Donkey Kong HD Credits Omit Original Developers

Summary

• Nintendo has omitted the individual developers from Retro Studios in the credits of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
• This 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 the return of the beloved 2010 Wii platformer, now remastered for the Nintendo Switch. This new version brings enhanced graphics and gameplay to a wider audience, capitalizing on the Switch's popularity as a platform for both new and classic games.

The Nintendo Switch has become a powerhouse for retro gaming, thanks to its portability and extensive library of remastered classics. From the enhanced remake of Super Mario RPG to the revival of series like Advance Wars and Famicom Detective Club, Nintendo has been actively refreshing its catalog for modern audiences. The Donkey Kong Country series is part of this effort, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD set to be the latest addition.

However, a significant issue has emerged with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Reports from outlets with pre-release access, such as Nintendo Life, have confirmed that the credits for the remastered version do not include the names of the original developers from Retro Studios. Instead, the credits screen only lists the staff from Forever Entertainment, the company responsible for porting and enhancing the game for the Switch. A brief acknowledgment stating that the game is "Based on the work of the original development staff" is the only nod to Retro Studios' contributions.

Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits

This decision to condense the credits aligns with Nintendo's approach to 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 the full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered. Kirsch expressed feeling "let down" by the exclusion of team members who had moved on from Retro Studios. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice as "bad practice."

The issue of crediting is crucial in the gaming industry, as credits play a vital role in the career development of game developers. Proper crediting in remastered titles is not only a professional courtesy but also a way to honor the hard work of the original teams. Nintendo has also faced criticism for not crediting translators and imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from acknowledging their work on major series like The Legend of Zelda.

As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices, the pressure on publishers, including Nintendo, to change their approach is mounting. The industry may soon see a shift towards more transparent and inclusive crediting practices.