Overwatch Co-Creator Jeff Kaplan Crowns *Breath of the Wild* the Greatest Game Ever Made
Jeff Kaplan, co-creator of the popular team-based shooter Overwatch, has declared The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild the greatest video game ever made. Kaplan shared his opinion during an appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast, sparking debate among gamers about the merits of Nintendo’s open-world adventure.
Why *Breath of the Wild* Resonates with Kaplan
Kaplan praised the game’s thoughtful and well-designed aspects, highlighting the intricate details that contribute to its immersive world. He specifically cited the example of chopping down a tree and using it as a raft on a river, noting how such interactions demonstrate a level of design rarely seen in other games. According to Kaplan, the game’s world feels alive because it consistently adheres to its own internal logic. He described the world as a “toy” where “everything works as you wished and hoped it would operate.”
A Landmark Title in Gaming History
Released in 2017 as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a critical and commercial success. It reimagined the traditional Zelda formula with a vast open world, allowing players unprecedented freedom to explore and interact with their surroundings. The game won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2017 and surpassed the sales of all previous Zelda titles.
In 2025, Nintendo released an updated version of Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring improved frame rates, enhanced visuals, faster load times, and a new “Zelda Notes” feature with exclusive audio commentary from actress Patricia Summersett. A similar update was also released for its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Comparing *Breath of the Wild* to *Ocarina of Time*
Kaplan also pondered how Breath of the Wild could surpass the highly acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, questioning, “How can Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time exist, and somebody make an even better Zelda game?” He emphasized that Breath of the Wild excels in numerous areas where other games struggle to achieve even one.
Nintendo’s Legacy of Excellence
Kaplan concluded by expressing his admiration for Nintendo, stating, “Nintendo is the mecca, they’re the best,” and asserting that any game developed by Nintendo is likely to be exceptional.
Source: Gamerant, GamesRadar+, TechWiser
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