How long has The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time been in development?

Eiji Aonuma explained that development of Ocarina of Time Remake started after Tears of the Kingdom. However, he does not know when the project started.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, one of the cornerstones of the video game world, was redesigned for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform and met with players on November 5. Eiji Aonuma, the senior producer of the legendary series, shared behind-the-scenes details about the production and development process in an extensive interview with IGN. Aonuma stated that the cornerstones of the new generation remake project were laid immediately after the completion of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Preparations Beginning After Tears of the Kingdom

Referring to the schedule of the construction process, Eiji Aonuma emphasizes that it is difficult to indicate an exact date for the start of the project. When Tears of the Kingdom ended its development phase, some of the studio's staff were shifted to different projects, while the right formula to crown the series' upcoming 40th anniversary was sought. According to Aonuma, the decision to remake was not made suddenly in a single meeting; It matured as a result of discussions, small steps and gradual planning. When the team looked back at the past and discussed the legacy of the series, they agreed that Ocarina of Time is still the perfect starting point for broad audiences to step into the series.

The Bridge Between Generations and Its Reflections on Actors

This remake symbolizes not only a technical renewal but also a change of flag within the studio. The classic production, which was a professional turning point in Aonuma's personal career, was this time shaped by the vision of young developers. The modern graphics and performance possibilities offered by the Switch 2 hardware open a unique experience for both veteran fans looking for nostalgia and new generation players who will step into the Hyrule universe for the first time. The gradual implementation of the project enabled it to successfully capture current gameplay dynamics while preserving the 40-year legacy of the series.