The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - GDC 2017 panel coverage (2D testing phase, Biker Link & more)

Joining us at #GDC17 today is Mr. Fujibayashi, Mr. Dohta, and Mr. Takizawa from the Breath of the Wild development team. pic.twitter.com/CEk2pkSy0h

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

What does this look like to you? It might look like the original The Legend of Zelda, but it plays a key role in today’s panel! pic.twitter.com/pt3Jau7QFE

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

The existing conventions of #Zelda created a challenge for the developers: how do we take a “passive” game, and create an “active” game? pic.twitter.com/K3wyaoa4a1

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

In looking at the boundaries of the previous #Zelda games, and designing around them, a new freedom of expression and gameplay was formed. pic.twitter.com/dFFcNDcNGQ

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

By creating a game in which the player can interact with objects, and objects can react to the world, #Zelda could become a more active game

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

The quickest way to bring these ideas to life, and present it to the team, a 2D prototype of #Zelda was created. pic.twitter.com/OJnE4yt8Oi

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

What are the elements that make up #Zelda: Breath of the Wild? It’s a matter of physics and chemistry of course! pic.twitter.com/jRirlH9Djp

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Creating a high degree of freedom is paramount for this #Zelda. For example, being able to push this rock.. all the way to the final boss! 😉 pic.twitter.com/4qrbad4dlO

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Mr. Dohta on the increasing freedom and complexity of this #Zelda: “My excitement was coming not as a developer, but as a player.” pic.twitter.com/wo0dFuVMnT

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

What is the “chemistry” of #Zelda: Breath of Wild? All reactions are connected to the world, and of course, Link. pic.twitter.com/lqZpfHTUw1

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

The 2D #Zelda prototype we discussed earlier? It was actually 3D, running BotW’s physics and “chemistry” engine in the background! pic.twitter.com/xouThXgwqb

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Mr. Dohta: “We really want players to have these moments where they interact with the world and think, ‘Wow! I’m a genius!‘” pic.twitter.com/uTcT0Yz52T

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Just development things 🙃 The #Zelda team was caught off guard, but pleasantly surprised by the portability of #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/n1byyVjCIk

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Joining us now is Mr. Takizawa to discuss the art of #Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and he brought some interesting earlier concepts! pic.twitter.com/hHq45fS801

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Before there was #Zelda: Breath of the Wild there was.. Hyrule Wars? And an alien attack!? The early concepts were definitely wild. pic.twitter.com/0vNYFvtrsQ

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Link himself went through some trial and error. Meet Biker Link, Tracksuit Link and Musician Link. Tag yourself, #Zelda fans! pic.twitter.com/l2OLxZs4TV

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Building off #Zelda: Wind Waker HD’s art style, what slogan did Mr. Takizawa adopt for Breath of the Wild? “Refreshing and full-flavored!” pic.twitter.com/tsTKUJaowe

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Mr. Takizawa summarizes #Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s art style as “The reconciliation between the concepts of playability and reality.” pic.twitter.com/hyQeALQmnU

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

Mr. Takizawa’s aim is to impress “Gutto Kuru” upon a player: “To stir the soul.” To do this, #Zelda conventions needed to be broken. pic.twitter.com/ihnADdtKjW

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017

From the development team of #Zelda: Breath of the Wild, thank you all very much for your support! And thank you for joining us today! pic.twitter.com/Lh0mmNStrJ

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 1, 2017