Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Retro Studios

Retro Studios, Inc. is an American based in , specializing in first-party titles for platforms. Founded on October 1, 1998, by video game industry veteran , the studio initially operated as a second-party developer backed by of America to create launch titles for the console. Acquired by in 2002 after financial difficulties and project cancellations, Retro Studios became a wholly owned subsidiary, focusing on high-profile franchises and earning acclaim for innovative gameplay and technical achievements. The company is renowned for developing the trilogy (2002–2007), which transitioned the series to 3D first-person , as well as the games (2010 and 2014), revitalizing the genre with hand-drawn art and precise controls. In its early years, Retro Studios faced significant challenges, including stalled development on multiple projects such as NFL Retro Football, Thunder Rally, Raven Blade, and an untitled action-adventure title, leading to layoffs and the cancellation of all but one initiative by 2000. Nintendo's intervention redirected efforts toward , a risky adaptation that launched successfully in 2002 despite intense production crunch, selling millions and establishing the studio's reputation for quality. Subsequent releases like 2: Echoes (2004), 3: Corruption (2007), and the : Trilogy compilation (2009) expanded the series with new mechanics, including motion controls for the . The studio also contributed to (2011) and delivered critically praised side-scrolling adventures in for and Tropical Freeze for , blending nostalgic design with modern polish. As of 2025, Retro Studios continues to innovate within 's ecosystem, with its most recent major project being Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a long-awaited sequel announced for release on the and Nintendo Switch 2 later in the year, promising enhanced exploration and combat in the series' signature sci-fi universe. Operating from a dedicated facility in Austin, the studio maintains a legacy of award-winning titles that emphasize immersive worlds, challenging , and close collaboration with Nintendo, solidifying its role as a key pillar in the company's first-party development lineup.

Overview

Founding and acquisition

Retro Studios was founded on October 1, 1998, by veteran in , initially operating as a second-party developer backed by with a focus on titles for the console. Spangenberg, previously the founder of , established the studio to capitalize on emerging trends in 3D graphics and online gaming, aiming to produce innovative titles, though Nintendo's support directed efforts toward its platforms. The company began operations with a small core team of four key personnel, drawing on Spangenberg's experience to build a foundation for ambitious projects. In its early months, Retro Studios rapidly expanded, opening a 40,000-square-foot office in Austin by early 1999 with a staff of approximately 25 employees, many of whom were experienced developers recruited from prominent studios such as , , LucasArts, and . This growth continued aggressively, reaching around 120 employees by 2001, as the studio invested in talent to support its vision of developing high-profile games. Nintendo provided initial funding to support the studio's setup and operations, reflecting an early alliance that positioned Retro as a second-party partner. However, financial difficulties arose due to project delays and management issues, straining resources and leading to internal challenges. On May 2, 2002, Nintendo acquired a controlling stake in Retro Studios by purchasing 55 million shares from Spangenberg for $1 million, effectively resolving the studio's financial struggles and transitioning it into a wholly owned . This acquisition replaced Spangenberg as with Steve Barcia, the former vice president of product and technology development, who was appointed to lead the restructured organization. Post-acquisition, Retro shifted to become Nintendo's exclusive developer, focusing its efforts on first-party titles for the and subsequent platforms, marking a pivotal change from its original ambitions to a dedicated role within Nintendo's ecosystem.

Location and facilities

Retro Studios has maintained its headquarters in , since its founding in 1998, a location chosen to leverage the local talent pool in the burgeoning , including developers from the recently closed studio. The studio's initial office, established in early , was a modest facility that housed a starting staff of approximately 25 employees. With Nintendo's financial support following its early investment, the space expanded into a state-of-the-art setup by the early , incorporating Austin's first motion-capture studio and accommodating up to around 120 staff members at its peak during that era. In 2012, Retro Studios relocated to a significantly larger modern office at 12345 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin, enabling enhanced support for development on platforms such as the . As of 2025, the facilities are equipped to support approximately 200–250 employees, with advanced motion-capture and testing laboratories specifically tailored for hardware integration and prototyping. The workspace emphasizes collaborative environments for creative game development, incorporating amenities like break rooms that provide access to local Austin , aligning with the studio's laid-back yet innovative shaped by 's post-2002 ownership influence.

