Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Removes Original Developers From Credits

Summary

• Nintendo excluded Retro Studios' developers from the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD credits.
• Nintendo's history of shortened credits in remastered games has faced criticism from developers.

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD confirms the omission of Retro Studios' original developers from the remastered game's credits. Launching January 16, 2025, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings the 2010 Wii platformer to the Nintendo Switch.

The Nintendo Switch, boasting portability and a vast library of classic titles, is a leading retro gaming platform. Nintendo's remastering and remaking efforts, adding enhanced visuals and content, have revitalized beloved classics for both existing and new fans. Recent examples include the Super Mario RPG remake and remasters of Advance Wars and the Famicom Detective Club games.

This trend extends to the Donkey Kong Country series. Pre-release reports confirm that Nintendo excluded Retro Studios' staff—the developers of the original 2010 Wii game—from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's credits. As reported by Nintendo Life, only Forever Entertainment, responsible for the Switch port and enhancements, receives credit. The credits simply state the game is "Based on the work of the original development staff."

Nintendo Omits Retro Studios From Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Credits

This credit condensation aligns with Nintendo's approach to other Switch re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer and senior gameplay engineer on the first two Metroid Prime games, criticized Nintendo for excluding original developers from Metroid Prime Remastered. He expressed disappointment, and other developers echoed his sentiment, calling the omission of original teams "bad practice."

Proper crediting is crucial for developers' careers. Even in remasters, crediting original teams demonstrates appreciation for their work on beloved titles. Nintendo has also faced accusations of insufficiently crediting translators or imposing restrictive NDAs preventing them from acknowledging their work on series like The Legend of Zelda. Growing public criticism of inadequate crediting practices may force publishers, including Nintendo, to adopt more inclusive crediting policies.