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 aligns with Nintendo's history of condensing credits in remastered games, which has drawn criticism from developers.

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, marks a significant moment for fans of the iconic platformer series. This remastered version, designed for the Nintendo Switch, brings the beloved 2010 Wii game to a new generation of players, leveraging the Switch's portability and extensive library of classic titles.

Nintendo has embraced the trend of remastering and remaking its classic games, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics to captivate both long-time fans and new audiences. Notable recent releases include the enhanced remake of Super Mario RPG and the remasters of the Advance Wars series, along with the revival of narrative gems like the Famicom Detective Club titles on the Switch.

However, the excitement surrounding Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has been tempered by a controversial decision regarding the game's credits. Reports from outlets like Nintendo Life confirm that the original developers from Retro Studios, who crafted the 2010 Wii version, are not listed in the full credits of the remastered game. Instead, the credits screen only acknowledges the staff of Forever Entertainment, responsible for porting and enhancing the game for the Switch, along with integrating content from the 3DS version. A single line stating that the remastered game is "Based on the work of the original development staff" is all that remains to recognize Retro Studios' contributions.

This practice of condensing credits is not new for Nintendo. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios, voiced his disappointment over the exclusion of original credits from Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. He felt "let down" by Nintendo's decision to omit the names of former Retro Studios employees. Other developers have echoed this sentiment, condemning the practice as "bad practice" in the industry.

The issue of crediting is crucial in the gaming world, as credits play a vital role in the career development of game developers. Recognizing the original teams in remastered titles is not only a professional courtesy but also a gesture of appreciation for their dedication. Additionally, Nintendo has faced criticism for not crediting translators and imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements on translation partners, preventing them from acknowledging their work on major franchises like The Legend of Zelda.

As more developers and fans call out improper crediting practices, the pressure is mounting on publishers, including Nintendo, to reconsider their approach. The hope is that the industry will move towards more transparent and fair crediting standards, ensuring that all contributors receive the recognition they deserve.