Two developers who worked on the original Metroid Prime have criticised the newly released remaster for not fully crediting the original creative team.
Zoid Kirsch, who formerly worked for Retro Studios as Senior Gameplay Engineer on the original Metroid Prime, posted a screenshot from the remaster’s credits to Twitter.
While many studios did amazing work on the remaster, I’m let down Metroid Prime’s Remaster does not include the full original game credits. I worked with so many amazing people on the game and everyone’s name should be included in the remaster, not just a single card like this. pic.twitter.com/Yvojf9f9Mq
— Zoid Kirsch (@ZoidCTF) February 11, 2023
The message, which appears right at the very end of Metroid Prime Remaster’s credits roll, reads: “Based on the work of Metroid Prime (original Nintendo Gamecube and Wii versions) development staff”. No full credits for the original development team are included; only those who took part in the creation of the remaster are credited in full.
“While many studios did amazing work on the remaster, I’m let down Metroid Prime’s Remaster does not include the full original game credits,” said Kirsch. “I worked with so many amazing people on the game and everyone’s name should be included in the remaster, not just a single card like this.”
Kirsh’s comment was followed up by Jack Mathews, former tech lead on the Metroid Prime series at Retro Studios. “This is a travesty,” he said. “Not just for my credit (even though most of my code was probably replaced), but for people whose code and work are largely unchanged, like Mark HH, Steve McCrea, all of the uprezzed art and concepts, the game design. Shameful.”
This is a travesty. Not just for my credit (even though most of my code was probably replaced), but for people whose code and work are largely unchanged, like Mark HH, Steve McCrea, all of the uprezzed art and concepts, the game design. Shameful. https://t.co/y6tXyCG3N1
— Jack Mathews (@jack_mathews) February 12, 2023
The issue of remakes and remasters not crediting the original developers is not a new one. Shadow of the Colossus and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Triology remakes are just two examples of games that have not provided full credit to the original teams.
The issue of credit goes much wider, too. Only last month The Last of Us co-creator Bruce Straley spoke about his lack of credit on the HBO show, and noted it may be a reason for unionisation.
Matt Purslow is IGN’s UK News and Features Editor.