The Legend of Zelda for Wii U is no longer targeting a 2015 release date, according to Eiji Aonuma, the producer for the title.

In a video message to fans that was posted to Nintendo’s various social media outlets, Aonuma cited the “increased possibilities” discovered by the team as they explore the added depths of open-world game design.

Link stares off into the distance and contemplates how far he will have to ride in order to find a release date.

“Since I declared at The Game Awards in December that the game would launch in 2015, the directors and the many members of the development team have been working hard developing the game to make it the best it can be. In these last three months, as the team has experienced first-hand the freedom of exploration that hasn’t existed in any Zelda game to date. We have discovered several new possibilities for this game.”

Aonuma said that new ideas have “sprung forth” from those possibilities, and that Legend of Zelda for Wii U now has “the potential to exceed even my own expectations.”

Aonuma concluded his message with an apology and assurance that Legend of Zelda for Wii U will be the best title in the series yet:

 “So, I must apologize to you all that were expecting the game by year’s end, but we are no longer making a 2015 release our number one priority. Instead, our priority is to make it the most complete and ultimate Zelda game.”

Aonuma also stated that he hoped that the added time would make Legend of Zelda for Wii U “a game that will reward you for your patience”.

As if the revelation that Legend of Zelda for Wii U will not be coming out this year was disappointing enough for Zelda fans, Nintendo delivered one more reason for tears via their Twitter account.

“Mr. Aonuma & team will be hard at work on #Zelda and have decided not to show it @ E3. Thanks for your patience!”

The delay of Legend of Zelda into 2016 leaves a large question mark as to what Nintendo’s big 4th quarter 2015 release will be. However, the complete 2015 release schedule has not yet been revealed and we should get a more complete picture of what they have planned during E3 2015, which will take place June 16th – 18th in Los Angeles.

Are you saddened by the delay of Legend of Zelda for Wii U? Or were you planning on being too busy playing another title in 2015 to care? Share your lamentations with us in the comments section below.