Summary
- Nintendo has excluded the individual developers from Retro Studios in the credits for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
- This practice of condensing credits in remastered games has faced criticism from developers previously.
The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has sparked controversy as it has been confirmed that the original developers at Retro Studios have been omitted from the remastered version's full credits. Scheduled for release on January 16, 2025, this remastered version of the 2010 Wii platformer is set to bring the beloved game to Nintendo Switch owners.
The Nintendo Switch stands out as one of the premier platforms for retro gaming, thanks to its portability and extensive library of classic titles. Nintendo has embraced the trend of remastering and remaking iconic games, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics to delight both long-time fans and new players. Recent releases include the enhanced remake of Super Mario RPG, remasters of the Advance Wars series, and even lesser-known narrative titles like the Famicom Detective Club series.
However, the excitement surrounding Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is tempered by the news that Nintendo has excluded the staff of Retro Studios, who developed the original 2010 Wii game, from the full credits of the remastered version. According to Nintendo Life, the credits only acknowledge the team at Forever Entertainment, responsible for porting and enhancing the game, including content from the 3DS version, for the Switch. Instead of listing the full credits for Retro Studios, the credits screen simply states that the remastered game is "Based on the work of the original development staff."
Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits
This decision to condense credits is consistent with Nintendo's approach to other Switch-based re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios for the first two Metroid Prime games, publicly criticized Nintendo for not including the full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered. Kirsch expressed feeling "let down" by Nintendo's choice to exclude the names of former Retro Studios members who were not involved in the remaster's development. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the exclusion of original teams from remaster and remake credits as "bad practice."
Crediting is a critical issue in the gaming industry, as credits play a significant role in advancing the careers of game developers. Even in the realm of remastered titles, acknowledging original developers is seen as a gesture of respect and appreciation for their contributions. Nintendo has also faced accusations of failing to credit translators and imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements on translation partners, preventing them from disclosing their involvement in major series like The Legend of Zelda. As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices, there is growing pressure on publishers, including Nintendo, to revise their policies.
