The video game industry is an attractive one that offers promising opportunities to those with strong technical knowledge and an appreciation of gaming systems.
Though game development can be long and labor-intensive, its rewards make it worthwhile for those passionate about it.
With so many talented game developers out there putting in hard work to craft amazing games, choosing just one can be difficult. TechSpot has put together this list of the top ten game developers of all time as a helpful way to do just that.
1. Naughty Dog
Naughty Dog is a U.S. video game developer best known for their Crash Bandicoot series and associated series like Jak and Daxter as well as Uncharted trilogy.
Naughty Dog was established by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin in 1984 under its original name of Jam Software, initially creating Math Jam for Apple II computers and Ski Crazed for Macintoshes as its flagship games.
Naughty Dog’s first console release was Rings of Power for Sega Genesis in 1991 – an isometric RPG which marked their entry into mainstream gaming markets.
Keef the Thief for Apple IIGS, Commodore Amiga and MS-DOS was among their more notable titles; additionally they created Way of the Warrior on 3DO for gamers to experience their popular franchises.
Naughty Dog was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2001 and became well known for their PlayStation franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter.
2. Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment is an award-winning video game developer and publisher best known for their Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo and Overwatch franchises. Blizzard has amassed an extensive fan base that attends annual gaming conventions to meet their favorite characters and experience new games first hand.
They have won multiple awards and accolades, including being recognized by Guinness World Record as the most successful online video game developer of all time. Renowned for creating high-quality graphics in immersive environments.
Although Blizzard is best-known for their Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises, they also have many other newer games in development – one being Odyssey, a survival game.
Windows Central’s Jez Corden has reported that a game produced by this studio will be an exclusive Xbox console title and feature cartoony, Overwatch-inspired graphics.
Recently, Blizzard Entertainment Studios has been embroiled in controversy regarding their workplace culture. This has led to several lawsuits and the departure of various developers; although steps have been taken by management to address this problem, more work needs to be done towards creating a safe and inclusive workplace environment for women at Blizzard.
3. CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red is the Polish video game developer responsible for The Witcher based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. Their success can be attributed to creating captivating narratives with significant choices and consequences that feature relatable characters that gamers can connect with.
Studio has recently made headlines by expanding The Witcher universe and announcing a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, while working on an original IP called Hadar and in search of a Boston studio to develop it.
CD Projekt Red is engaging in activity to regain its reputation after Cyberpunk 2077’s uneven launch, which caused its share price to suffer. Future plans include releasing three more Witcher games as a trilogy and developing its first original IP for that studio.
4. Square Enix
Square Enix is one of the world’s leading video game companies, offering an incredible variety of titles for every taste imaginable. Additionally, they’ve become famous for creating popular franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest that remain timeless hits today.
They have won multiple awards and even been recognized by Guinness World Records. At present, they’re working on various projects from Octopath Traveler II to Bravely Default.
Their merchandising division offers merchandise to complement their franchises, and has some truly amazing products available! Choose from action figures to jewelry trinkets inspired by their games – perfect souvenirs from any adventure you might take!
Square Enix also offers various console-based games, such as Final Fantasy XIV. This MMO boasts numerous trophies for players to collect!