Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Retro Studios Snubbed in Credits
The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (January 16, 2025) has sparked controversy due to the exclusion of Retro Studios, the original developers of the 2010 Wii title, from the game's credits. Nintendo's remaster, for the Nintendo Switch, instead credits only Forever Entertainment, the porting and enhancement studio. The credits simply state the game is "Based on the work of the original development staff," omitting individual contributors from Retro Studios.
This isn't an isolated incident. Nintendo's practice of condensed credits in remastered games has drawn criticism from developers before. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer who worked on the first two Metroid Prime games, publicly expressed disappointment over the similar omission of original developers from Metroid Prime Remastered. He, and other developers, labeled this practice as "bad."
The Nintendo Switch, known for its portability and extensive library of classic titles, has become a popular platform for retro game remasters and remakes. Nintendo's own efforts in this area, including Super Mario RPG and various Advance Wars remasters, have been largely well-received. However, the consistent exclusion of original development teams from credits raises concerns.
Proper crediting is crucial for game developers' career progression and serves as a vital acknowledgment of their contributions. The omission of Retro Studios' work on Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is not only a professional slight but also a missed opportunity to show appreciation for the team's significant effort on a beloved title. This issue extends beyond development teams; Nintendo has also faced criticism for its handling of translator credits, often employing restrictive NDAs.
As public awareness of inadequate crediting practices grows, pressure mounts on publishers like Nintendo to adopt more inclusive and respectful crediting policies. The Donkey Kong Country Returns HD situation highlights the need for industry-wide reform in this area.
