Nintendo is still hitting mainstream success with The Legend of Zelda series. Although both it and Nintendo sell copies independently, they have clearly resonated with fans, particularly with Breath of the Wild.
That’s why it’s so weird to see this new “gameplay” footage circulating on X. It’s potentially a sign of things to come, and Nintendo will probably take notice very quickly.
Genie 3 Doesn’t Grant Wishes
This week on X, fans are showcasing mock 3D game worlds using Genie 3’s AI capabilities, and gamers are generally unhappy with what is being shown. The highest-profile demo right now is a game recreated from Breath of the Wild, but it lacks any personality and runs at an even worse framerate than the original Switch.
While the purpose of this mockup is to show how far AI has come, it’s also a source of contention with game developers and fans alike. As one fan proclaims: “Oh, nice. It can make a [worse] version of Zelda, and all it needs is the power of an entire town, all the RAM, and the most expensive GPUs.”
Zelda Fans Aren’t Happy
It’s Easy To See Why
To say nothing of the greater and growing concern with AI using existing IP, a lot of Zelda fans, in particular, aren’t happy with how this is going down. “Hide this from Nintendo,” one fan notes. “Every single element in that video is ripped from Zelda, not even a single pixel of originality, and it only generated the space itself,” another writes.
Others are less angry, with one noting the opposite side of the spectrum: “Genie 3 is not meant to replace game dev. It’s a tool to help robots navigate virtual spaces.” A different user retorts: “I have a hard time imagining this becoming an actual functional game. Don’t believe the LinkedIn hype-merchants that are selling a story to drive up engagement.”
One fan seemed disinterested in the debate altogether, and started brainstorming new Zelda ideas: “Maybe one day a Zelda game will have an option which generates a completely new map, items, characters and story each time but makes sure that it all makes sense and it’s beatable. A very sophisticated randomizer, if you will.” Given how many people have wanted a Zelda Maker for ages in the same vein as Mario Maker, there’s likely a market there.
Either way, the litigious Nintendo is probably going to have something to say about this, especially if the Legend of Zelda mockup starts to spread. As it continues its legal battle against Palworld creators Pocketpair, we could see a fight sooner or later.
- Movie(s)
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The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)
- Created by
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Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
- Upcoming Films
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The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)
- First TV Show
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The Legend of Zelda
- First Episode Air Date
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September 8, 1989
- Cast
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Jonathan Potts, Cyndy Preston
The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule. Each game features different incarnations of Link and Zelda, maintaining core elements while introducing new characters and settings.