Summary
- Nintendo excluded the individual developers from Retro Studios from the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD credits.
- Nintendo's history of condensing credits in remastered games has been criticized by developers in the past.
The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, has brought to light a concerning issue: the original developers at Retro Studios have been omitted from the remastered version's full credits. This decision by Nintendo aligns with their past practices of condensing credits in remastered games, which has drawn criticism from developers.
The Nintendo Switch, known for its portability and extensive library of classic titles, stands out as a premier platform for retro gaming. Nintendo has capitalized on this by remastering and remaking beloved classics, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics. Examples include the revamped Super Mario RPG, the remastered Advance Wars series, and even lesser-known narrative titles like the Famicom Detective Club.
The Donkey Kong Country series is part of this remastering trend. However, recent reports from outlets with pre-release access, such as Nintendo Life, have confirmed that the credits for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD only list the staff of Forever Entertainment, the company responsible for porting and enhancing the original 2010 Wii game and the 3DS version for the Switch. Instead of acknowledging the full team at Retro Studios, the credits merely note that the game is "Based on the work of the original development staff."
Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits
Nintendo's practice of condensing credits is not new. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios, expressed disappointment over the exclusion of full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. He felt "let down" by Nintendo's decision to omit the names of former Retro Studios members. Other developers have echoed this sentiment, labeling the practice of excluding original teams from remaster credits as "bad practice."
Crediting is a crucial aspect of the game industry, as it not only acknowledges the hard work of developers but also plays a significant role in their career development. Even in remastered titles, recognizing the original developers is a meaningful gesture of appreciation. Furthermore, Nintendo has faced criticism for not crediting translators or imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from claiming credit for their work on major series like The Legend of Zelda.
As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices across the industry, pressure is mounting on publishers, including Nintendo, to reconsider their approach to crediting in future releases.
