Gaming companies are responsible for creating the hardware and titles that define how billions of people interact with digital media.
Video game developers like Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and Tencent have grown the global gaming industry into a cultural and economic powerhouse, with revenues now surpassing the combined totals of the film and music industries — and set to reach nearly $300 billion by 2029.
Top Video Game Companies
- Microsoft
- Tencent
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- NetEase Games
- Nintendo
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Roblox
- Take-Two Interactive
- Nexon
- Konami
To get an idea of the names defining the gaming industry and its rapid growth, check out these gaming companies below.
Gaming Companies to Know
Founded: 1969
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Konami is a Japanese entertainment company recognized for developing video game franchises such as Metal Gear, Silent Hill and eFootball, as well as publishing the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Beyond traditional gaming, Konami is a major manufacturer of casino machines and management systems, and it operates a large network of health and fitness clubs throughout Japan.
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Karlstad, Sweden
Embracer Group is a global parent company that operates an ecosystem of creative and entrepreneurial businesses within the PC, console, mobile and board game industries. The group functions as a decentralized holding company for several subsidiaries — such as THQ Nordic, PLAION and Dark Horse — managing a catalog of over 900 owned or controlled franchises including The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider. Through its network of more than 100 internal studios, Embracer Group actively brings its intellectual property into films, comics and other entertainment media.
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Two decades in, Santa Monica Studio still looks like a visionary. Cases in point: the God of War series, which has earned hundreds of Game of the Year awards; and the internally produced documentary Raising Kratos, about the tolls of game development.
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: San Mateo, California
Sandbox VR is a tech and gaming company that specializes in bringing consumers immersive experiences. It operates retail stores where customers can test out full-body motion tracking gear, use motion capture cameras and play in “holodecks,” which put groups of users together into immersive social experiences. For example, Sandbox VR’s Squid Game Virtuals experience lets customers compete in games inspired by the popular Netflix series.
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
It’s not a gaming company per se, but few outfits are as inextricable from the gaming landscape as streaming platform Twitch. The go-to broadcasting choice for the esports community and other gamers, the video platform-meets-social community was acquired by Amazon in 2014 and (per the company) attracts more than 10 million monthly visitors.
Founded: 1960
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
SEGA is a global entertainment company that develops, publishes and distributes interactive content across PCs, consoles and mobile devices. SEGA develops franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Yakuza (Like a Dragon) and Total War. Beyond game development, SEGA operates as part of the SEGA SAMMY Group to extend its intellectual property into animation, motion pictures and merchandising.
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Nexon is a South Korean-Japanese video game developer that operates over 80 live games across PC, mobile and console platforms, including franchises such as MapleStory, Dungeon&Fighter and KartRider. The company is considered a global pioneer in interactive entertainment, recognized for popularizing the free-to-play business model and developing one of the world’s first graphic MMORPGs (known as Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds).
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Tencent is a Chinese technology company that has developed an impressive gaming portfolio through its subdivision Tencent Games. Designing games for traditional and mobile formats, Tencent Games has earned its reputation through titles like League of Legends, Honor of Kings and Call of Duty: Mobile. Tencent owns multiple gaming platforms as well, providing users with even more gaming services and casual game options.
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Irvine, California
Launched in 2003 by a team of ex-Black Isle employees, Obsidian Entertainment built its name on a couple of better-than-the-original follow-ups: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2. Meanwhile, the well-known crowdfunding success for Pillars of Eternity revealed that the company is adept at maneuvering the long falls that can be endemic to the quicksilver gaming industry.
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Westminster, Colorado
Deck Nine Games is an independent video game development company that focuses on creating games that feature narrative storytelling. The company’s titles include graphic adventures Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, Life Is Strange: True Colors and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure.
Founded: 1975
Headquarters: Redmond, Washington
Microsoft has built a strong presence in the gaming industry, thanks to its subsidiaries Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media via Bethesda Softworks and Activision Blizzard. Having acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023, Microsoft plans to prioritize improvements in cloud gaming and inclusive gaming experiences through the partnership. And a new gaming homepage makes it easier for Microsoft users to manage and access gaming content.
