- Nintendo Launched a Zelda-Themed Social Media Platform for Game Development
- Named the ‘Rupee Bulletin Board,’ it Used Rupees Instead of Likes
- Strict Rules Ensured Constructive Discussions Among Developer.
Nintendo created an internal Zelda-themed social media platform to support the development of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. During Japan’s Computer Entertainment Development Conference (CEDEC), game director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and engineer Kenichi Hirose provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how this unique tool contributed to the critically acclaimed game.
“Rupee for Rupee: How Nintendo’s Unique Social Platform Shaped Tears of the Kingdom”
Nintendo developed an internal social media platform called the ‘Rupee Bulletin Board’ to enhance collaboration among the Tears of the Kingdom development team. This tool functioned like a typical message board, allowing developers to post updates, receive feedback, and ‘like’ posts with virtual rupees, named after the game’s currency.
The Rupee Bulletin Board was instrumental in sharing feedback on new features, identifying bugs, and discussing playtest results. Posts that received the most rupees were prioritized, signaling their importance to the team.
To maintain a productive environment, Nintendo implemented strict guidelines for the platform. Posts had to be objective and free from personal bias, and arguments were prohibited. Feedback needed to be constructive, ensuring discussions remained focused and conflict-free.
The pair also highlighted an invention by the team’s infrastructure engineers. An image board was created so developers could test over 120,000 item combinations stemming from Link’s new fuse ability.
Obviously, the social media site was a good idea as it was partially responsible for the fantastic Tears of the Kingdom.
“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – A Masterpiece in Gaming”
“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Link and Zelda Return to Save Hyrule in This Epic Sequel to Breath of the Wild”
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