HD Version of Donkey Kong Country Returns Excludes Original Developers From Credits

As we gear up for the launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, slated for January 16, 2025, a concerning detail has emerged—Retro Studios, the team behind the original version, isn’t getting their due credit in the remastered edition. The game, a refreshed take on the iconic 2010 Wii platformer, is arriving just in time for Nintendo Switch enthusiasts eager for a nostalgic ride.

The Nintendo Switch has carved out a name for itself as a haven for fans of retro gaming, thanks to its vast selection of classic titles and the convenient portability it offers. Nintendo’s efforts in revitalizing their age-old gems have led to remastered and enhanced versions of favorites like Super Mario RPG and Advance Wars, not to mention the revival of niche titles such as the Famicom Detective Club games. These efforts have successfully bridged the gap between loyal fans and newcomers eager to dive into gaming history.

However, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD hitting the spotlight, it’s been verified by those with early access that Nintendo chose not to include the full roster of original developers from Retro Studios in the new credits. According to a report by Nintendo Life, those credited instead belong to Forever Entertainment—tasked with updating and porting the game, alongside content from the 3DS version, to the Switch. The nod to Retro Studios? A simple acknowledgment that the remaster is “Based on the work of the original development staff.”

This move isn’t without precedent. Notably, Nintendo’s streamlined approach to credits for remastered titles isn’t new. Back in 2023, developer Zoid Kirsch, formerly involved with the first two Metroid Prime games at Retro Studios, openly expressed his disappointment when Nintendo omitted original team members’ names from Metroid Prime Remastered credits. This stirred up further concern among developers who criticized such practices as poor form.

In game development, credits aren’t just formalities—they’re crucial for bolstering careers and showing appreciation for years spent crafting beloved games. Ignoring original creators during remasters not only disrespects their contributions but also strips them of recognition that might propel their future endeavors. Moreover, Nintendo has faced accusations of under-crediting translators and enveloping them in restrictive non-disclosure agreements, making it hard for them to acknowledge their work on high-profile projects like The Legend of Zelda. With voices in the community growing louder against these crediting oversights, a reckoning may be on the horizon, pushing even industry giants to rethink their stance.