Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Makes History as First Zelda Game Without Shigeru Miyamoto in Credits

Nintendo's critically acclaimed franchise, The Legend of Zelda, has entered a new era with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch.

Released in October 2024, this latest installment has already garnered attention not just for its innovative gameplay, but for a significant milestone within the series’ development history: for the first time ever, Shigeru Miyamoto—the legendary creator behind Zelda—is not credited in the game's staff roll. Longtime fans and industry observers have noticed the absence.

Hyrule Interview’s Max Nichols, as reported by Nintendo Everything, confirmed that Echoes of Wisdom is the first mainline Zelda game where Miyamoto’s name does not appear among the credits.

Miyamoto, who is considered the architect behind seminal Nintendo series like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Donkey Kong, is 71 years old and has stepped back from direct involvement with development teams in recent years. Takashi Tezuka, acknowledged as the series' co-creator, is also absent from Echoes of Wisdom’s credits—a situation witnessed previously in other recent titles.

The latest credits tally reveals a striking shift in the Zelda development team: out of 338 names, 53 percent have never before been acknowledged in a Zelda title.

This marks a considerable change, bringing fresh talent and new perspectives to the beloved franchise, while maintaining the high standards of quality fans expect from Nintendo games. Shigeru Miyamoto has recently focused his efforts on broader company initiatives, including the launch of Nintendo’s themed attractions such as Super Nintendo World, and the development of the Nintendo Museum.

His legacy, however, remains foundational to the identity of Nintendo’s most iconic properties. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom stands as proof of the series’ adaptability and enduring appeal.

Combining both classic mechanics and inventive new ideas, it was praised in Nintendo Life’s review as "a bold blend of new and old, holding its place among the series' very best." Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, Echoes of Wisdom represents not only the future of Zelda but also a generational shift for Nintendo’s internal development teams. As the industry tracks the progression of one of gaming’s most storied franchises, the milestone set by Echoes of Wisdom will undoubtedly shape expectations for future Nintendo projects.

The changing of the guard is apparent, yet it is clear that the spirit and innovation at the heart of The Legend of Zelda series remain vibrant and strong.

Zelda Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Shigeru Miyamoto Legend of Zelda The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Miyamoto Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Takashi Tezuka Nintendo Switch