For quite a number of years now, The Legend of Zelda has followed a familiar formula. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you consider the fact these are still quality games, it’s understandable that some individuals would grow tired of playing the same basic game. According to series producer Eiji Aonuma, however, there’s no need to keep the series “traditional,” which may shine a beacon of hope for fans that have become fatigued with the premise.

“When I say I’m tired, I’m not talking about making Zelda, but rather, the same constituent that has been used to make Zelda up until now,” said Aonuma in an interview with 4Gamer (translated by Siliconera). “While on the subject, in regard to how we’ve always done things the traditional way until now: ‘Why does it have to be traditional?’ That’s the question I’ve been asking myself.

“If we don’t change that, we can’t make something new. We’re slightly approaching The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds with that mindset, and also the next Zelda title [on the Wii U], which we intend to continue changing. However, this brings us to the topic, ‘Exactly what is The Legend of Zelda about?”

According to Aonuma, there’s no need to keep things the same. In fact, the producer believes that keeping the series too familiar for too long would take away that unique spark. Interestingly, Aonuma wouldn’t mind throwing players a curveball and making them feel that the next Zelda on the Wii U is far different from its predecessors, only to bring in that familiarity in other ways.

“So, by no means, am I tired of it,” continued the series producer. “Rather, the more we change it, the more I get fired up. Having someone think ‘Huh? Is this Zelda?!’ at first, then ‘Oh, it is Zelda,’ is what we’re going for. Something that wouldn’t make it matter whether Link or Princess Zelda appear in it or not. Something where it wouldn’t even matter if Zelda is actually a princess, or not.”

Follow this author on Twitter.