History

Early years and initial projects (1998–2001)

Retro Studios was founded in October 1998 by video game veteran in , as an alliance with of America, aimed at developing mature titles for the upcoming console. The studio quickly expanded, hiring around 120 employees, including talent from companies like , , and LucasArts, and built a 40,000-square-foot facility funded in part by . Initial projects focused on four planned launch titles using a proprietary engine: an simulator called NFL Retro Football, a vehicular combat racing game titled Thunder Rally designed as a multiplayer-enhanced "Twisted Metal" competitor with open environments, a role-playing game named Raven Blade, and an untitled . By 2001, the studio faced severe financial difficulties after burning through approximately $15 million in funding, leading to lawsuits from investors such as alleging mismanagement. These issues were exacerbated by significant development delays, with the initial projects showing minimal progress after nearly two years. Founder and president was ousted that year amid the mounting problems and his limited involvement at the studio. Steve Barcia stepped in as interim leader to stabilize operations. In response to the crises, Retro Studios underwent two rounds of layoffs in 2000 and 2001, reducing the team from its peak of over 120 to under 100 employees, while shifting focus to survival pitches to publishers. The studio pivoted away from its original multi-project lineup, canceling most efforts after failed attempts to secure deals for PC versions and emphasizing console development for the , which opened discussions for deeper involvement and eventual acquisition talks. This period of instability highlighted the challenges of rapid expansion and ambitious early goals without sufficient oversight.

Metroid Prime development and trilogy era (2002–2009)

Following Nintendo's acquisition of a majority stake in Retro Studios in early 2002, the studio was directed to focus exclusively on developing , a first-person adventure game set in the universe, under the close oversight of . This pivot came after the cancellation of several troubled projects, allowing Retro to rebuild its team from a reduced staff post-layoffs to over 100 members, bolstered by secondments from Nintendo's Japanese and American teams who provided technical guidance and development kits. The collaboration marked a significant turnaround for the studio, transforming its early instability into a structured effort aligned with Nintendo's quality standards. Metroid Prime, released in November 2002 for the , successfully adapted the series' traditional 2D side-scrolling exploration and combat into a immersive first-person format, emphasizing atmospheric scanning, puzzle-solving, and nonlinear progression. The game achieved critical and commercial success, selling more than 2.8 million units worldwide and earning multiple Game of the Year awards from outlets including and for its innovative design and technical polish. Building on this momentum, Retro Studios developed Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, launched in 2004 for the , which expanded the formula with dark and light world duality mechanics and introduced competitive multiplayer modes supporting up to four players. The trilogy concluded with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in 2007 for the , integrating motion controls via the for aiming, visor switching, and environmental interactions to enhance immersion in the Phazon-corrupted narrative. During this period, the series extended to handheld platforms with in 2006 for the , emphasizing touch-screen controls for aiming and a multiplayer-focused storyline involving rival bounty hunters, developed primarily by , with support from Retro Studios providing visual assets, as Retro focused on console sequels. In 2009, Retro Studios compiled the trilogy into Metroid Prime: Trilogy for the , updating the first two games with motion controls and improved graphics while including all original content in a single package. Leadership stability contributed to the era's success, with Michael Kelbaugh appointed as president and CEO in April 2003 after serving 15 years at in business development roles; he oversaw the completion of the trilogy and fostered a more collaborative environment amid earlier morale challenges. Under his guidance, Retro Studios solidified its reputation as a key partner, delivering consistent innovation within the franchise.

Donkey Kong Country series and diversification (2010–2015)

Following the completion of the trilogy, Retro Studios transitioned to development when assigned the studio the task of reviving the series with for the in 2010. This project marked a deliberate shift from first-person adventures to side-scrolling gameplay, drawing inspiration from the original titles while incorporating modern techniques such as hand-drawn character animations that were scanned and integrated into the engine for fluid, expressive movements. The game successfully recaptured the series' emphasis on precise platforming, barrel-rolling mechanics, and collectible challenges, earning praise for blending with innovative level design that encouraged exploration and co-operative play. Building on this success, Retro Studios developed Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, released for the Wii U in 2014 and later ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2018. The title expanded the 2.5D formula with new environmental interactions, such as snowball surfing in icy stages where players could roll and surf on snowballs to navigate slippery terrains and avoid hazards. These mechanics added variety to the core platforming, alongside returning elements like animal buddy assists and hidden puzzle pieces, while maintaining the series' challenging difficulty curve. Combined sales of the Wii U and Switch versions exceeded 4 million units worldwide, reflecting strong commercial performance. During this period, Retro Studios also diversified through collaborations, notably contributing to for the in 2011 by assisting with track design, including the creation of the DK Jungle course inspired by and adaptations of several retro tracks from prior games. This partnership with Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis & Development division marked the first international co-development for the series, allowing Retro to integrate platforming-inspired elements into racing environments. Internally, the studio navigated team changes while maintaining stability under president Michael Kelbaugh, who had led since 2003. Key departures occurred in 2008, including design director Mark Pacini, who co-founded Armature Studio, alongside art director Todd Keller and principal technology engineer Jack Matthews, but the core team remained intact for the Donkey Kong projects. Staff numbers peaked at over 200 during this era, supporting the parallel development of major titles and collaborations amid a growing workload. The revivals were lauded for their nostalgic appeal—evoking the charm of Rare's originals—while introducing innovations like dynamic weather effects and enhanced co-op dynamics, which solidified Retro Studios' reputation as a versatile partner capable of handling multiple franchises beyond . This phase established the studio's multi-franchise expertise, with the titles' critical acclaim and sales contributing to 's platformer portfolio success.

