Nintendo announced the game’s development with a teaser trailer in the E3 2019Nintendo Direct.[4] During a February 2021 Nintendo Direct, in which the high-definition remasterThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD was announced, producer Eiji Aonuma stated that further information regarding the sequel would be disclosed later in 2021.[5] Consequently, in the E3 2021Nintendo Direct, Nintendo debuted a trailer that both showcased gameplay and revealed a 2022 release year.[1] According to spokesperson Bill Trinen, Nintendo initially kept the title a secret as the subtitle could "start to give little bits of hints about maybe what’s going to happen."[6] Trinen also responded to the fan’s comparisons to the sequel and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask—supposed dark and direct sequels that use the same assets as their respective predecessors; deeming the comparisons unfair, he commented that Nintendo’s upcoming reveals will showcase “where this game stands on its own and what makes it so unique."[7]
Hidemaro Fujibayashi is set to reprise his role as director from the previous game.[8] While the team’s ideas initially pertained to development of Breath of the Wild's downloadable content packs, a surplus of ideas and technical constraints inspired a sequel. According to Aonuma, the sequel will utilize the original game's world with a new story and gameplay elements,[9] some of which are inspired by the 2018 game Red Dead Redemption 2.[10] After 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]
