'Steven Universe' creator says Ocarina of Time inspired the show's character designs

To say The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an influential game would be an understatement. Not only does it’s sphere of influence expand all across gaming but into other forms of media as well, one such example comes from Rebecca Sugar, creator of Cartoon Network’s “Steven Universe” and “Steven Universe Future”.

In the TikTok posted above, Sugar responds to a fan question asking how the classic N64 title influenced her own show. Sugar explains that one of the big inspirations was how the game’s Gerudo characters (Ganondorf, Nabooru, Twinrova, ext.) incorporated gemstones into their character designs, something that Steven Universe would take and run with.

Sugar also mentions how this design aesthetic influenced their work on Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” as the character of Flame Princess was also designed with this gem-encrusted aesthetic in mind.

It really goes to show how a game’s influence isn’t limited to just it’s gameplay. A game’s art, music, story, and characters can inspire people from all walks of life and all different fields without ever needing to pick up a controller. While Ocarina of Time still stands tall in the gaming zeitgeist for it’s gameplay innovations it also can’t be overstated how much the land of Hyrule itself inspires fans all these years later.