Amateur developer ends ambitious Ocarina of Time project on Unreal Engine after Nintendo announcement
A talented Nintendo enthusiast has decided to abandon his extensive work recreating The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in Unreal Engine, a decade-long endeavor. The decision came after confirmation that the game will receive an official remake for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The YouTuber known as CryZENx has dedicated himself to developing an unofficial PC version of the Nintendo 64 classic since 2016. During this period, he documented each progress of the project through dozens of videos published on his platform, even making a playable demo available that, somehow, was not the target of legal action by Nintendo until then.
The trajectory of the Ocarina of Time project in Unreal Engine
Even without direct intervention from Nintendo to discontinue the initiative, a common practice by the company in similar cases of intellectual property use, CryZENx chose to preventively end development. Nintendo is known for its strict stance on protecting its franchises, which has historically resulted in the closure of several fan projects over the years.
“I’m sorry I let you down,” CryZENx wrote in an update on his Patreon account, referring to the unfinished work. He added: “It’s better to stop the project for now, or I would have disappeared… because of Nintendo’s ninjas.”
The reasons for the premature end of the fan remake
The creator believes that the growing anticipation surrounding the new version of Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 would naturally attract more attention to his fan-made project. This increased visibility could provoke Nintendo to demand the removal of all related videos from YouTube, or even bring more serious legal action. Furthermore, the arrival of an official remake for the Switch 2 eliminates the need for an Unreal Engine version, offering fans an official alternative to the game.
Despite the preventive interruption, CryZENx’s recent statements could still catch Nintendo’s attention. The YouTuber is now polling his followers about what other retro games could be recreated in the Unreal Engine, mentioning titles such as Zelda: Twilight Princess, Minish Cap, Donkey Kong 64 and Metroid Prime Hunters.
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The appeal to fans and the fate of upcoming projects
Like many content creators on the internet, CryZENx does not require direct payment for access to his project, but maintains a Patreon account. There, he welcomes donations for general support, with plan options ranging from $4 a month, which gives access to exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes content, to a more expensive $127 alternative for private calls via Discord.
“I would like to inform you that the Ocarina of Time Project has officially closed,” CryZENx reiterated. He asked fans: “What would you like to see on YouTube? One last video of my project with full gameplay from Chapters 2 and 3? Please tell me what you think. I’m also very grateful to all my long-time supporters, you’ve supported me for almost a decade. I owe you a lot… and I also thank all the new members who have arrived since Nintendo’s announcement… you are true heroes! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I hope you don’t leave the channel <3.”
Confirmation of Nintendo’s official remake of Ocarina of Time came during this month’s Nintendo Direct, after months of leaks and intense speculation among fans. An initial teaser provided few details, but showed off the game’s 3D art style and confirmed a 2026 release. A product description, later removed, suggested the new game will be a faithful remake of the original.