Recent projects and Metroid Prime 4 (2016–present)

Following the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in 2014, Retro Studios entered a relatively quiet period in its public-facing output, shifting focus to support roles for Nintendo's transition to the console launched in 2017. The studio contributed to the Switch port of Tropical Freeze in 2018, enhancing the game with new features like the Funky mode for easier playability, but no major new original projects were announced until 2017. During this time, Retro maintained a team size of around 150-200 employees, emphasizing internal tool development and preparation for upcoming hardware generations. In parallel with early work on larger initiatives, Retro Studios led the development of , released for on February 8, 2023. This update modernized the 2002 original with improved visuals, such as higher-resolution textures and dynamic lighting, alongside refined controls including optional motion aiming to better suit Switch hardware. The project involved collaboration with external studios like for asset optimization, allowing Retro to leverage experience from contemporary engine work while preserving the core first-person adventure structure. Development overlapped with other studio efforts starting around 2019-2021, enabling shared technological advancements that informed later titles. The studio's primary focus since 2019 has been Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, initially announced at E3 2017 with Bandai Namco as lead developer but restarted from scratch in January 2019 under Retro Studios' direction to align with the series' established quality standards. Subtitled Beyond and revealed in fuller detail during a June 2024 Nintendo Direct, the game introduces expansive open-world elements, including navigable hub areas connecting linear adventure segments, while retaining the atmospheric exploration and scanning mechanics of prior entries. Scheduled for release on December 4, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it marks Retro's return to the Metroid Prime franchise after over a decade, building on the studio's expertise in first-person sci-fi adventures. A hands-on preview was released on November 14, 2025, highlighting enhanced gameplay features. In April 2025, interest in Retro's unreleased work surged following a leak of prototype footage from a canceled project titled Project Harmony, a 3D developed around 2016-2017 for . The material, sourced from an early development kit, showcased basic combat and exploration mechanics in a vibrant, modular world, highlighting the studio's experimentation during its post-2015 transition phase. As of November 2025, with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond nearing launch, Retro Studios—maintaining a staff of approximately 180—appears to be transitioning portions of its team toward potential sequels or new intellectual properties, though specifics remain undisclosed amid Nintendo's focus on the Switch 2 ecosystem.

Games

Primary developed titles

Retro Studios led the development of the acclaimed series, which reimagined the franchise as first-person adventure games centered on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in alien environments. The inaugural title, , launched in 2002 for the , where players control as she investigates a mysterious on the planet Tallon IV, battling and uncovering the corrupting influence of Phazon. This was followed by Metroid Prime 2: Echoes in 2004, also for GameCube, introducing parallel dimensions and light/dark beam mechanics while expanding on nonlinear world design. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption arrived in 2007 for the , incorporating motion controls for aiming and traversal, and shifting toward a more narrative-driven story involving a conflict. The Trilogy, compiling the first three games with updated Wii controls, debuted in 2009 for . A remastered version of the original was released digitally on February 8, 2023, for , featuring enhanced visuals, redesigned controls, and additional content like galleries and soundtracks. The series culminated with , scheduled for release on December 4, 2025, for and Nintendo Switch 2, promising continued first-person exploration with advanced graphics and new story elements. Retro Studios also spearheaded the revival of the Donkey Kong Country series with 2.5D platformers emphasizing precise controls, collectibles, and cooperative play. Donkey Kong Country Returns, released in 2010 for Wii, follows Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the Tiki Tak Tribe, featuring hand-drawn animations, dynamic level designs with mine carts and barrel blasts, and over 80 stages across varied biomes. A 3D-enhanced port, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, developed by Monster Games, followed in 2013 for Nintendo 3DS. The sequel, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, launched in 2014 for Wii U, introducing new playable characters like Dixie Kong and challenging icy worlds invaded by Viking Snowmads, with innovative boss fights and time-trial modes; a port arrived in 2018 for Nintendo Switch, adding Funky Kong as a beginner-friendly option. The series has collectively sold over 8 million units worldwide as of 2023, with individual entries like the original exceeding 2.8 million copies and the Remastered version surpassing 1.36 million as of 2024. The titles developed by Retro Studios have been critically acclaimed for their artistic style, tight platforming, and orchestral soundtracks, earning scores in the 85-93 range, while achieving strong commercial performance with Returns selling over 6.5 million units and Tropical Freeze totaling approximately 6.6 million across platforms as of 2025.

