Donkey Kong HD Credits Omit Original Developers

The upcoming release of **Donkey Kong Country Returns HD** on January 16, 2025, has stirred controversy as it has come to light that the original developers at Retro Studios have been omitted from the game's full credits. This remastered version of the beloved 2010 Wii platformer, now adapted for the Nintendo Switch, showcases the platform's strength as a hub for retro gaming enthusiasts, thanks to its portability and extensive library of classic titles. Nintendo has been actively remastering and remaking its iconic games, enhancing them with new content and improved graphics to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new players. Notable examples include the remakes of **Super Mario RPG** and the **Advance Wars** series, as well as the revival of lesser-known titles like the **Famicom Detective Club** series.

However, the excitement surrounding **Donkey Kong Country Returns HD** has been tempered by the revelation that the credits screen only acknowledges the staff of **Forever Entertainment**, the company responsible for porting and enhancing the game for the Switch, including content from the 3DS version. Instead of listing the full credits for Retro Studios, the credits merely state that the remastered game is "Based on the work of the original development staff." This practice aligns with Nintendo's history of condensing credits in their Switch-based re-releases, a move that has drawn criticism from the development community.

Nintendo's History of Credit Condensation

In 2023, **Zoid Kirsch**, a former programmer and senior gameplay engineer at Retro Studios involved with the first two **Metroid Prime** games, publicly criticized Nintendo for excluding the full original credits from **Metroid Prime Remastered**. Kirsch expressed feeling "let down" by Nintendo's decision, particularly as it omitted the names of team members who had moved on from Retro Studios. Other developers have echoed Kirsch's sentiments, decrying the exclusion of original teams from remastered game credits as "bad practice."

The issue of crediting in the gaming industry is significant, as credits play a crucial role in the career development of game developers. Even in remastered titles, acknowledging the original developers is seen as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Moreover, Nintendo has faced accusations of not crediting translators and imposing stringent non-disclosure agreements that prevent translation partners from claiming their contributions to major series like **The Legend of Zelda**. As more developers and fans voice their concerns about improper crediting practices, there is a growing call for publishers, including Nintendo, to reconsider their approach to crediting.