Nintendo closed its Nindies Showcase at GDC 2019 with a surprise The Legend of Zelda partnership: Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer feat. The Legend of Zelda.
Cadence of Hyrule is a full, new game based on both Nintendo’s historic franchise and beloved roguelike dungeon exploration/rhythm game Crypt of the NecroDancer. Set for release this spring (in North America), Cadence of Hyrule includes Link and Zelda as playable characters in a quest populated by familiar Hyrule creatures, items, and, naturally for a rhythm-based game, sounds.
The decision to license Zelda out to an indie developer certainly falls in line with Nintendo’s initiative to expand its franchises in new ways.