Did Nintendo Buy Retro? Unraveling the Story of Retro Studios
Yes, Nintendo did indeed buy Retro. More precisely, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Company, Ltd. This means that Nintendo has complete ownership and control over Retro Studios. Understanding the history and current status of this relationship is crucial for understanding the landscape of video game development and the impact on iconic franchises like Metroid Prime.
The Genesis of Retro Studios
Retro Studios was founded in 1998 by Jeff Spangenberg in Austin, Texas. Initially, it was intended to be a second-party developer for Nintendo, meaning it would work closely with Nintendo but maintain some level of independence. This arrangement changed over time as Nintendo recognized the immense talent and potential within Retro Studios.
The Acquisition: Retro Becomes First-Party
The transition from second-party to first-party developer was a significant moment. Nintendo’s decision to fully acquire Retro Studios solidified their commitment to the studio’s work and ensured a closer collaborative relationship. This move allowed Nintendo to have greater control over the direction and development of key titles, particularly those aimed at leveraging the capabilities of Nintendo’s consoles. With over 50 employees, Retro Studios is now a crucial part of Nintendo’s development strategy.
Impact on Metroid Prime and Beyond
Retro Studios is perhaps best known for its work on the Metroid Prime series. The studio’s ability to reimagine the classic 2D Metroid franchise into a compelling 3D first-person adventure garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The acquisition by Nintendo directly contributed to the continued investment in and development of this iconic series. Most recently, Retro Studios has been tasked with developing Metroid Prime 4 for the Nintendo Switch.
Current Projects and Future Outlook
While Metroid Prime 4 is currently the most publicized project at Retro Studios, there have been hints and speculation that the studio might be working on additional titles. This dual-project approach could indicate Retro Studio’s expanded role within Nintendo’s development ecosystem. The studio’s location in Austin, Texas, allows it to tap into a diverse talent pool, further enhancing its capabilities. The world of gaming continues to evolve. For deeper insights into the social impact of gaming, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is Retro Studios owned by Nintendo?
Yes, Retro Studios is wholly owned by Nintendo Company, Ltd. They are a first-party developer.
Where is Retro Studios located?
Retro Studios is located in Austin, Texas, USA.
Who is the CEO of Retro Studios?
The current President & CEO of Retro Studios is Michael Kelbaugh.
What games has Retro Studios developed?
Retro Studios is best known for the Metroid Prime series, including Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. They have also worked on Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Is Retro Studios working on Metroid Prime 4?
Yes, Retro Studios is currently developing Metroid Prime 4 for the Nintendo Switch.
When did Nintendo announce Metroid Prime 4?
Nintendo officially announced Metroid Prime 4 in January 2019, when they revealed they were restarting development with Retro Studios at the helm.
What is a first-party developer?
A first-party developer is a studio that is wholly owned by a console manufacturer (like Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft) and primarily develops games exclusively for that manufacturer’s platforms.
Is Retro Studios an American company?
Yes, Retro Studios, Inc. is an American video game developer based in Austin, Texas.
When was Retro Studios founded?
Retro Studios was founded in 1998.
Did Nintendo buy a movie studio?
Yes, Nintendo has purchased Dynamo Pictures, a Tokyo-based CG production studio, which has been renamed Nintendo Pictures.
How many first-party studios does Nintendo own?
Nintendo has a relatively small number of direct subsidiaries or first-party studios, approximately seven companies with multiple production groups, working under the parent company umbrella.
What did Nintendo originally sell?
Nintendo was founded in 1889 and originally produced handmade hanafuda playing cards.
Did Nintendo ever make a deal with Disney?
Yes, in 1958, Nintendo made a deal with Disney to feature Disney characters on Nintendo’s playing cards.
What brand owns Nintendo?
Nintendo of America is wholly owned by its parent company, Nintendo Co., Ltd., in Kyoto, Japan.
Why did Nintendo restart development on Metroid Prime 4?
Nintendo restarted development on Metroid Prime 4 because the initial progress “had not reached the standards we seek in a sequel to the Metroid Prime series,” leading them to entrust the project to Retro Studios.