Summary

• Nintendo has excluded the individual developers from Retro Studios in the credits of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
• Nintendo's practice of condensing credits in remastered games has faced criticism from developers previously.

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, marks a significant moment for Nintendo Switch owners, offering a remastered version of the 2010 Wii classic. This remaster, however, has stirred controversy due to the omission of the original development team from Retro Studios in the full credits.

The Nintendo Switch has emerged as a premier platform for retro gaming, bolstered by its portability and an extensive catalog of classic games. Nintendo has capitalized on this by remastering and remaking several beloved titles, including Super Mario RPG, Advance Wars, and even niche titles like Famicom Detective Club. The Donkey Kong Country series is part of this revival effort, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD being the latest addition.

Recent reports from outlets with pre-release access, such as Nintendo Life, have confirmed that the credits for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD only acknowledge the team at Forever Entertainment, responsible for porting and enhancing the game for the Switch. The credits do not list the individual developers from Retro Studios, who created the original 2010 Wii version. Instead, a generic line stating "Based on the work of the original development staff" appears, which has sparked significant backlash.

Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits

This move aligns with Nintendo's previous practices regarding the credits of re-released games on the Switch. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios for the first two Metroid Prime games, voiced his disappointment over the exclusion of original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered. Kirsch felt "let down" by Nintendo's decision to omit the names of former Retro Studios staff members. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice as "bad practice."

Crediting is a crucial aspect of the gaming industry, as it not only acknowledges the hard work of developers but also aids in their career progression. The omission of original developers from remastered titles' credits is seen as a lack of appreciation for their contributions. Furthermore, Nintendo has faced criticism for not crediting translators and imposing stringent non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from mentioning their involvement in major series like The Legend of Zelda.

As more developers and fans call out these crediting practices, the pressure on publishers, including Nintendo, to revise their approach may intensify. Proper crediting is essential to maintain respect and fairness within the industry, and it remains to be seen how Nintendo will respond to the ongoing criticism.