Contributions to other Nintendo titles

Retro Studios has provided support to several Nintendo titles outside its primary developments, often in collaborative capacities with 's internal teams. The most notable example is its partnership with (EAD) on (2011) for the , the first international co-development effort in the series. Retro contributed significantly to course design, creating environments and layouts using tools to ensure dynamic racing paths, and proposed concepts for new tracks that were incorporated into the final game. In addition to level design, Retro handled artwork for courses, characters, and karts, while developing key animations for elements such as driving, item throwing, crash recoveries, and gliding sequences to prevent visual clipping and maintain expressive character movements across varying body types. These efforts included refining the jump action mechanics for more engaging visuals and integrating ideas from their recent work on , such as the DK Jungle track in the retro cup, which brought familiar characters and themes into the racing format. Beyond , Retro has offered minor assistance on other Nintendo projects, including optimizations for tech demonstrations and texture enhancements in select ports of Nintendo-published titles to the , such as elements in Mario series games. These support roles typically involved focused efforts on , control schemes, and asset integration, representing a portion of the studio's resources dedicated to bolstering multi-developer efforts. Developer interviews highlight how these contributions improved in racing dynamics and platforming interactions by refining physics and animations for smoother player experiences.

Canceled projects

Prior to its acquisition by Nintendo in 2002, Retro Studios developed several projects independently that were ultimately canceled due to funding challenges and the need to redirect resources following the acquisition. One such title was MetaForce, an planned for the that featured portal-based mechanics allowing players to traverse dimensions and solve puzzles in a sci-fi setting. The project was shelved in 2001 when Nintendo prioritized as Retro's flagship effort, leading to the cancellation of multiple early concepts to streamline development. Similarly, NFL Retro Football, a sports simulation game for the , reached a tech demo stage in 2001 but was canceled alongside other pre-acquisition titles amid financial pressures and Nintendo's strategic shift. During the early Nintendo era, Retro Studios pitched and prototyped several GameCube titles that were canceled as the studio focused on core franchises like Metroid. Car Combat, later retitled Thunder Rally, was a vehicular combat game blending elements of Twisted Metal and Mario Kart with online multiplayer support, developed in 2002 but abandoned due to resource reallocation toward Metroid Prime. Another early cancellation was Raven Blade, an RPG for the GameCube set in a fantasy world with real-time combat and deep narrative elements, which progressed to prototyping in 2003 before being halted in favor of Metroid Prime to address technical hurdles and align with Nintendo's priorities. Retro Studios also explored The Legend of Zelda spin-offs that never advanced beyond pitches or early concepts, often due to Nintendo's preference for established development teams on the franchise. An untitled Zelda project for the Wii, developed between 2005 and 2008, centered on a dark narrative involving the Sheikah and Impa as the protagonist in a post-Ocarina of Time storyline, but it was canceled amid shifts in platform priorities and internal resource constraints. Likewise, Heroes of Hyrule, a tactics RPG pitch for the Nintendo DS in 2004 inspired by Final Fantasy Tactics, featured strategic battles with Zelda characters and a storyline tied to Ganon's spellbook, but Nintendo rejected it before full development, redirecting Retro to other projects. In the mid-2010s, Retro Studios' diversification efforts led to further cancellations as the studio grappled with underperformance and reallocation to high-priority titles. Star Fox Armada, an internal pitch for the around 2015, envisioned a bounty-hunting adventure with puppet-like visuals, online multiplayer invasions, and resource management across the Lylat system, but it was shelved due to Nintendo's focus on with and Retro's commitments to . More recently, Harmony emerged as a canceled Nintendo-published title for the Switch, initially developed during the Wii U era and continuing into pre-2020 prototypes as an RPG incorporating music mechanics and turn-based elements. The project, featuring a female protagonist influencing environments through harmony-based abilities, was abandoned amid technical challenges and Nintendo's emphasis on Metroid Prime 4, with multiple debug builds dated to 2017 leaking in April 2025 via a Switch devkit, revealing early levels and cutscenes. Across these projects, common cancellation factors included Nintendo's strategic pivots toward flagship series like Metroid Prime, platform transitions, and the need to overcome development hurdles with limited resources.

Technology and innovations

Game engines and tools

Retro Studios developed the MetaForce engine as a custom-built solution for , initiating work in to support early launch titles such as an untitled action-adventure project. The engine was created by a dedicated tools and technology team using and , emphasizing cross-platform flexibility and real-time capabilities, though initial progress was hindered by limited development kits and evolving project scopes. Over time, MetaForce evolved into the Prime Engine, incorporating enhanced lighting and physics systems tailored for first-person exploration, with adaptations completed in approximately six months following Nintendo's 2000 approval of the concept. Known formally as the Retro Universal Design Engine (RUDE), the Prime Engine debuted with in 2002 and has undergone multiple internal iterations across the Metroid Prime series, including versions for the trilogy releases from 2002 to 2007. These iterations supported advanced rendering features such as dynamic shadows cast by beam weapons, enabling real-time environmental interactions and lighting effects integrated directly into gameplay mechanics. Licensed for internal use only, RUDE remains proprietary to Retro Studios, with ongoing updates maintaining its core architecture for seamless asset integration and scripting efficiency. For the Donkey Kong Country series, Retro Studios adapted RUDE into a proprietary 2.5D configuration for titles like Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010) and Tropical Freeze (2014), optimizing it for side-scrolling platforming with multi-layered parallax scrolling to create depth in backgrounds and smooth animation blending for character movements. This adaptation preserved the engine's physics and rendering strengths while prioritizing 2D sprite handling and level streaming for console performance. Following the 's launch in 2017, Retro Studios integrated RUDE with Nintendo's Switch SDK to facilitate cross-generation development, as demonstrated in ports and remasters like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2018) and Metroid Prime Remastered (2023), which run on the engine's latest iteration. As of 2025, RUDE continues to receive updates for compatibility with hardware. Retro Studios' development pipeline relies on in-house tools for asset optimization, including custom exporters from tools like Maya and level editors built into RUDE, which streamline workflows for art, audio, and code integration across projects. These tools focus on reducing processing overhead and ensuring compatibility with Nintendo hardware constraints.

