Kirby and the Forgotten Lands appear to be more than a success for the beloved pink mascot.
In an interview with IGN and Kirby General Manager Shinya Kumazaki and HAL Labs Specialist Tatsuya Kamiyama, the two explain their thoughts and feelings about Kirby’s latest adventure.
The term “Breath of the Wild moment” stems from the change in direction of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s return in 2017. Suffice it to say, the series’ big risk paid off and became a much-loved game most fans can’t wait to see the upcoming Tears of Kingdoms.
At the Game Developers Conference 2023, IGN’s Rebekah Valentine asked Kumazaki and Kamiyama if they considered Kirby and the Forgotten Lands franchise Breath of the Wild as Kirby’s first foray into full 3D. “If we’re talking about Breath of the Wild’s impact on the Zelda franchise, it was a revolution, it completely changed the franchise, and I think Kirby and Forgotten Lands are kind of at a turning point,” Kumazaki said.
“I think you can think of it as the first step in our challenge going forward and now also creating 3D Kirby games,” he continued.
Kumazaki also clarified, “It’s about what kind of gaming experience we can give players, and how best to bring that gaming experience that really dictates how we express it in the game. It’s just that now we have this new type of 3D, as Another way, another way, another form, to deliver the best gaming experience through the best Kirby gaming experience.”
In short, just because Kirby and Forgotten Lands have been hugely successful doesn’t mean every future Kirby will be 3D. It’s been a long and complicated road for Kirby’s first full 3D game, and Kumazaki shared, “We understood that creating Herbs for a 3D Kirby game would be a culmination.”
Also, in what might be quite exciting for longtime Kirby fans, IGN’s Rebecca asked Kumazaki HAL Laboratory if they would consider remaking older Kirby games, mentioning the recent Kirby Return to Dream Deluxe Edition . In response, Kumazaki shared that the team’s goal is to “deliver a new gaming experience. The developers don’t remake the Kirby game just for it—only when they can add something new.”
All in all, it looks like Kirby’s future is bright, mellow, and very pink. Whatever this hungry puffball ends up doing in future games, there’s no doubt in my mind that HAL Laboratory will do justice to Nintendo’s beloved mascot Kirby.
