Nintendo has provided new insight into the development process behind naming their acclaimed Nintendo Switch exclusive, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
In a recently published official art book for the game, series producer Eiji Aonuma shared details on how the final title came to be—and how the team nearly opted for a very different name: Tears of the Dragon. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched worldwide on May 12, 2023, for the Nintendo Switch, quickly earning praise from critics and fans alike for its expansive world and innovative gameplay.
The title stands as the follow-up to the groundbreaking The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and has since achieved massive commercial success, selling over 19 million copies worldwide by the end of 2023.
Nintendo's approach to storytelling and world-building has continued to draw attention, and now, the creative decisions behind the game's title have come to light. In the official art book, Eiji Aonuma explained that during development, the team gave serious thought to calling the game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Dragon.
However, they encountered concerns that this name would draw too much attention to a key plot point, especially emphasizing the Light Dragon’s role within the narrative.
Aonuma noted, "We recognized that making 'Dragon' the keyword in the title could give away important story elements, particularly relating to the Light Dragon.
Although we considered incorporating dragon motifs in the logo, we decided it might reveal too much." The search for an appropriate title continued as the development deadline approached.
Aonuma recounted that the team brainstormed numerous alternatives, but it was only when a staff member suggested 'Kingdom' that the final title took shape.
"Once the phrase 'Tears of the Kingdom' was proposed, it resonated with the entire team," Aonuma shared.
"It allowed us to maintain subtle connections to our planned themes and visuals, while also providing room to incorporate dragons in the game’s logo.
With that, the name—and logo—finally came together." The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
The game continues to receive coverage and acclaim for its art direction, world design, and the detailed behind-the-scenes stories revealed by the development team.
For fans interested in further insights, the official art book is available through selected retailers and offers an in-depth look at the creative processes and inspirations fueling one of Nintendo's flagship franchises. This revelation underscores Nintendo’s careful attention to narrative detail and design in every aspect of game development, from story to branding.
The final decision to choose Tears of the Kingdom over Tears of the Dragon highlights the thoughtfulness behind bringing The Legend of Zelda series to life for an ever-growing global audience.
In a recently published official art book for the game, series producer Eiji Aonuma shared details on how the final title came to be—and how the team nearly opted for a very different name: Tears of the Dragon. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched worldwide on May 12, 2023, for the Nintendo Switch, quickly earning praise from critics and fans alike for its expansive world and innovative gameplay.
The title stands as the follow-up to the groundbreaking The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and has since achieved massive commercial success, selling over 19 million copies worldwide by the end of 2023.
Nintendo's approach to storytelling and world-building has continued to draw attention, and now, the creative decisions behind the game's title have come to light. In the official art book, Eiji Aonuma explained that during development, the team gave serious thought to calling the game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Dragon.
However, they encountered concerns that this name would draw too much attention to a key plot point, especially emphasizing the Light Dragon’s role within the narrative.
Aonuma noted, "We recognized that making 'Dragon' the keyword in the title could give away important story elements, particularly relating to the Light Dragon.
Although we considered incorporating dragon motifs in the logo, we decided it might reveal too much." The search for an appropriate title continued as the development deadline approached.
Aonuma recounted that the team brainstormed numerous alternatives, but it was only when a staff member suggested 'Kingdom' that the final title took shape.
"Once the phrase 'Tears of the Kingdom' was proposed, it resonated with the entire team," Aonuma shared.
"It allowed us to maintain subtle connections to our planned themes and visuals, while also providing room to incorporate dragons in the game’s logo.
With that, the name—and logo—finally came together." The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
The game continues to receive coverage and acclaim for its art direction, world design, and the detailed behind-the-scenes stories revealed by the development team.
For fans interested in further insights, the official art book is available through selected retailers and offers an in-depth look at the creative processes and inspirations fueling one of Nintendo's flagship franchises. This revelation underscores Nintendo’s careful attention to narrative detail and design in every aspect of game development, from story to branding.
The final decision to choose Tears of the Kingdom over Tears of the Dragon highlights the thoughtfulness behind bringing The Legend of Zelda series to life for an ever-growing global audience.
