Nintendo enlists monolith soft for expanded zelda role
Nintendo’s partnership with Monolith Soft, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Xenobladeseries, is deepening significantly, signaling a potential shift in how the legendary Zelda franchise is developed. Fresh details released on a newly launched Monolith Soft website reveal a growing collaborative effort that could see the studio taking on increasingly central roles in future Zelda titles, even as rumors of an Ocarina of Timeremake swirl.
A partnership forged in ambition
Initially brought on board to bolster Nintendo's development resources for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Monolith Soft’s involvement has steadily expanded over the years. Nintendo producer Daiki Iwamoto candidly admitted the unusual nature of the arrangement: “Monolith Soft had a solid track record, and being part of the Nintendo Group allowed us to openly discuss things we couldn't with external companies. It was the first time we’d outsourced design and planning for Zelda, so we were both excited and anxious.” The studio’s contributions have since extended to Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the Breath of the Wild DLC, and, most recently, the ambitious Tears of the Kingdom, demonstrating a clear evolution in their role beyond simple development muscle.
Breath of the Wild marked a turning point. While the core design and artistic vision were already established, Monolith Soft’s integration just prior to the game’s initial unveiling proved instrumental. As Monolith Soft producer Yasuhiro Fujita noted, “The direction of the game design and art style had already been decided.” Nevertheless, the studio's experience contributed to the title's considerable success.
Building a team, building a game
The current focus, according to Fujita, is on fostering a collaborative environment where Monolith Soft's team can proactively contribute to the Zelda development process. “We want to increase the opportunities for us to proactively suggest things—‘This is what I want to do,’ or ‘I think this would be good.’ I believe we have the relationships and production environment to do that,” he stated. Nintendo’s Iwamoto echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the desire to see Monolith Soft assume “more and more core roles as a strong partner in creating Zelda from the ground up.” The studio’s internal growth is intrinsically linked to the evolving partnership; they’re “building the team together, and also building the game together,” Fujita added.
The timing is significant. With 2026 marking the 40th anniversary of the Zelda series, speculation is rampant regarding Nintendo’s celebratory plans. While a new mainline title remains on the horizon, the resurgence of rumors surrounding an Ocarina of Time remake—potentially arriving just in time for the anniversary—has energized the fanbase. Whether Monolith Soft will spearhead this nostalgia-driven project remains to be seen, but the recent developments strongly suggest a future where the studio plays an increasingly vital, and perhaps even leading, role in shaping the destiny of Hyrule.
The collaborative spirit, coupled with Monolith Soft’s proven track record, suggests Nintendo isn’t just outsourcing; they're cultivating a crucial strategic asset. Nintendo's gamble on this partnership is paying off—and Zelda fans are the beneficiaries.