Nintendo’s Texas based developers, Retro Studios, are responsible for the hugely successful Metroid Prime trilogy as well as Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii. They are easily one of Nintendo’s most highly regarded game studios, but a recent research article by emilyrogersblog.com paints a troubling picture of the current state of Retro Studios, and the development of their upcoming Wii U title.
Although the project is far into development, it hasn’t been smooth sailing the article says. Nintendo is said to have flown in staff to Texas to ensure the project stays on track, as the studio goes through some major restructuring.
The studio is described as a shadow of it’s former self, with the bulk of its staff, including key artists and designers, leaving the studio since the days of Metroid Prime. And although many of the staff who worked on Donkey Kong Country Returns are still at Retro, some senior staff members are thought to be leaving once the Wii U project is complete.
While Retro may no longer be the same studio they were back in the Metroid Prime days, Nintendo are said to be using this opportunity to channel in fresh talent to reinvigorate the studio, and are eager to ensure future output meets their high quality standards.
There’s still no word on what the upcoming Wii U game by Retro is, but Reggie said in a recent interview that the studio is hard at work, and it may be a while longer before they are ready to show it.
Be sure to check out the link below for the full article.
Source: emilyrogersblog
