- Primary Subject: The Legend of Zelda: Project Goliath (Cancelled Prototype)
- Key Update: A new report revealed that Ubisoft Milan pitched Project Goliath, a Legend of Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf, which was rejected by Nintendo in late 2023.
- Status: Reported
- Last Verified: September 25, 2026
- Quick Answer: Project Goliath was a prototype pitched by Ubisoft Milan for a Legend of Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf before Nintendo rejected the concept in 2023.
A new report from journalist Tom Henderson on Insider-Gaming revealed that Ubisoft Milan planned to release a Zelda game based on the franchise's main antagonist, Ganondorf.
Known as Project Goliath, the game was supposed to give us a perspective we've never gotten in previous Zelda games. Sadly, Nintendo rejected the prototype in November 2023, ultimately cancelling the game.
This is one of the most agonizing "what-ifs" I've experienced in modern gaming history, and I mourn the fact that we could have had such a unique spin on the Zelda franchise.
We Could Have Had a Ganondorf-Centered Zelda Game, and I'm Distraught
It was recently revealed that from late 2022 into 2023, Ubisoft Milan worked on a prototype for a Zelda spin-off centered on Ganondorf. For decades, Ganondorf has been relegated to the looming shadow at the end of every dungeon. The fact that we could have actually gotten a game starring Ganondorf, where we learn even more about him, is sad.
The game was never brought to life. Nintendo shut down the prototype, and the game was cancelled. And I'm crushed.
We've spent almost 40 years saving Hyrule as Link, so stepping into the shoes of Ganondorf would have completely redefined how we would experience this franchise. It would have been our first time wielding the Triden power, using dark magic, and exploring the burden of the Triforce of Power from a whole different perspective. Having a Ganondorf-centered game would have expanded the lore immensely, and would have made things less black-and-white.
What makes this sting is knowing Ubisoft Milan would have probably done a good job. They previously excelled with the Mario + Rabbids titles, proving they know how to handle Nintendo's IP with grace and innovation. Another reason this sucks is that Nintendo pushed Ganondorf to be the main character, only to reject the prototype months later despite Ubisoft Milan's creative momentum at the time.
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Echoes of Wisdom gave Princess Zelda her long-overdue spotlight, proving Nintendo isn't afraid to switch perspectives in the franchise. But it seems they weren't ready for a Ganondorf project. This is a shame, because it means missing out on the darkest, most compelling narrative the franchise could have ever told. We could have gotten the chance to see Hyrule from the eyes of a dark and dangerous villain.
The key leads have left Ubisoft Milan, which means Project Goliath has gone to the graveyard of lost Nintendo spin-offs. Now, all we're left with is a bunch of "what ifs.'
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