Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Removes Original Developers From Credits

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Retro Studios Snubbed in Credits

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch has sparked controversy. Pre-release reports confirm Nintendo has excluded the original development team at Retro Studios from the game's credits. Only the staff of Forever Entertainment, responsible for the port and enhancements, including the 3DS version content, receive credit. The credits screen simply states the game is "Based on the work of the original development staff."

This isn't an isolated incident. Nintendo's practice of condensing credits in remastered games has faced criticism from developers before. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer, publicly expressed disappointment over the omission of original developers' names in Metroid Prime Remastered. He, along with other developers, labeled this practice as "bad practice."

The significance of proper crediting in the game industry cannot be overstated. Credits are crucial for developers' career progression and serve as a vital acknowledgment of their contributions. Omitting original developers from remastered titles is not only disrespectful but also undermines their hard work and dedication. This is further compounded by accusations against Nintendo regarding insufficient credit for translators, often bound by restrictive NDAs.

The growing public outcry against inadequate crediting practices, from both developers and fans, is putting pressure on publishers to adopt more ethical approaches. Whether Nintendo will alter its practices remains to be seen, but the current situation highlights a significant issue within the industry.