Any video gamer with psychology experience, or who has seen the potential growth opportunities games give us and the impact they can have on us, knows that our experience of a video game is more than just the playing of it. We also have discourse about all aspects of it: what we liked, development changes between games, and our own hypotheses about the game’s content. The connections built between the game and the players during the game and after it ends form an important and inseparable bond, but none of that would be possible without the team of developers who put many months into the game to make it so enjoyable. Without them—and without Nintendo, which continues to allow them to make new Legend of Zelda games for all to enjoy—this book, too, would not be possible. Thank you for all that you do to make each game so exciting to play, over and over.
This book, while a labor of love, has taken time to formulate, edit, and write. I want to give a special thanks to all of the writers in this book, as they have poured countless hours into their chapters, honing and crafting them ever more beautifully. The depth provided in each and every chapter here is remarkable and I would be honored to work with any of their writers again. I thank you all for your contributions, insights, inspiration, and overall dedication to this book.
Finally, this book would not be as polished without the help of its publisher, BenBella Books. They saw the value of talking about the Legend of Zelda, psychology, and video gaming, and allowed us to run with this book. Throughout the process, they were incredible in helping clearly formulate thoughts and concepts and pushing us all to our limits. Their guidance and technicality was truly appreciated. Leah and Rachel, you both are amazing to work with, and your guidance is much appreciated; thank you.