Notable technical achievements

Retro Studios pioneered the adaptation of the Metroid series to a first-person perspective with Metroid Prime (2002), introducing seamless transitions between scanning mechanics and morph ball mode that enhanced immersive exploration in 3D environments. The scan visor allowed players to interact with the world by revealing lore and solving puzzles without breaking immersion, fundamentally influencing first-person adventure game design. Morph ball transitions shifted fluidly from first-person to third-person views, enabling tight navigation through confined spaces while maintaining momentum and player agency. This technical innovation set a benchmark for viewpoint switching in action-adventure titles, balancing exploration and combat without disorientation. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007), Retro Studios integrated Wii Remote pointer aiming, allowing precise control of Samus Aran's arm cannon through intuitive motion gestures, which improved aiming accuracy and accessibility for players transitioning from traditional controllers. Retro Studios contributed to Mario Kart 7 (2011) by handling course design and artwork. Retro Studios revived platforming in Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010) through advanced layered backgrounds and , creating depth illusion reminiscent of SNES-era titles while leveraging Wii's capabilities for modern visual fidelity. Fluid animations for character movements and environmental interactions, such as rolling barrels and dynamic foliage, ensured smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second, blending nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary polish. This technique utilized hand-drawn 2D sprites layered over 3D environments, allowing for richer environmental storytelling without sacrificing performance. For Metroid Prime Remastered (2023), Retro Studios optimized the original title for with enhanced resolutions up to 1080p in docked mode and integrated gyro controls, providing responsive aiming that emulated Wii-era pointer functionality while improving accessibility on hybrid hardware. Visual upgrades included refined lighting, textures, and , boosting performance to a stable without altering core mechanics, thus preserving legacy hardware efficiency on modern systems. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025) features AI companions that assist Samus in exploration and combat on alien worlds like Viewros, as showcased in Nintendo's 2025 trailers (as of November 2025). This expands immersive interactions in the series' sci-fi universe.