Founded: 1990
Headquarters: Middleton, Wisconsin
According to its website, Raven Software’s decision to stay rooted in Wisconsin, which isn’t particularly known for its gaming industry, was a conscious choice — one that comes with notable cost-of-living and community perks. As for its game portfolio, highlights include Heretic/Hexen and Soldier of Fortune. It has also notably lent assistance to fellow Activision partners Treyarch and Infinity Ward on Call of Duty entries.
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: San Mateo, California
Roblox is a game and game development platform that seeks to make gaming a collective and connective experience. Users can access 3D tools through the company’s creator hub, creating personalized games based on topics ranging from Wicked to Squid Game. Roblox has also released a new generation of expressive avatars, allowing users to enjoy more in-depth interactions with friends and fellow users.
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Riot Games is a video game developer and publisher best known for League of Legends, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics and Wild Rift. The company has also ventured into multimedia entertainment by creating the animated series Arcane. Additionally, Riot Games is a leader in the esports industry, operating several of the most-watched professional gaming leagues and tournaments across the globe.
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: San Mateo, California
Zynga has produced many of the most popular social mobile games of all time, with titles including Words With Friends, Farmville and Tiny Royale. The company’s games have been played by over 1 billion users, leading to offices opening throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and India.
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Infinity Ward and its marquee series, Call of Duty, remain key revenue generators, now as an Microsoft subsidiary. The company was launched back in 2002 by a 2015, Inc. breakaway team that had previously worked on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault.
Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Frederiksberg, Denmark
SteelSeries sells computer hardware for gaming. Its offerings include controllers, headsets, keyboards, speakers and mice. SteelSeries is an especially well-known name in the esports world, equipping players across the globe with the gear they need to be competitive. The company says it’s working “to help every gamer push the boundaries of awesome and feel like a star.”
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Bandai Namco enshrined itself in gaming lore with the release of Pac-Man in 1980, and it hasn’t looked back since. DRAGON BALL, Naruto, One Piece and Dark Souls are renowned franchises Bandai Namco has added to its collection. The company’s portfolio now spans the anime, fighting, action and role-playing game (RPG) genres, with Elden Ring, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO and TEKKEN 8 highlighting a long list of notable entries.
Founded: 2008
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Iron Galaxy Studios’ portfolio of video games includes more than 60 different titles, with projects that have been available to play on platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus and Nintendo Switch. In addition to developing its own titles, like Rumbleverse, the company has helped other major players in the gaming industry port some of their most popular titles, such as Skyrim and Crash Bandicoot, to newer platforms.
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Rockville, Maryland
Founded in 1986, Bethesda Softworks has become a household name on the strength of pioneering RPG series The Elder Scrolls, which boasts worlds so intricate that they necessitated the creation of a “loremaster” job role. The company has expanded into just about every other genre since then, including sports games, strategy games, shooters and beyond.
Founded: 2000
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Bet365 is an online gambling brand that specializes in in-play sports betting. Founded in 2000, the company supplements its sports offerings with casino, live casino, bingo and poker options for its more than 100 million customers worldwide.
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
NetEase Games is the online games division of NetEase, Inc., serving as a global developer and publisher of titles such as Marvel Rivals, Where Winds Meet, Knives Out and Naraka: Bladepoint. The company develops video games across various genres and platforms, and maintains partnerships with major entertainment brands like Warner Bros. and Mojang AB.
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Co-founded by music industry veterans, IllFonic has grown into a leading indie game developer, making its name on tactical titles like Armored Warfare and horror survival games like Friday the 13th: The Game. The company helps ensure its games are immersive by employing a team of professionals experienced in video games, music and technology.
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
DoubleDown Interactive makes social versions of classic casino games — everything from blackjack and slots to poker and roulette — for social and mobile platforms. The company started out with the launch of a social casino game on Facebook in 2010, and by 2015, was among the top-performing games in the Apple App Store.
