Donkey Kong HD Omits Original Credits

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 highly anticipated release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set for January 16, 2025, bringing the beloved 2010 Wii platformer to Nintendo Switch players with enhanced graphics and additional content. However, recent reports have confirmed a significant omission: the original developers at Retro Studios have been left out of the remastered version's credits.

The Nintendo Switch has solidified its place as a premier platform for retro gaming, thanks to its portability and an extensive catalog of classic titles. Nintendo has been actively involved in remastering and remaking its iconic games, offering fans and new players alike refreshed experiences of classics like Super Mario RPG and the Advance Wars series. Even lesser-known titles such as the Famicom Detective Club have enjoyed a resurgence on the Switch.

Among these remasters is the Donkey Kong Country series. As the release date for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD approaches, it has come to light that the credits for this remastered version do not include the names of the Retro Studios team, who developed the original 2010 Wii game. According to Nintendo Life, the credits screen only lists the staff from Forever Entertainment, the company responsible for porting and enhancing the game, along with incorporating content from the 3DS version. Instead of acknowledging the Retro Studios team individually, the credits simply state 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 move by Nintendo aligns with their previous approach to crediting in 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 excluding the full original credits from Metroid Prime Remastered. He expressed feeling "let down" by the omission of names of former Retro Studios staff members during the remaster's development. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice of excluding original teams from credits as "bad practice."

The issue of crediting is a pivotal concern within the gaming industry, as credits play a crucial role in the career development of game developers. Recognizing the original developers in remastered titles not only honors their contributions but also acknowledges the years of effort they invested in creating these cherished games. Nintendo has also faced criticism for not crediting translators and imposing stringent non-disclosure agreements that prevent translation partners from disclosing their involvement in major series like The Legend of Zelda. As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices, the industry, including publishers like Nintendo, may soon need to reconsider their approach to crediting.