The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has stirred controversy as it has come to light that the original developers from Retro Studios have been omitted from the game's credits. Scheduled for release on January 16, 2025, this remastered version of the 2010 Wii classic for the Nintendo Switch has sparked discussions about crediting practices in the gaming industry.
The Nintendo Switch, with its ability to play both on-the-go and at home, coupled with Nintendo's extensive library of classic games, has solidified its place as a premier platform for retro gaming enthusiasts. Nintendo has embraced the trend of remastering and remaking its iconic titles, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics to attract both long-time fans and new players. Notable recent releases include the enhanced remake of Super Mario RPG, the remastered Advance Wars series, and even the revival of underappreciated gems like the Famicom Detective Club titles.
The Donkey Kong Country series is part of this remastering wave, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD set to be the latest addition. However, pre-release reports from outlets such as Nintendo Life have confirmed that the credits for this remastered version only list the staff from Forever Entertainment, the studio responsible for porting and enhancing the game for the Switch, including content from the 3DS version. Instead of fully crediting Retro Studios, the developers of the original 2010 Wii game, the credits screen simply states that the remastered version is "Based on the work of the original development staff."
Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits
This decision aligns with Nintendo's past practices of condensing credits in other Switch 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 full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered. Kirsch expressed feeling "let down" by the exclusion of former Retro Studios team members. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice of omitting original teams from remaster and remake credits as "bad practice."
The issue of proper crediting is crucial in the game development industry, as credits play a significant role in building the careers of developers. Even in the context of remastered titles, crediting the original developers is seen as a respectful nod to their hard work and dedication. Moreover, Nintendo has faced accusations of not crediting translators and imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements on them, preventing them from publicly acknowledging their work on major series like The Legend of Zelda. As more developers and fans voice their concerns over improper crediting, there is growing pressure on publishers, including Nintendo, to revise their practices.
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