Nintendo Reveals Zelda Title Nearly Named Tears of the Dragon

Nintendo recently revealed that the title for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was almost named Tears of the Dragon. Eiji Aonuma, a prominent developer for the series, noted that the team chose to abandon that title due to concerns that it would spoil key plot points, particularly the connection between Zelda and the Light Dragon. The final title cleverly reflects the gameplay's focus on uncovering hidden memories and collecting tears throughout the kingdom of Hyrule. This decision ultimately contributed to the game's success, as Tears of the Kingdom became one of 2023's most significant releases, selling 10 million copies within its first three days and receiving critical acclaim.

The title was changed from Tears of the Dragon to avoid revealing critical plot elements, especially the surprise that Zelda is linked to the Light Dragon, thus maintaining the game's narrative impact.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild, expanding on its predecessor's open-world design and intricate mechanics. Players engage in a rich story, travel vast landscapes, and solve puzzles, all while integrating mechanics that include crafting and building, showcasing Nintendo's innovative approach to game design in this beloved franchise.