Classic Game Reboot Erases Roots in Credits Rewrite

Summary

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's credits exclude Retro Studios' original development team.
This continues a pattern of Nintendo condensing credits in remastered games, drawing past criticism from developers.

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (January 16, 2025) confirms the omission of Retro Studios' original development team from the credits. This remastered Nintendo Switch version of the 2010 Wii title has sparked controversy.

The Nintendo Switch, renowned for its portability and classic game library, is a leading platform for retro gaming. Nintendo's strategy of remastering and remaking classic titles, enhancing them with new content and visuals, has been highly successful. Recent examples include Super Mario RPG, Advance Wars remasters, and even Famicom Detective Club titles.

This remastering extends to the Donkey Kong Country series. Pre-release reports, such as those from Nintendo Life, indicate that only Forever Entertainment, responsible for the port and enhancements, including 3DS content, receives credit. Retro Studios' contribution is acknowledged only with a brief statement: "Based on the work of the original development staff."

Nintendo's Crediting Practices Under Scrutiny

This credit omission aligns with Nintendo's handling of other Switch re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer (Metroid Prime 1 & 2), publicly criticized Nintendo for excluding original Metroid Prime Remastered credits. He expressed disappointment, a sentiment echoed by other developers who deemed the practice "bad practice."

Proper crediting is crucial for developer career building. Acknowledging original teams in remastered titles demonstrates appreciation for their years of work on beloved games. Beyond this, Nintendo has also faced accusations of insufficient credit for translators, sometimes employing restrictive NDAs preventing them from disclosing their work on major franchises like The Legend of Zelda.

Growing public outcry against inadequate crediting practices across the industry may ultimately force publishers, including Nintendo, to reconsider their approach.