Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Omits Original Developers

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Retro Studios Snubbed in Credits

The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, has sparked controversy due to the exclusion of Retro Studios, the original developers of the 2010 Wii title, from the game's credits. Instead of a full list of the original development team, the credits only acknowledge Forever Entertainment, the porting and enhancement studio, and include a generic statement crediting the "original development staff." This omission has been confirmed by several news outlets with early access to the game.

This isn't the first time Nintendo has faced criticism for its crediting practices in remastered titles. The Nintendo Switch, while lauded for its retro game library and portability, has seen Nintendo adopt a pattern of condensed credits in remasters and remakes. This practice has previously drawn ire from developers. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios programmer who worked on the first two Metroid Prime games, publicly expressed disappointment at the exclusion of original Metroid Prime Remastered developers from the Switch version's credits. Other developers have echoed his concerns, labeling the omission of original teams 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 the dedication and years of work invested in creating beloved games. Beyond this, Nintendo's alleged practice of not crediting translators, or imposing restrictive NDAs preventing them from disclosing their work on franchises like The Legend of Zelda, further fuels the criticism.

With growing public outcry from developers and fans alike regarding inadequate crediting practices, the pressure is mounting on publishers, including Nintendo, to reform their policies and acknowledge the contributions of all involved in the creation and revitalization of their games.

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