ドンキーコングHDのクレジット、元開発陣が除外される

Nintendo has sparked fresh backlash by removing Retro Studios’ original development team from the credits of *Donkey Kong Country Returns HD*, the upcoming Switch remaster set for release on January 16, 2025. The decision has ignited debate across gaming circles, underscoring a growing frustration with how major publishers acknowledge creative contributions in re-releases—especially those rooted in beloved classics.

The Omission That Stunned Fans
A close examination of pre-release builds reveals a troubling absence: the names of the original Retro Studios developers, instrumental in crafting the 2010 Wii classic, have been entirely erased. Instead of honoring their legacy, the game now credits only Forever Entertainment, the studio responsible for the Switch port, with a vague footnote referencing the "original development staff" — a placeholder that offers no recognition to individuals who shaped the game’s identity.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Last year, *Metroid Prime Remastered* faced similar criticism when its launch credits omitted the names of the original creators. Zoid Kirsch, a former Retro Studios veteran and key figure in the original *Donkey Kong Country* series’ development, voiced his disappointment, calling the erasure of past contributors “disrespectful” and “disheartening.” He emphasized that these teams poured years into building foundational experiences, and their erasure undermines the very culture of gratitude the industry claims to value.

Why Proper Credit Matters
Game credits are far more than a scrolling list of names—they’re a professional record, a form of recognition, and often a career lifeline. For many developers, especially those working on long-term projects or remasters, being credited ensures future opportunities, validates their contributions, and preserves their legacy. In the case of remasters, proper attribution is especially crucial: it honors the original creators whose vision still drives the experience, even decades later.

Nintendo’s pattern of streamlining or omitting credit lines in re-releases reflects a broader industry issue. Long-standing complaints include:

Systematic exclusion of original development teams in remasters and remakes
Failure to credit localization and translation teams, despite their vital role in global accessibility
Enforcement of restrictive NDAs that prevent translators and voice actors from claiming credit—even when their work is integral to a game’s success


As player awareness and advocacy grow, so does the demand for transparency and fairness in game development. The backlash against *Donkey Kong Country Returns HD* may not just be about a single game’s credits—it could become a defining moment in the movement to hold publishers accountable for acknowledging the people behind the magic.