Report claims Ubisoft was developing a Ganondorf-led Zelda title until Nintendo pulled the plug
According to Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson, Ubisoft Milan developed a Legend of Zelda spinoff starring Ganondorf throughout 2023, internally titled Goliath and led by Mario + Rabbids creative director Davide Soliani. Th…
A new report from Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson reveals that Ubisoft Milan spent much of 2023 building a Legend of Zelda spinoff centered on Ganondorf — until Nintendo pulled the plug in November 2023.
The Pitch: A Villain Gets His Own Game
The project didn't start with Ganondorf. Ubisoft Milan originally pitched the game with an entirely new protagonist. Nintendo liked the overall concept but made one significant change: it asked the studio to swap in Ganondorf, the franchise's longtime antagonist, effectively giving the series' most iconic villain his own starring role.
The game was known internally as Goliath, and it was led by Davide Soliani, the creative director best known for Mario + Rabbids — a collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo that produced two well-received tactical RPGs on Nintendo platforms. That existing relationship made Ubisoft Milan a plausible partner for another Nintendo-branded project.
What Went Wrong
Throughout 2023, Ubisoft Milan worked on a prototype for Goliath. Under normal circumstances, a successful prototype would be the gateway to full production approval. Instead, Nintendo rejected the prototype before the project could move into further development — and in November 2023, the game was canceled.
Henderson's sources could not establish why Nintendo decided to cancel it. No official statement from either company has addressed the project, and Nintendo has never publicly acknowledged its existence.
Why This Matters
For Zelda fans, the most intriguing detail is what almost was: a game controlled by Nintendo's IP direction, but built by the studio behind Mario + Rabbids, with Ganondorf as the lead character. Spinoffs and villain-focused games have worked elsewhere in Nintendo's portfolio, but Ganondorf has never fronted his own title.
For Ubisoft Milan, the cancellation removes a high-profile project from its slate, though the studio continues its work on the Mario + Rabbids partnership.
Where Things Stand
The project is dead as of November 2023, the reason for Nintendo's rejection remains unknown, and neither company has commented. Unless either party revisits the concept, Goliath joins the long list of prototypes that never made it past the pitch stage — and fans may never know what a Ganondorf-led Zelda spinoff would have looked like.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the Ganondorf-led Zelda game being released?
No. According to the report, the project — internally known as "Goliath" — was canceled in November 2023 after Nintendo rejected the prototype. Neither company has officially acknowledged its existence, and there are no current plans to revisit the concept.
Why was the game canceled?
The reason is unknown. Insider Gaming's sources could not establish why Nintendo rejected the prototype, and no official statement from either Ubisoft or Nintendo has addressed the project.
Who was developing the game?
Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind the Mario + Rabbids tactical RPGs, was developing it. The project was led by Davide Soliani, the creative director best known for the Mario + Rabbids series.
Was Ganondorf always meant to be the main character?
No. Ubisoft Milan originally pitched the game with an entirely new protagonist, but Nintendo liked the overall concept and asked the studio to replace the original character with Ganondorf as the lead.
Was the game a full production when it was canceled?
No. Ubisoft Milan worked on a prototype throughout 2023, and the project was canceled in November 2023 before it could move into further development or full production.
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