Retro-Bit apologizes after uncredited fan translations were discovered in its games

Retro-Bit has apologized for releasing a number of 16-bit games with uncredited fan translations.

After fans slammed the firm for using uncredited translations in at least four SNES and Mega Drive / Genesis re-releases that were hitherto only available in Japan, Retro-Bit admitted it had "let its guard down." It called the incident an "irresponsible oversight on our end," promising to "reach those whose work was not recognized to offer a means of resolution."

The company said it had previously worked with a number of translators and programmers for prior releases, but their usual contractors were not available due to scheduling conflicts.

It then blamed its latest translator for submitting "to a lesser or higher degree, uncredited work."

"We’ve always had a successful understanding of our shared responsibilities with our collaborators and unfortunately in this instance, we let our guard down," Retro-Bit told VGC in a statement.

“This was an irresponsible oversight on our end and we take full accountability for this outcome and not verifying the submitted translation. To amend this situation, we will set out to reach those whose work was not recognized to offer a means of resolution.”

The team added that it was now delaying upcoming releases in a bid to safeguard its localization processes and avoid this happening again.

“One of the most rewarding parts of doing these re-releases is collaborating with many talented members of the retro gaming community while being able to support the original developers," the statement concluded.

"Our intent was never to take advantage of that relationship and we apologize for disappointing our fans. We deeply value the retro gaming community and appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we improve our processes."