Video gaming has been a major player in the entertainment industry for decades, providing fun for both children and adults. Advances in technology have greatly improved the realism and immersion of the gaming experience, with pixelated graphics and limited audio becoming a thing of the past. With the advent of virtual reality, players can now fully immerse themselves in the virtual world.
According to PwC, the gaming industry is projected to be worth $321 billion by 2026, and the number of players is set to reach 3.2 billion. The COVID-19 lockdowns have contributed to an increase in the number of players and the gaming industry is now bigger than the movie and music industries combined.
The gaming industry has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, and there are several reasons for this phenomenon:
- One of the main drivers of this growth is the constant advancement in technology, AI, and graphics. This has enabled game developers to create incredibly detailed and realistic virtual worlds that were previously impossible.
- The accessibility of mobile and online gaming has also played a significant role in the industry’s growth. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and PCs, developers can now create apps that look as good on mobile devices as they do on consoles, making gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
- The popularity of platforms like YouTube and Twitch has also had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Streamers and influencers can now broadcast their gaming live, showcase new games, and connect with fans in a way that was previously impossible. This increased viewership has been beneficial for game publishers and developers, as they can use streamers to reach a larger audience than ever before.
- Another important factor that has contributed to the growth of the gaming industry is the fact that it is an entertainment medium that appeals to people of all ages, races, genders, and interests. The ability to explore virtual worlds, engage in online competition, or just play with friends from around the globe has made gaming a common leisure activity for many people.
The popularity of the gaming industry has also led to an explosion in the number of game development companies. Despite the increasing complexity of video game development, many people are still interested in working and excelling in this industry.
While new gaming companies are emerging every week, some of the best and most well-known companies in the industry include:
1. Microsoft Corporation
Country: USA
Microsoft Corporation is the largest technology company in the world and has recently become the largest gaming company as well. Founded by Bill Gates in 1975, Microsoft introduced its gaming console, Xbox, in 2001. The company develops games through its Xbox Games Studios division and employs over 10,000 people across various countries. Despite not being as old as some of its competitors, Microsoft has made significant contributions to the gaming industry.
The most popular games include:
- Minecraft;
- Halo;
- Forza Motorsport;
- Gears of War;
- Fallout.
2. NetEase, Inc.
Country: China
NetEase, Inc. operates an online platform with a wide variety of games that allows users to livestream their gaming experience. Founded in 1997, the company’s founder, William Ding, transitioned into the PC gaming industry after the dot-com bubble burst. NetEase’s first two big hits were turn-based, online role-playing games centered on the Monkey King, a legendary figure in Chinese culture. These games were exclusively Chinese in a market dominated by South Korean imports.
The most popular games include:
- Fantasy Westward Journey;
- Onmyoji;
- Knives Out;
- LifeAfter;
- Rules of Survival.
3. Tencent Holdings Limited
Country: China
Tencent Holdings Limited is one of the top game production companies and has one of the highest gaming revenues in the industry. They create games for both PCs and mobile devices, with mobile games being their main source of income. They are known for offering a wide variety of free mobile games and have also developed IT services such as WeChat, a popular messaging app in China.
The most popular games include:
- PUBG Mobile;
- League of Legends;
- Call of Duty: Mobile;
- Clash of Clans;
- Clash Royale.
4. Sony Group Corporation
Country: Japan
Sony Group Corporation develops both video games and consoles. The PlayStation consoles are among the most popular gaming devices in history. Sony’s gaming division was launched in 1993 by Ken Kutaragi, who had previously worked for Nintendo. Sony now provides games for a variety of platforms including the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PSP, PS2, and PS1.
The most popular games products include:
- God of War;
- Uncharted;
- The Last of Us;
- Spider-Man series;
- Horizon Zero Dawn.
5. Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Country: Japan
Nintendo Co., Ltd is a well-known game development company with a history of 150 years. Initially, the company created handmade hanafuda playing cards. Their first arcade game, Donkey Kong, was published in 1981 and led to the company’s quick success and popularity among American children. Before creating console games for home use in the 1990s, Nintendo continued to create arcade games. It offers the best handheld gaming consoles for a variety of games.
The most popular games and include:
- Super Mario Bros.;
- Tetris;
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild;
- Mario Kart;
- Super Smash Bros.
6. Sea Limited
Country: Singapore
Sea Limited values creating a strong community and the influence of esports. It uses a freemium monetization strategy for its games, which include self-developed games and games licensed from third-party developers. Its games cover a variety of genres, including massively multiplayer online role-playing games, action role-playing games, multiplayer online battle arenas, and battle royale games.
The most popular games include:
- Garena Free Fire;
- Garena AOV (Arena of Valor);
- Garena Speed Drifters;
- Garena Contra: Return.
7. BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.
Сountry: Japan
BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. is the result of the merger of two companies, Bandai and Namco. The company also creates toys, trading cards, and other items in addition to video games and anime. It has chosen to maintain its Japanese traits and continues to provide experiences that cover both Western and Eastern gaming philosophies. It is the leading publisher of anime-themed video games.
The most popular games include:
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot;
- Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4;
- Tekken 7;
- Soulcalibur VI;
- Little Nightmares;
- Pac-Man.