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
Founded more than 20 years ago by a pair of former Microsoft employees, Valve catapulted to acclaim and popularity with its very first title, the first-person shooter turning point Half-Life. The company also runs Steam — one of the largest game stores for PC and Mac — and has launched several hardware products, including the Valve Index VR platform and Steam Deck, a popular Linux-based gaming handheld.
Founded: 1982
Headquarters: Redwood City, California
One of the industry’s true powerhouses, EA is proof that quality and quantity need not be mutually exclusive. The EA Sports division is responsible for some of the most iconic sports game franchises, including FIFA, Madden NFL and NBA Live. EA’s classic non-sports series range from The Sims to Medal of Honor, and its Mobile subsidiary does a reliably good job of putting those hits in your pocket.
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company based in Japan, is primarily responsible for managing aspects of the Pokémon brand, its licensing and its marketing in regions outside of Asia. That includes news, updates and additional information for the brand’s many video games, from Pokémon GO on mobile to Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch. The company also handles all aspects of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the brand’s animated television series, its website and more.
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: New York, New York
This veteran gaming company is one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Take-Two Interactive Software’s two divisions, Rockstar Games and 2K, are responsible for some certified cultural phenomena, including the former’s infamous Grand Theft Auto and the latter’s NBA 2K. Blockbuster Red Dead Redemption 2 is emblematic of the company’s rigorous attention to graphic and motion detail.
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Cary, North Carolina
As the monoculture continues to fragment, we may never see another Pac-Man-style capital-P phenomenon, but the long-tail success of Fortnite has come awfully close. Separate from that mammoth success, Epic Games — which dates back well beyond the internet era — is looking toward the future with projects like Unreal Engine, a product development suite that includes hyper-realistic design renderings that also have automotive applications.
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Richardson, Texas
Even the most casual gamers are likely familiar with legacy id titles like Wolfenstein 3D (perhaps the ne plus ultra of RPG), DOOM (which helped usher in the modern multiplayer model) and QUAKE — all of which revolutionized what a PC game could be. The company also pioneered the shareware distribution model.
Founded: 2008
Headquarters: Santa Monica, California
Famous for PC and console franchises like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty and Overwatch, Activision Blizzard is also the company behind the juggernaut synonymous with mobile gaming: Candy Crush. The company was acquired by Microsoft in 2023, joining legendary brands like Rare, id Software and Bethesda Softworks.
Founded: 2000
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington
Famous in the casual games market, PopCap made its mark with the once-ubiquitous tile-matching Bejeweled series — which, according to its makers, once racked up a sale every 4.3 seconds and has sold in excess of 50 million units. After a post-Plants vs. Zombies acquisition by EA, the developer (which began inside a modest Seattle apartment) remains focused on breezy, grab-and-play fun.
Founded: 1979
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Capcom is a global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment, known for creating some of the most long-standing franchises in gaming history, including Resident Evil, Street Fighter and Monster Hunter. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company operates across multiple segments of the gaming industry, from home consoles and PCs to mobile devices and arcade operations.
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Novato, California
2K makes interactive games for mobile, computer and console play. Its 2K Sports division includes titles like the NBA 2K series, while its 2K Play division releases titles like Lego 2K Drive. The company operates a testing lab where users known as “playtesters” can play new and existing games and offer feedback to the development teams.
Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Square Enix is a digital entertainment developer and publisher, best known for its role-playing game franchises such as Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts and Dragon Quest. It creates content across various platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices. Beyond video games, Square Enix also engages in business sectors such as amusement facility operations, manga publishing and licensed merchandise production.
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Warsaw, Poland
CD Projekt Red, part of the CD PROJEKT Group, is a video game development studio known for The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, CD Projekt Red specializes in creating story-driven role-playing games and maintaining a “gamer-first” approach in its development. The company manages multiple international hubs while expanding its brands into transmedia and digital distribution, with titles like The Witcher Netflix show and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: San Mateo, California
Sony Interactive Entertainment is known for operating PlayStation, which has supported major gaming franchises like The Last of Us, Grand Theft Auto and God of War. The company ensures PS products are equipped with adjustable features like text size, audio and color correction for accessibility reasons. In addition, Sony Interactive makes PlayStation Network a safe online space through voice chat reporting, parental controls and other measures.
