The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16, 2025, brings a remastered version of the beloved 2010 Wii platformer to the Nintendo Switch. However, it has been confirmed that the original developers at Retro Studios have been omitted from the remastered version's full credits.
The Nintendo Switch has become a leading platform for retro gaming, thanks to its portability and extensive library of classic titles. Nintendo has embraced the trend of remastering and remaking its iconic games, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics to appeal to both long-time fans and new players. Notable examples include the enhanced remake of Super Mario RPG and remasters of series like Advance Wars and Famicom Detective Club.
The Donkey Kong Country series is part of this remastering effort. As the release date for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD approaches, it has been reported by Nintendo Life that the credits screen of the game only lists the staff from Forever Entertainment, the developer responsible for porting and enhancing the original game for the Switch, including content from the 3DS version. Instead of acknowledging the full team from Retro Studios, the credits simply state that the remastered game is "Based on the work of the original development staff."
This decision to condense the credits aligns with Nintendo's approach to other Switch-based re-releases. In 2023, Zoid Kirsch, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios for the first two Metroid Prime games, publicly criticized Nintendo for not including the full original credits in Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch. Kirsch expressed feeling "let down" by the exclusion of names of former Retro Studios members. Other developers echoed his sentiments, labeling the practice of omitting original teams from remaster credits as "bad practice."
Crediting is a crucial issue in the gaming industry, as it plays a significant role in the career development of game developers. Even in the context of remastered titles, crediting original developers is seen as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their hard work. Nintendo has also faced criticism for not crediting translators or imposing restrictive non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from acknowledging their work on major series like The Legend of Zelda. As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices, there is growing pressure on publishers, including Nintendo, to revise their policies.
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