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, a practice previously criticized by developers.

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (January 16, 2025) on Nintendo Switch confirms the omission of Retro Studios' original development team from the game's credits. This remastered version of the 2010 Wii title features only credits for Forever Entertainment, responsible for the port and enhancements, including the integration of 3DS content. Instead of a full Retro Studios credit list, the game simply states it's "Based on the work of the original development staff."

The Nintendo Switch, renowned for its portability and extensive classic game library, is a leading platform for retro gaming. Nintendo's active remastering and remaking of classic titles, often adding enhanced visuals and content, has contributed to this. Recent examples include the Super Mario RPG remake and remasters of Advance Wars and the Famicom Detective Club series. The Donkey Kong Country franchise is part of this trend.

Nintendo's Omission of Retro Studios Credits: A Pattern of Concern

This credit omission aligns with Nintendo's approach to 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, expressing disappointment at the omission of former team members. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice as "bad practice."

Crediting in the game industry is crucial for developer career progression. In remasters, it's also a vital acknowledgment of the original teams' significant contributions. Beyond this, Nintendo has also faced criticism for insufficient crediting of translators, sometimes coupled with restrictive NDAs preventing them from publicly acknowledging their work on franchises like The Legend of Zelda. Growing public awareness of inadequate crediting practices may eventually force publishers, including Nintendo, to revise their policies.