Top 5 Most Respected Video Game Developers

Naughty Dog has been around since 1984, and they have been creating some of the most consistent and enjoyable video games ever since. The company saw some success as Jam Software, with games like “Dream Zone” and “Ski Crazed” for the Apple II. However, they garnered acclaim and worldwide recognition with “Crash Bandicoot” in 1996 and have been going strong since, with stellar titles like the “Jak and Daxter” and “Uncharted” series’ and “The Last of Us.” Naughty Dog’s games are always revolutionary, complete with outstanding graphics, fresh gameplay mechanics, and well-written stories. They haven’t let their fans down yet, and we doubt they ever will.

CD Projekt RED is a relatively new company in the world of game development. However, they have been releasing stellar games since their debut in 2007. They’ve also been growing a devoted fanbase due to their games’ consistent quality and their consumer-friendly business practices. All three of their “Witcher” games have been excellent, particularly “Wild Hunt,” which is often considered to be one of the greatest RPGs ever. Their focus on creative endeavors, rather than seeking financial gain, has also garnered appreciation from their fanbase, as has their opposition to DRM and the free DLC that they release to players. This is a company for the gamers rather than the corporations.

While Rockstar has lost some respect recently due to their focus on “GTA’s” online component, there’s no denying that they have released some of the most important video games of all time, and have garnered huge amounts of respect along the way. The company began as DMA Design, and it was with this name that they created the first three GTA games. Since then, they have released every major release in the “Grand Theft Auto” series, along with “Manhunt,” another important Rockstar title. While their resume isn’t exactly full of variety, the GTA games alone are important and respected enough to secure them a spot on this list.

Blizzard Entertainment started small, as they only focused on ports and developing little games like “Rock n’ Roll Racing” and “The Lost Vikings.” However, it was with the release of 1994’s “Warcraft: Orcs & Humans” that their name was put on the map, and they’ve been riding high ever since. Blizzard has repeatedly changed the landscape of multiplayer gaming, as all their major releases, including “World of Warcraft,” “StarCraft,” “Diablo,” and “Overwatch,” have enjoyed enormous amounts of success and acclaim among the gaming community. While many companies hope to create the next big multiplayer experience, few developers have had consistent success like Blizzard.

As great as the other companies on this list are, there’s simply no competing with the sheer creative powerhouse that was Nintendo EAD in its heyday. This is the company behind the biggest and most popular video game characters of all time, and many of their titles have changed gaming forever, including “Ocarina of Time,” “Super Mario 64,” and “Star Fox 64.” Their reputation isn’t exclusive to old games, either: more modern titles like “Super Mario Galaxy 2” and “Skyward Sword” have received immense amounts of critical acclaim. Their games and creations are known and enjoyed throughout the world, and they are undoubtedly the most influential development company of all time.