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Zelda Producer Wants Online In Series Future, Thinking About DLC

I love traditional Legend of Zelda games, but if you're at all like me, you've probably spent many a wistful night dreaming of how amazing it could be to team up with friends in the world of Hyrule. Though it's probably not coming with Skyward Sword, Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma says he'd like to figure out how to take Link online eventually.

"Having people play together is a theme that's always stuck in my mind," Aonuma told us in an interview this morning, "but it's about trying to create what would work best for Legend of Zelda."

He continued, "We haven't really found the perfect vehicle for that, but it's a theme that I'm thinking about all the time, and I hope to be able to come up with an idea that will move us in that direction at some point."

How would online functionality work in a Zelda game? It may not necessarily come in the form of traditional online multiplayer or co-op. Aonuma told us that he's especially interested in "the idea of communication between players."

"Let's say a player does something in their game that affects an area, and then that is communicated back to another system, and that would introduce new elements to your game. I find that sort of communication really interesting."

We also asked Aonuma what he thinks about DLC becoming more prevalent in adventure and RPG games and whether he'd consider adding downloadable dungeons to a Zelda game. His response was simple but with just enough hint of possibility to get me excited: "Obviously, we have thought about DLC, and we are thinking about it."

How sweet would bonus downloadable dungeons or even a Master Quest for a Zelda game be?

Email the author Phil Kollar, or follow on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and Game Informer.

Comments
  • That sounds like it could work out pretty great.

  • I think that that would be a pretty cool thing for future Zelda games (including Skyward Sword of course) to explore.  Adding additional content to Hyrule through DLC could be an amazing thing, especially with dungeons.  Nice article Phil :)

  • DLC would be awesome. make it happen Nintendo! still iffy on the other things though.

  • No to multiplayer. Yes to DLC. No to dreaming on wistful nights.

    Pink haired Link DLC? Hell yes!
  • I think DLC would be a very interesting place to take the Legend of Zelda.  The only worry I would have in that regard is, why do it when it comes to the story?  You work toward a goal, you achieve that goal, everyone goes home happy.  Why would Link go back out into more dungeons?  What's his motivation?

  • So basically, he wants to make Zelda more like Demon's Souls. That I would not mind.

  • i like the idea of secret dungeons, and maybe you get hidden weapons in after beating them, not anything that you need later in the game, it would be like have the Ball and Chain from Twilight Princess but not needing to use it at all

    and i dont think multiplayer will work well

  • This would be awesome but something tells me with the Wii's internet functionality and lack of a real harddrive will prevent it.

  • Gosh this new Zelda looks so good.

  • That would be great, it can definitely work.

  • DLC for a Wii game? Nintendo is really taking things to the next level with Skyward Sword

  • If Assassin's Creed can figure out how to fit in Multiplayer I'm sure these guys can figure something out.

  • I would really like to see this happen. It's bold and way out of the comfort zone..which is why it's perfect.

  • DLC on a Wii? I am intrigued.

  • Wow....surprised that these things were actually being considered.  Look forward to see what they come up with :)

  • for the love of GOD don't add multiplayer! Zelda should stay a single player experience for LIFE! DLC sounds good, though. maybe costume DLC to play as the many Links throughout the different games or more dungeons and an expansion!

  • DLC could be nice, if they actually get it working on the Wii. (Can't name any other games which offer DLC on the Wii off the top of my head, so I think there might be barriers.)

    That's assuming there is DLC for Skyward Sword of course. It would still be nice on future consoles.

  • dlc on a wii game? has that ever happened before?

  • If they do make another Zelda title, or any other classic Nintendo series, with online capabilities and DLC, then that will surely get a little closer to matching up with Xbox Live and PSN.

  • Isn't the whole "environment communication" thing Demon's Soul's?

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