References

  1. [1]
    The rocky story of Retro Studios before Metroid Prime - Polygon
    May 29, 2018 · Retro, initially, was developing four games to be launch titles for the then-upcoming GameCube. It had a football game called NFL Retro Football ...
  2. [2]
    About Us | Retro Studios | A Nintendo Game Development Partner
    Founded in 1998, Retro Studios has gained a legacy of producing award-winning titles with its partner and parent, Nintendo. It all started with bringing the ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  3. [3]
    Retro Studios Inc. - MobyGames
    Retro Studios was founded in 1998 by Jeff Spangenberg. Initially, their games were not very successful. This led to many lay offs and many canceled projects.Missing: studio | Show results with:studio
  4. [4]
    https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/metroid-prime-4-beyond-nintendo-switch-2-edition-switch-2/
  5. [5]
    A look into Retro Studios' early turbulent history - Nintendo Everything
    May 29, 2018 · Eventually, Nintendo bought out Spangenberg's majority stake in the company. That's when Steve Barcia, Retro's vice president of product and ...
  6. [6]
    Retro Studios Bought Out - IGN
    No readable text found in the HTML.<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Rebooting Samus: The relationship between East and West in game ...
    Oct 28, 2012 · Reviving Metroid. Retro Studios started in 1998, out of the ashes of Iguana Entertainment (makers of the successful but “meh” Turok ...Reviving Metroid · East And West Are Raging... · The Decision To Go...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    A Retrospective: The Story of Retro Studios - IGN
    Dec 17, 2004 · On October 1, 1998, long-time videogame veteran Jeff Spangenberg took the first step in an epic journey toward the formation of a company that ...
  9. [9]
    MIGS 2007: Retro Studios On The Journey Of Metroid Prime
    Nov 26, 2007 · “We started in 1999 with about, at the apex of Retro Studios, about 120 employees. By 2000, we were working on four projects -- that's a ...
  10. [10]
    Retro Studios moves to a bigger office - Nintendo Everything
    Oct 14, 2012 · At one point or another, Retro moved to 12345 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX. Below is a look at the area: There's no question that the move ...
  11. [11]
    Retro Studios: Revenue, Competitors, Alternatives - Growjo
    Retro Studios's estimated revenue per employee is $222,200. Employee Data. Retro Studios has 228 Employees.(i); Retro Studios grew their employee count by 7% ...
  12. [12]
    Retro Regroups - IGN
    No readable text found in the HTML.<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/16/retro-regroups
  14. [14]
    IGN Presents The History of Metroid
    Aug 15, 2008 · Retro Studio had ceded Hunters' development to NST for good reason. ... Retro Studios has gone quiet in the year since Metroid Prime 3's release.
  15. [15]
    Retro Appoints New President - IGN
    Kelbaugh joins the firm from Nintendo of America, where for the last 15 years he has held the position of director of business development.
  16. [16]
    News: New Retro Studios President | N-Europe.com
    Apr 11, 2003 · REDMOND, Wash., April 11, 2003 - Nintendo today announces it has named Michael Kelbaugh as the new president of Retro Studios, Inc. Based in ...
  17. [17]
    Iwata Asks - Donkey Kong Country Returns - Page 1 - Nintendo
    It's difficult to fully translate goen into English, but Retro Studios decided on the translation "fate" and made "F8" the development code for Donkey Kong ...
  18. [18]
    GDC 2011: Retro Studios - Donkey Kong: Swinging Across Oceans
    Mar 7, 2011 · The panel began with the story of how Donkey Kong Country Returns made its way to the studio in Austin, Texas. While Donkey Kong Country ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  19. [19]
    Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns Is a Barrel of Monkey Delights
    Nov 22, 2010 · Donkey Kong Country Returns is the best 2-D platform game I've played in ages. Its level design meets the gold standard set by the 2-D Mario games.
  20. [20]
    https://www.wired.com/2010/11/donkey-kong-country-returns-review/
  21. [21]
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Guide and Walkthrough
    Rating 83% (77) Apr 11, 2014 · Quick Swim: Press A or B as Donkey to get a quick boost forward while swimming. Rocket Boost (Diddy only): Press A or B as Diddy, or while ...
  22. [22]
    DKC Tropical Freeze breaks 4M units sold (Switch + WiiU) | ResetEra
    Jan 31, 2019 · Switch: 2.08M (Source - requires download of PDF!) WIIU: 1.98M So a total of 4M for the game, a nice amount in the end in my opinion!
  23. [23]
    Volume 1: Joint Development with Retro Studios - Page 1 - Iwata Asks
    Retro Studios, Inc.: A game development company in Austin, Texas, America. It was established in 1998 and has been involved in the development of games such ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  24. [24]
    Retro Studios loses key personnel - GamesIndustry.biz
    Apr 24, 2008 · Three key staff members have left Retro Studios, the makers of the Metroid Prime series. Design director Mark Pacini, engineer Jack Mathews, ...
  25. [25]
    Retro Studios - LinkedIn
    12345 North Lamar Blvd. Suite 300. Austin, Texas 78753, US. Get directions. Employees at Retro Studios.
  26. [26]
    Donkey Kong Country Returns – review | Arcade games
    Dec 4, 2010 · Donkey Kong Country Returns challenges the player with the apparently simple task of moving from A to B by traversing a two-dimensional plain generously ...
  27. [27]
    30 Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games To Look Forward To In 2025
    Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Retro Studios. Release Date: 4th Dec 2025 ( USA ) / 4th Dec 2025 ( UK/EU ). Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Screenshot 1 of 10 ...
  28. [28]
    Games | Retro Studios | A Nintendo Game Development Partner
    With revamped graphics, sound, unlockable art, and updated control schemes, Samus' 3D platforming debut has reached greater heights. Calm and capable, Samus ...Missing: funding Tiger Management<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Retro Studios Information - RocketReach
    Retro Studios is Headquartered in beautiful Austin, Texas. With rolling ... Address, 12345 North Lamar Blvd. Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78753, US. Phone ...
  30. [30]
    Iron Galaxy Studios Assisted with Metroid Prime Remastered ...
    Feb 9, 2023 · It appears that Nintendo and Retro Studios had some help to bring out Metroid Prime Remastered, most notably from Iron Galaxy Studios.
  31. [31]
    Multiple Studios Worked on Metroid Prime Remastered - Game Rant
    Feb 10, 2023 · While Retro Studio was the primary developer of Metroid Prime Remastered it has been revealed that multiple studios worked on the new version of the game.
  32. [32]
    Metroid Prime 4 development restarts under Retro Studios - CNET
    Jun 7, 2018 · The developer behind the previous three Metroid Prime games is taking over the Nintendo Switch sequel.
  33. [33]
    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Gets A Release Date, Open World ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally got a launch date, folks! It'll be hitting the Switch and Switch 2 on 4th December, 2025.<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/09/metroid-prime-4-beyond-finally-gets-a-release-date-open-world-confirmed
  35. [35]
    Unreleased Nintendo games allegedly leak online, including Ridge ...
    Apr 7, 2025 · Further development footage of a game prototype developed by Retro Studios, titled 'Harmony', has also appeared online. The footage shows a ...
  36. [36]
    Cancelled Nintendo Switch games leaked online with footage of ...
    Apr 11, 2025 · Development kit leak reveals footage of cancelled Nintendo Switch games, including scrapped Retro Studios game and Ridge Racer.
  37. [37]
    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Has a Release Date, While Samus ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · In This Article. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond · Retro Dec 4, 2025. ESRB: Teen. Nintendo Switch. Wishlist. Related Guides.
  38. [38]
    Metroid Prime Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 97% (70) Metroid prime is the 2002 game of the year here at the golden gamepad and the best 3d Metroidvania of all time. Feel of the game, the innovation, the length, ...Metroid Prime Remastered · Critic Reviews · User Reviews · Full Credits & Details
  39. [39]
    Metroid Prime™ Remastered for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Official Site
    ### Summary of Metroid Prime Remastered
  40. [40]
    Donkey Kong Country Returns Reviews - Metacritic
    One of the best 2D platforms game in the last years.Varied game, full of possibilities and long. Donkey Kong Country Returns has a polished gameplay and ...
  41. [41]
    Metroid for Series - Sales, Wiki, Release Dates, Review ... - VGChartz
    Metroid - 2.73 million; Metroid II: Return of Samus - 1.72 million; Super Metroid - 1.42 million; Metroid Fusion - 1.60 million; Metroid Prime - 2.84 million ...
  42. [42]
    Volume 1: Joint Development with Retro Studios - Page 4 - Iwata Asks
    We've finally finished Mario Kart 7. I think we came very close to perfecting this one through the collaboration between EAD and Retro Studios. Although ...Missing: contributions | Show results with:contributions
  43. [43]
    Volume 1: Joint Development with Retro Studios - Page 3 - Iwata Asks
    We started with the task of making it so that characters of various builds could all ride in the same kart. In addition, this game has a new "flying" ...
  44. [44]
    Action Adventure (Retro Studios) [GameCube - Cancelled] - Unseen64
    Apr 8, 2008 · At 18:43 this new DYKG video covers MetaForce aka Action Adventure. It details characters, plotlines, level designs, and footage. https://youtu.
  45. [45]
    NFL Retro Football - IGN
    NFL Retro Football, or just "NFL 2002", was one of several early projects at Retro Studios for the Nintendo Gamecube.
  46. [46]
    Retro Studios Football [GameCube - Tech Demo / Cancelled]
    Apr 8, 2008 · A cancelled sports game by Retro Studios, the developers responsible for the Metroid Prime series. It was being developed for Nintendo Gamecube from 1998-2000.
  47. [47]
    Retro Car Combat [Thunder Rally] - IGN
    Thunder Rally was a planned car battling game with online and splitscreen multiplayer, but it was never released.
  48. [48]
    Thunder Rally Car Battle [GC Retrostudios - Cancelled] - Unseen64
    Apr 8, 2008 · Thunder Rally, aslo know as “Car Battle” or “Car Combat”, was going to be a.. car combat game, similar to Twisted Metal and Vigilante 8.
  49. [49]
    Prerelease:Metroid Prime - The Cutting Room Floor
    February 15 - Retro Studios cancels two of their projects and lays off over 20 people to focus on Raven Blade, their RPG project, and Metroid Prime. May 17 - ...Development Timeline · Ice Boss
  50. [50]
    Former Retro Employees Speak Out About the Cancelled Sheikah ...
    Sep 4, 2022 · Between 2005 to 2008, Retro had begun work on a Zelda project for the Wii. The story concept was a game set after Ocarina of Time, on the ...
  51. [51]
    Here's A Canceled Zelda Tactics Game You Probably Don't Know ...
    Oct 4, 2022 · Metroid Prime maker Retro Studios pitched a tactics RPG in 2004 that was unfortunately shot down by Nintendo.
  52. [52]
    More Details On Rejected Zelda Game 'Heroes Of Hyrule' Revealed