8. Activision Blizzard, Inc.
Country: USA
Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a company known for creating multiplayer online role-playing games, as well as other genres like first-person shooters (Overwatch) and digital collectible card games. They are known for their April Fools’ Day practical jokes and for awarding service with steins, shields, swords, and helms.
The most popular games include:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare;
- World of Warcraft;
- Overwatch;
- Call of Duty: Warzone;
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War;
- Diablo III;
- Candy Crush.
9. Electronic Arts Inc.
Country: USA
Electronic Arts Inc. is a gaming company known for publishing popular franchises such as sports and life simulation games. The company’s Mobile subsidiary is known for creating hit games that can be played on mobile devices.
The most popular games include:
- FIFA;
- Madden NFL;
- The Sims;
- Battlefield;
- Apex Legends;
- Star Wars: Battlefront II.
10. Epic Games, Inc.
Country: USA
Epic Games, Inc. is a software and video game production business established in 1991. The company is known for developing the Unreal Engine, a tool that allows users to develop additions to games without boundaries. The platform is referred to by the firm as “the most open and sophisticated real-time 3D creation tool”.
The most popular games include:
- Fortnite;
- Unreal Tournament;
- Gears of War;
- Infinity Blade;
- Shadow Complex.
11. Nexon Co. Ltd.
Country: Japan
Nexon Co. Ltd. is a company that creates, develops, and manages online games and virtual worlds. With a user base of more than 1.4 billion gamers, Nexon currently publishes 50 or so live games in over 190 countries.
The most popular games include:
- MapleStory;
- MapleStory 2;
- Dungeon Fighter Online;
- Counter-Strike Online.
12. CyberAgent, Inc.
Country: Japan
CyberAgent, Inc. is a company that offers smartphone games. The company made its gaming debut in 2009 and actively creates and executes games in a variety of genres while collaborating with one another to improve operational capabilities and offer long-lasting games.
The most popular games include:
- GRANBLUE FANTASY;
- Umamusume: Pretty Derby;
- PRINCESS CONNECT! Re:Dive.
13. 37 Interactive Entertainment
Country: China
37 Interactive Entertainment is a leading game publisher and developer that also promotes Chinese culture. They concentrate on the creation and distribution of games for mobile, web, and HTML5.
The most popular games include:
- MU: The Archangel;
- Fusion War.
14. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Country: USA
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a seasoned gaming company and one of the most well-known names in the industry. The company’s two divisions, Rockstar Games and 2K, have produced some well-known cultural icons such as Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K.
The most popular games include:
- Grand theft Auto;
- Red Dead redemption;
- NBA 2K;
- Civilization.
15. Roblox Corporation
Country: USA
Roblox Corporation is a company founded in 2004, went public on March 10. The company places equal emphasis on providing an immersive social experience as it does on entertainment.
The most popular games include:
- Roblox;
- Royale High;
- MeepCity;
- Murder Mystery 2;
- Brookhaven.
16. NCSoft Corporation
Country: South Korea
NCSoft Corporation is a company that has been a mainstay in the video game business for over 20 years, producing blockbusters from enduring properties.
The most popular games include:
- Guild Wars 2;
- Lineage II;
- Blade & Soul;
- WildStar;
- Aion: The Tower of Eternity.
17. Ubisoft
Country: France
Ubisoft is one of the most well-known makers of online games. Established in 1986, Ubisoft has evolved from modest beginnings after the 1995 debut of the Rayman game to become one of the most well-known tech companies in the French market.
The most popular games include:
- Assassin’s Creed series;
- Far Cry series;
- Just Dance series;
- Watch Dogs series;
- The Division.
18. Capcom Co., Ltd.
Country: Japan
Capcom Co., Ltd. is a video game developer and publisher that was founded in 1983. It has since expanded globally, with branches and subsidiaries in North America, Europe, and East Asia. The company’s name, “Capcom,” is derived from the term “Capsule Computer,” which was used to describe the arcade games it produced in its early years, to distinguish them from the growing popularity of personal computers at the time.
The most popular games include:
- Resident Evil series;
- Monster Hunter series;
- Street Fighter series;
- Mega Man series;
- Devil May Cry series.
19. Krafton Inc.
Country: South Korea
Krafton Inc. is a video game holding company that was established in 2007 and is based in Bundang-gu, Seongnam. The company rose to fame with the success of PUBG, but it is also known for its industry leadership in video game development and innovative initiatives, such as its collaboration with NAVER Z to develop an NFT Metaverse platform.
The most popular games include:
- PUBG;
- Elyon;
- New State;
- Tera.
20. Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
Country: Japan
Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded video game developer and publisher that was founded in May 1979. The company is known for its role-playing game franchises and has a strong focus on the video game industry.
The most popular games include:
- Final Fantasy series;
- Kingdom Hearts series;
- Dragon Quest series;
- Tomb Raider series;
- Just Cause series;
- Deus Ex series.
Conclusion
While this list includes a number of notable video game developers, it is by no means exhaustive. The video game industry continues to grow and evolve, with new and experienced developers creating a wide range of games, from casual smartphone games to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Keeping an eye on trends in the gaming industry is important, as it will continue to shape the future of entertainment.
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