Nintendo announced the game's development with a teaser trailer in the E3 2019Nintendo Direct.[4] In a Nintendo Direct in February 2021, Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma stated that the developers would disclose further information regarding the game later that year.[5] In the subsequent E3 2021Nintendo Direct, Nintendo debuted a trailer revealing gameplay, story, and a 2022 release.[1] Although the trailer did not feature an official title or a frontal look of the protagonist's face, several fan theories emerged about the plot of the game.[6] According to spokesperson Bill Trinen, Nintendo is keeping the game's subtitle secret because "those subtitles [...] start to give little bits of hints about maybe what’s going to happen."[7] Trinen also responded to the fan's comparisons of the sequel and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask—a previous darker-toned, direct sequel that used the same assets as its predecessor. He deemed the comparisons unfair, claiming that Nintendo's upcoming reveals will showcase "where this game stands on its own and what makes it so unique."[8]
Hidemaro Fujibayashi will reprise his role as director.[9] The developers, inspired by left-over ideas from the prior game's development and downloadable content packs, will utilize the original game's world with a new story and gameplay elements.[10] At the game's presentation at E3 2021, Aonuma stated that "the setting for the adventure has been expanded to include the skies above Hyrule",[11] drawing some comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's intended scope and vision.[12][13][14]