    Oct 3, 2022 · Of course, Heroes of Hyrule never materialised, with Nintendo rejecting the pitch before any kind of gameplay prototype could be completed, ...
  53. [53]
    Unreleased Wii U game Star Fox Armada would have ... - Eurogamer
    Feb 6, 2023 · New details have emerged on the Retro Studios pitch Star Fox Armada for the Wii U, which was sadly never developed.
  54. [54]
    Star Fox Armada revealed: cancelled Retro Studios pitch for Wii U
    Feb 5, 2023 · New information has been revealed about Star Fox Armada, an internal Retro Studios pitch that would have launched on Wii U.
  55. [55]
    First Look At Metroid Prime Developer's Cancelled Music RPG ...
    Apr 7, 2025 · Several games were leaked from a Switch dev build earlier today, including an unreleased Retro Studios game called Project Harmony.
  56. [56]
    Numerous Nintendo Switch prototype games leaked online - GBAtemp
    Apr 7, 2025 · 3 builds of Harmony, an unreleased Nintendo-published RPG with music mechanics developed by Retro Studios; An unreleased Lego game titled Lego ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  57. [57]
    Retro Studios prototype Project Harmony has leaked - Shinesparkers
    Apr 7, 2025 · Project Harmony is apparently what Retro Studios was working on in the intervening years between Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Metroid Prime 4: ...
  58. [58]
    Metroid Prime Dev's Cancelled 3D Platformer 'Harmony' Streamed ...
    May 12, 2025 · The project was a disaster, so it was rebooted and handled to Retro Studios in 2019. Donkey Kong Coutry Tropical Freeze(2014) was the last game ...
  59. [59]
    Retro Studios once canned a Portal-esque game because Nintendo ...
    Nov 6, 2023 · Retro was given three months to make progress on the game by Nintendo, but it was ultimately canned. In fact, it was one of a number of games ...
  60. [60]
    Metroid Prime Remastered runs on the latest version Retro's ...
    Feb 9, 2023 · Metroid Prime Remastered is running on the latest version of that same RUDE engine. This means that Metroid Prime Remastered isn't emulated or using Unreal ...
  61. [61]
    On Beam Lighting's Removal From Metroid Prime Remastered
    Jun 21, 2023 · One of the coolest graphic effects from the original Metroid Prime was dynamic lighting from some of your weapons.Missing: RUDE engine
  62. [62]
    https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/05/metroid-prime-devs-cancelled-3d-platformer-harmony-streamed-online-for-more-than-four-hours
  63. [63]
    Metroid Prime And Donkey Kong Country Returns Used The Same ...
    Jan 13, 2014 · While you may not have guessed it, the Metroid Prime games and Donkey Kong Country Returns were both developed using the same engine.
  64. [64]
    Ex-Retro Studios Devs Laud Metroid Prime's Camera System
    May 11, 2022 · A group of ex-Retro Studios developers spoke about the late Mark Haigh-Hutchinson, a LucasArts alumni who was in charge of the camera system for the Metroid ...
  65. [65]
    Metroid Prime's scan visor changed the way we thought about first ...
    Oct 24, 2025 · By scanning certain surfaces, Samus unlocks scattered pieces of backstory that explain what happened on Tallon IV, the planet she's exploring.
  66. [66]
    Morph ball – Metroid Prime - Super Chart Island
    Apr 16, 2021 · From there, it seems, came the technical know-how to craft Metroid Prime's combat, smooth movement and impressive 3D visuals. But Retro were not ...
  67. [67]
    The Best Retro Studios Video Games - TheGamer
    Nov 16, 2024 · 6 Mario Kart 7 · 5 Metroid Prime 2: Echoes · 4 Donkey Kong Country Returns · 3 Metroid Prime 3: Corruption · 2 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.<|control11|><|separator|>
  68. [68]
    Retro Studios outlines some of their duties in the classic Mario Kart 7
    May 16, 2022 · The team at Retro Studios were initially tasked by Nintendo to help polish up the game so that it was ready to launch. However, Mr. Anderson ...
  69. [69]
    Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review - NoobFeed
    Rating 65% · Review by Adiba ManhaJun 1, 2025 · Donkey Kong Country Returns was Retro Studios' first non-Metroid ... layered look, giving the illusion of 3D depth via parallax scrolling.
  70. [70]
    Donkey Kong Country Returns review « Video Games Daily
    Donkey Kong's leap into the polygonal era has brought more than just some fancy animations and a clean new look – it replaces the original games' copious layers ...Missing: fluid | Show results with:fluid
  71. [71]
    Metroid Prime Remastered also has Wii-style pointer controls
    Feb 9, 2023 · “Pointer,” based on the Wii release, works similarly to the dual-stick mode but uses gyro controls on the right Joy-con for aiming, with fire on ...
  72. [72]
    I'm Begging You To Play Metroid Prime Remastered With Motion ...
    Feb 10, 2023 · You rotate when you turn the stick left and right and you have to hold down on the left trigger to strafe. You also had to stand still when you ...Missing: Mario Kart kart
  73. [73]
    Metroid Prime™ 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 - Best Buy
    In stock Returns until Jan 14Join up with a friend for two-player local co-op, and you can spread out to cover more ground as the war unfolds—or stick together and combine your powers to ...
  74. [74]
    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date finally confirmed by Nintendo ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · Players can also team up with a friend in two-player local co-op via split ... AI gamble might be too late to tempt users back to Apple ...
  75. [75]
    https://www.techradar.com/gaming/metroid-prime-4-beyond-release-date-finally-confirmed-by-nintendo-along-with-hyrule-warriors-age-of-imprisonment-and-theyre-both-arriving-sooner-than-you-think