Founded: 1889
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Nintendo is known both for its games and gaming consoles. With roots dating as far back as the late 1800s, the company first debuted its famous characters Mario and Donkey Kong in the 1980s. There are now thousands of titles users can play on Nintendo Switch, including popular Nintendo-published games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Santa Monica, California
Naughty Dog started in a garage in the late 1980s and eventually grew to become one of the premier American gaming companies, thanks to watershed series like Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter and Uncharted. One of the company’s flagship franchises, The Last of Us, was turned into a prestige drama by HBO.
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
Bungie is the game company best known for creating blockbuster science-fiction franchises Halo and Destiny. Founded in Chicago in 1991, Bungie was acquired by Microsoft in 2000 and blazed new trails for console-based first-person shooters with Halo: Combat Evolved. Bungie became an independent company again in 2007 but continued work on the Halo franchise up to the launch of 2010’s Halo: Reach. The company launched the first game in its current flagship franchise, Destiny, in 2014. Bungie was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2022.
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Paris, France
Founded in the 1980s, Ubisoft is the company behind popular gaming franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rabbids and Just Dance. Ubisoft is one of the world’s largest independent video game publishers, and many of its games are available across platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch. The company’s areas of technological expertise include artificial intelligence and cloud gaming.
Founded: 2009
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Devolver Digital seeks out and shines a light on games from all over the planet, usually ones with a firmly offbeat sensibility. Examples range from a Swedish-made “violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana,” to a turn-based adventure from a scrappy Polish indie about growing and selling weed.
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
SciPlay Corp has a portfolio of free-to-play social casino games. True to the authentic spirit of in-person casino games, SciPlay’s LiveOps provides personalized experiences for users, with in-game events based on their preferences, playing behaviors and evolving demands. The company now boasts 6 million players.
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
PrizePicks is a fantasy sports gaming platform that facilitates bets in real currency. Users bet on real-world athletes and teams from professional leagues like the NBA, NFL and NHL, as well as esports, betting on over/under predictions, individual athlete performance, player stats and totals. Members can place bets with a minimum of $10 deposited into their account.
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Burbank, California
The creative force behind the blockbuster Spider-Man series, Insomniac Games earned its name on PlayStation exclusives like Ratchet & Clank and Spyro the Dragon. Acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019, the studio is currently working on superhero heavy-hitters Marvel’s Wolverine and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Santa Monica, California
Thatgamecompany’s video game offerings — Sky, Journey, Flower and Flow — focus on “meaningful emotional impact” and “human connection.” Over the years, its games have been featured in exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and MoMA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a gaming company do?
A gaming company develops, markets and distributes video games for profit, often gathering user feedback post-release to improve its products. Gaming companies may provide tools and platforms for users to create their own games as well.
What are the biggest gaming companies?
Based on market capitalization, the biggest gaming companies globally are Microsoft, Tencent, Sony, NetEase Games and Nintendo.
What are some examples of companies that create hardware for gaming?
Some of the companies that develop gaming hardware include:
- Nintendo: Developer of the Nintendo Switch console series.
- Microsoft: Developer of the Xbox console series.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment: Developer of the Playstation console series.
- Valve Corporation: Developer of the Steam Deck, Steam Controller and Steam Machine.
- SteelSeries: Sells computer hardware for gaming, such as controllers, headsets, keyboards and mice.
Is the gaming industry bigger than the movie industry?
Yes, the gaming industry is larger than the movie industry, generating roughly $224 billion in 2024 compared to approximately $33 billion for the global box office in 2024. This gap is projected to widen even further, with gaming revenues expected to reach $300 billion by 2029, which would surpass the combined total of both the film and music industries.
What’s the difference between a developer and publisher?
In the gaming industry, a developer is the creative studio that actually builds a video game by writing the code, designing the game and creating the art. A publisher acts as the business partner that handles the marketing, distribution, funding and legal logistics to bring that game to the global market.
