentum of its previous launch.
Because the project was structured as a spin-off rather than a direct sequel or prequel, details regarding the plot and the original protagonist's role remain unknown.
Ubisoft did not respond to requests for comment regarding the project.
The canceled project joins a long list of unreleased video game concepts that have surfaced years after development ceased.
