Summary
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD credits exclude Retro Studios' original development team.
- Nintendo's history of shortened credits in remastered games has faced past developer criticism.
The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (January 16, 2025) confirms the omission of Retro Studios' original developers from the game's credits. This remastered Nintendo Switch version of the 2010 Wii title features only credits for Forever Entertainment, responsible for the port and enhancements, including content from the 3DS version. Retro Studios' contribution is acknowledged only with a brief statement: "Based on the work of the original development staff."
The Nintendo Switch, renowned for its portability and extensive classic game library, is a popular platform for retro gaming. Nintendo's practice of remastering and remaking classic titles, adding visual enhancements and new content, has revitalized games like Super Mario RPG and franchises such as Advance Wars. Even lesser-known titles like the Famicom Detective Club games have experienced a resurgence on the Switch.
This remastering trend extends to the Donkey Kong Country series. Reports from outlets with early access to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD reveal the omission of Retro Studios' staff from the credits. As noted by Nintendo Life, only Forever Entertainment's team receives credit.
Nintendo's Crediting Practices Under Scrutiny
This credit omission aligns with Nintendo's approach to other Switch re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer and senior gameplay engineer on the first two Metroid Prime games, criticized Nintendo for excluding original developers from Metroid Prime Remastered's credits. He expressed disappointment, a sentiment echoed by other developers who deemed this practice unacceptable.
Proper crediting is crucial in the game industry, fostering developer careers and showing appreciation for teams' dedication to beloved games. Nintendo has also faced accusations of failing to credit translators or imposing restrictive NDAs preventing them from acknowledging their work on franchises like The Legend of Zelda. Growing public criticism of inadequate crediting practices may eventually force publishers, including Nintendo, to reconsider their policies.
