Background on the Project

Ubisoft Milan embarked on a creative journey to develop a unique spinoff in the acclaimed Legend of Zelda series, featuring a new protagonist rarely seen before in the franchise. Initial discussions with Nintendo were promising, with the company expressing interest in the concept. However, they requested a significant change: the introduction of Ganondorf, the notorious antagonist known across the Zelda universe, as the playable character.

The Journey of Goliath Development

In late 2022, as Ubisoft Milan celebrated the release of Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope, the studio began exploring opportunities for further collaboration with Nintendo. The team led by Davide Soliani, known for its ambition, aimed high, seeking to establish their studio as a flagship within the Ubisoft family.

By early 2023, Soliani and his team had refined their vision into a project named Goliath. This project was intended to explore a new narrative within the Zelda world, distancing itself from traditional sequels or prequels by introducing a fresh antagonist perspective with Ganondorf at the helm.

Challenges and Rejection

Ubisoft Milan faced a deadline towards the end of 2023 to present a compelling prototype of Goliath to secure a green light for further development. Despite their efforts and the enthusiasm surrounding the project, Nintendo ultimately rejected the prototype in November 2023. The reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, leaving the developers in a state of uncertainty.

In light of Goliath’s cancellation, discussions shifted towards the possibility of Ubisoft Milan developing a different Nintendo intellectual property, with options including the Star Fox franchise or another game within the Mario universe. However, as negotiations progressed from late 2023 to early 2024, communication between the two companies began to deteriorate.

The Aftermath of Cancellation

Following the cessation of Goliath, the once-unified Milan team was dispersed across various Ubisoft projects. Some members were assigned to work on titles like Beyond Good & Evil 2, which has been plagued with development issues for nearly two decades. Others found themselves in a holding period, designated as ‘availability’—a term used for developers without assigned projects.

In July 2024, key figures including Davide Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna left Ubisoft, forming their own studio named Day 4 Night alongside veteran developer Christian Cantamessa. The new studio’s first project, Bradley the Badger, was officially announced in October 2024 and later showcased at The Game Awards in December 2025.

Conclusion

The story of Ubisoft Milan’s Goliath project is a testament to the complexities of video game development and the challenges faced in the industry. While this ambitious venture did not come to fruition, it illuminated the creative aspirations of the team and their potential within the gaming landscape.