Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Was Almost Named ‘Tears of the Dragon’ – Here’s Why It Changed

Fans of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom were treated to an interesting piece of trivia recently – the game was almost called Tears of the Dragon. According to Eiji Aonuma, the game’s producer, the title change was a deliberate decision that shaped the final version of the game. Here’s a closer look at why the team considered the name Tears of the Dragon and what ultimately led them to settle on Tears of the Kingdom.

Why Tears of the Dragon Was Considered

During the development of Tears of the Kingdom, the team behind the game went through many possible titles. One of the frontrunners was Tears of the Dragon, a name that reflected the importance of dragons in the game’s story and visual design. As Aonuma explained, dragons played a significant role in the game’s narrative, particularly the Light Dragon, which has connections to Princess Zelda.

The title Tears of the Dragon made sense because it would have put a spotlight on these mysterious and powerful creatures. The game was already heavily influenced by dragon imagery, and the title would have tied into the mythos surrounding the Light Dragon, one of the central figures in the story.

Why Tears of the Dragon Was Rejected

Despite its relevance, the team ultimately decided against the Tears of the Dragon title. The main concern was that it would give too much away about the plot, specifically about the identity of the Light Dragon. The team was cautious not to spoil key story elements for players, especially since the connection between the Light Dragon and Zelda was meant to be a twist revealed through the game’s progression.

Additionally, while dragons play an important role in the story, the development team wanted a title that reflected the larger themes and world of the game. Focusing solely on dragons might have limited the scope of the game’s title, and they wanted something that encapsulated the entire experience rather than just one aspect of it.

The Shift to Tears of the Kingdom

As development progressed, the team struggled to find a title that felt right for the game. According to Aonuma, they brainstormed many different ideas before someone suggested using the word “Kingdom” in the title. This suggestion sparked an idea that resonated with the entire team.

Tears of the Kingdom felt like a more fitting title because it encapsulated both the dragon mythology and the broader themes of the game. The title emphasises the larger stakes involved in the story, particularly the fate of the kingdom and the role that Link and Zelda play in protecting it. By using “Kingdom,” the game’s title connects to both the grand scale of the story and the personal stakes for the characters involved.

How the Title Influenced the Logo

Once the title was set, the design team finalized the logo. Interestingly, the logo still retained the dragon motifs from earlier concepts, but the title’s shift to “Kingdom” gave it a broader context. Dragons are still central to the game, but the title now reflects the game’s focus on the kingdom as a whole, making it more comprehensive and evocative.

The Importance of Names in the Zelda Series

The decision to change the title is part of a broader tradition in the Zelda series of using evocative names that capture the themes and tone of the game. Previous titles like Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of Time are not just descriptive but also symbolic, giving players a sense of what to expect from the world and story.

Tears of the Kingdom continues this tradition, offering a title that resonates on multiple levels. It speaks to the importance of the kingdom and its people, as well as the more mystical elements tied to the dragons. Ultimately, the decision to shift away from Tears of the Dragon helped the development team create a title that encapsulates both the grandeur and personal stakes of the story.