With the soon-to-be-released Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, it has come to light that the original creators at Retro Studios are missing from the full credits of the remastered game. Set to debut on January 16, 2025, this updated version offers Nintendo Switch fans a chance to enjoy the classic 2010 Wii platformer.
With its portability and a vast library of classic games, the Nintendo Switch is a leading option for retro gaming enthusiasts. Nintendo has jumped on the bandwagon of remastering and recreating cherished classics, enhancing them with new features and stunning visuals for both loyal fans and newcomers. Notable recent releases include the enhanced Super Mario RPG and remastered titles from the Advance Wars series. Additionally, underappreciated narrative games like the Famicom Detective Club have experienced a revival on the Switch.
The lineup includes the Donkey Kong Country series. With the release date for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD approaching, various news outlets with early access have revealed that Nintendo has left out the Retro Studios team, who developed the original 2010 Wii game, from the complete credits of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. According to Nintendo Life, the credits only acknowledge the team at Forever Entertainment, the developers responsible for porting and enhancing the original game and its 3DS content for the Switch. Instead of listing the full credits for Retro Studios, the screen simply states 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
The decision to streamline the credits for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD reflects Nintendo’s approach to other Switch re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, who worked as a programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios on the first two Metroid Prime games, criticized Nintendo for not including the full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered for the Switch. He expressed feeling “let down” by the choice to exclude the names of former team members involved in the remaster’s development. Other developers joined in, stating that leaving out original teams from remaster credits is considered “bad practice.”
Credit recognition is a trending issue in the gaming world, highlighting its vital role in the professional journeys of game developers. In the case of remastered games, giving credit to the original creators is a way to show appreciation for the countless hours they invested in crafting cherished titles. Nintendo has faced criticism for allegedly failing to credit translators and for enforcing tight non-disclosure agreements that keep translators and their partners from revealing their involvement in iconic series such as The Legend of Zelda. With a growing number of developers and fans advocating for better crediting practices, it’s possible that publishers, including Nintendo, will have to adapt their policies.
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