Gaming is one of the world’s most popular activities, with a market valuation of over $282.3 billion. In 2024, over 3.32 billion people are expected to play games on their computers, consoles, and mobile devices. This got us thinking: who are the best developers out there?
Choosing the best game developers isn’t easy, as there are several variables to consider. To create this list, we focused on two major aspects: market value and game popularity. Learn what made these top-rated game developers become our favorites in 2024.
Push Gaming
Push Gaming is different from other developers on this list. Why? Because it focuses on a niche industry – iGaming. The company is responsible for developing high-quality games with innovative mechanics, such as cluster pays, Hyper Mode, and Race Reels. One of its latest games, Retro Tapes, won the award for Most Watched Slot.
Tencent
Most of Tencent’s games are played by millions of players. Its most popular game, Arena of Valor, has over 100 million daily active players. The company also owns other famous game developers, including Riot Games and approximately 40% of Epic Games. Some of its best games include League of Legends, PUBG, Valorant, and Fortnite.
Activision Blizzard
Activision merged with Blizzard Entertainment in 2008 following a $19 billion deal. In 2023, Microsoft acquired the company for $69 billion, making it the most expensive gaming industry acquisition of all time.
Over the years, Activision Blizzard developed many world-renowned franchises, such as Warcraft, Starcraft, Call of Duty, and Diablo. Some of these are even played at the world’s largest esports events.
Nintendo
Nintendo is the company behind some of the best-selling franchises of all time, such as Mario (763 million copies), Pokémon (380 million copies), and The Legend of Zelda (113 million copies). The Japanese game developer also released various game consoles, such as the Nintendo DS, the Wii, and the Nintendo Switch.
Take-Two Interactive
Take-Two Interactive is an American publisher established in 1993. Its portfolio includes developers like Rockstar Games, 2K Games, and Zynga. Rockstar Games developed the Grand Theft Auto franchise, while 2K Games is responsible for the NBA, WWE, and Mafia franchises. Zynga focuses on mobile games. Penny’s Big Breakaway was its latest release.
Square Enix
Square Enix was founded in 2003 as a merger between Japanese companies Square Co. and Enix Corporation. What put it on the map were its legendary franchises: Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. However, Square Enix also developed other game series, including NieR, Just Cause, and Life is Strange.
Valve Corporation
If you’re into gaming, chances are you’ve heard about the Valve Corporation. The American company created some of the most-watched esports games of 2023, including DOTA 2 and Counter-Strike, plus cult classics like Half-Life and Team Fortress.
Valve also created Steam, the world’s largest and most popular video game distribution platform. The company recently released Counter-Strike 2, the latest iteration of the famous FPS game.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a French game developer that was established in 1986. According to critics, its best franchises were Rayman, Splinter Cell, and Prince of Persia, with an average score of 88, 85, and 84, respectively.
Ubisoft has also released other acclaimed franchises, such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. The company is currently working with Massive Entertainment to release one of the most anticipated titles of 2024 – Star Wars Outlaws.
CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red’s achievements are nothing short of impressive. The Polish company’s games received over 1,300 awards and sold over 80 million copies. Its huge success can be attributed to two main franchises: Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher. The latter even led to the development of a TV series in partnership with Netflix.
