Zelda creators unpack the 'exercise in suffering' that inspired Tears of the Kingdom

The article delves into the development process behind The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to Breath of the Wild. Eiji Aonuma and Hidemaro Fujibayashi, the creators of the Zelda series, share insights into the challenges they faced in crafting this ambitious entry. The developers describe the process as an "exercise in suffering," as they sought to push the boundaries of the open-world formula while preserving the series' core essence. They faced obstacles in seamlessly integrating the game's vertical exploration and dynamic weather systems, all while ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience for players. The article also touches on the influence of Keza MacDonald's new book, "Super Nintendo," which explores the evolution of the Zelda franchise and how it has adapted to the changing landscape of game development. The book provides valuable context for understanding the creative decisions behind Tears of the Kingdom's development.