Overview
From Marvelous designer to Zelda steward. Aonuma joined Ocarina of Time’s development and took over the series, directing Majora’s Mask and Wind Waker before becoming producer. Under his guidance, Zelda experimented with art styles, mechanics, and structures while preserving the exploration and puzzle-solving that defined it.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963.
- Company: Nintendo.
- Role: Producer, The Legend of Zelda series.
- First Zelda: Ocarina of Time (dungeon design).
Zelda direction
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|
| Ocarina of Time | 1998 | Dungeon designer |
| Majora’s Mask | 2000 | Director |
| Wind Waker | 2002 | Director |
| Twilight Princess | 2006 | Producer |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Application |
|---|
| Dungeon focus | Puzzle-centric design |
| Player discovery | Minimal hand-holding |
| World coherence | Logical systems |
| Innovation | Fresh mechanics each game |
Bold decisions
| Choice | Game |
|---|
| Toon shading | Wind Waker |
| Time loop | Majora’s Mask |
| Open world | Breath of the Wild |
| Recurring timeline | Series continuity |
See also