Nintendo UK cancels 'Tears of the Kingdom' Zelda livestream due to Queen's death
The official name of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel was finally revealed on September 13 during the latest Nintendo Direct event. However, prior to the event, Nintendo UK announced that they will not live stream this Nintendo Direct “as a mark of respect during this period of national mourning”. The name of the sequel is “Tears of the Kingdom”.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Name Reveal Livestream Canceled in the UK amidst Queen’s Passing
Just a day before the highly-anticipated Nintendo Direct livestream, where Nintendo shares updates about the upcoming games, the UK branch of Nintendo announced they will not live stream the show. At the time, it was a rather strange decision, given that five days have passed since Queen’s death. However, following the showcase, fans started suspecting that the reason for this decision lies in the newly-revealed name of the Breath of the Wild sequel.
As a mark of respect during this period of national mourning, we will not livestream tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct. It will be published as a video-on-demand on our YouTube channel at 16:00 (UK time) tomorrow.
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) September 12, 2022
As revealed during the Livestream, the sequel, formerly known simply as “Breath of the Wild 2”, is now officially called The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Rather unfortunate timing for this specific reveal of the title, given the circumstances and Queen Elizabeth II’s death. And although Nintendo UK didn’t specify this as a reason not to live stream the event, it certainly looks like something marketing executives would take into consideration regarding the situation.
Despite Nintendo UK’s decision not to live stream the event, Zelda fans from the UK were still able to watch Nintendo Direct via other Nintendo YouTube channels, such as the Nintendo America YouTube channel. Asides from the official name for the Breath of the Wild sequel, there were a host of other announcements during the event. The next Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem Engage, was announced, as well as the Octopath Traveler sequel. Fans were also able to learn about a new Xenoblade Chronicles 3 hero, Ino, Splatoon 3 Splatfest, and more.
