Glitch Hunting in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Explores Digital Art Boundaries
Since its launch on 12 May, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has motivated players to share their adventures in Hyrule, particularly highlighting inventive applications of the construction system. On Discord, hundreds have come together to uncover glitches, creating a compilation of 30 examples, including the 'Recall Launch' method. The game boasts advanced physics and chemistry engines, giving glitches a seamless feel. Glitch enthusiasts perceive these anomalies as chances for creativity, reminiscent of Legacy Russell's Glitch Feminism. The word 'glitch' derives from German or Yiddish, meaning 'to slide' or 'to slip.' Within three days, the game sold 10 million copies, with glitches regarded as features, challenging Nintendo's reputation for polished products. Director Hidemaro Fujibayashi's design blurs the distinction between accident and intention.
Key facts
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released on 12 May.
- Players congregate on Discord servers to hunt for glitches, with 30 known instances documented.
- Glitches include 'spawning' glitches for duplicating items and 'damage' glitches for unending attacks.
- The 'Recall Launch' glitch involves fusing wood to a weapon and reversing time to launch Link.
- Nintendo's game features physics and chemistry engines that create emergent gameplay.
- Glitch hunters view glitches as emancipatory possibilities, referencing Legacy Russell's Glitch Feminism.
- The term 'glitch' derives from German or Yiddish words and was popularized by NASA in the 1950s and 60s.
- The game sold 10 million copies in three days, and glitches are seen as features rather than bugs.
Entities
Artists
- Hidemaro Fujibayashi
- Legacy Russell
- Nathan Wainstein
- Theodor Adorno
Institutions
- Nintendo
- NASA
- LA Review of Books
- ArtReview
Locations
- Hyrule
- Los Angeles
- United States