Top 10 richest game developers in the world

Whoever said video games and money don’t go hand in hand must’ve been drinking, as these mega companies have made big bucks by manufacturing...............wait for it............Video Games!! The video game revolution began in 1972 with Pong created by legendary video game developer Atari followed by Pac-Man and Super Mario by Namco and Nintendo respectively in the 1980’s, which helped make game development a serious cash generator. The video game business has shown no sign of slowing down with the onset of the 21st Century. In fact, the industry has actually experienced a boom, with many video game developers submitting turnovers running into billions. Keeping that in mind we’re going to take a look at the top 10 richest game developers in the world.

#1 Sony Computer Entertainment ($13.4 Billion)

No surprised about this one. The makers of the beloved PlayStation series of consoles hold the enviable title of the richest game developer in the world. Needless to say the majority of their profits come from the sales of the PlayStation, but SCE have also created games that have literally flown off the shelves.

SCE are credited with developing series like God of War, Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter, Gran Turismo, The Order: 1886 etc, which have bowled over gamers worldwide. Such profound success has helped Sony Computer Entertainment achieve a valuation of 13.4 billion dollars.

#2 Microsoft Studios ($12.82 Billion)

Microsoft and money have been synonymous with each other ever since the company’s inception in 1975, so it comes as no surprise that it’s entertainment division – Microsoft Studios, the creators of the XBox series of consoles, is one of the most valuable in the world. Most of Microsoft Studios’ revenues are unsurprisingly derived from the sales of its Xbox consoles, but there’s a lot more to them than that.

Microsoft Studios, through its subsidiaries, owns innumerable game franchises like the wildly popular Halo series, Flight Simulator series, Gears of War series etc, which have been received with overwhelming acclaim. Their astounding success has helped them rake in 12.82 billion dollars.

#3 Nintendo ($6.28 Billion)

No list of the richest game developers in the world can be complete without the inclusion of Nintendo. The legendary company has been delivering quality goods since 1889, and its iconic Nintendo Entertainment System is one of the main reasons why we fell in love with video games. The company has achieved a lot since the NES, and continues to revolutionize gaming even today with its groundbreaking DS and Wii consoles.

Besides its gaming consoles, Nintedo also rakes in the cash from the sale of its games like the legendary Super Mario series, the Legend Of Zelda series, the Pokemon series of games among countless others. Nintendo is now a 6.28 billion dollar empire, and will continue to influence gamers for decades to come.

#4 Sega ($4.9 Billion)

Another influential gaming company has got to be Sega. The Japanese giant first started wowing gamers with its revolutionary slot machine games before graduating to home console systems in the 1980’s.

Although Sega has ceased to produce gaming systems after 2001, the company has still achieved immense success as a third party software developer and is still a success in the arcade game market. Another integral factor in Sega’s success is its brilliant Sonic The Hedgehog series, which is a smashing success even today.

#5 Activision Blizzard ($4.9 Billion)

Did you really expect the creators of a groundbreaking series like Call of Duty not to be among the richest game developers in the world? Unlike most of the other companies on this list, Activision is dedicated solely to video game development but still manages to hold its own against the giants.

Besides the now legendary Call of Duty series, Activision has racked in the cash from productions like the Tony Hawk series, Guitar Hero series, and the James Bond series of games, which Activision won the rights to produce in 2006. All these factors combined have helped make Activision a 4.9 billion dollar enterprise.

#6 Namco Bandai ($4.74 Billion)

In 1980 a Japanese company released an arcade game that changed the video game world forever. The name of the game was Pac-Man and company behind it, which went on to achieve a legendary status, was called Namco Bandai. Ever since its landmark achievement, Namco Bandai has continued to see success and is now one of the richest game developers in the world.

Pac-Man still generates a lot of revenue for Namco Bandai along with other series such as the Tekken series, Ace Combat series, Dragon Ball series, among others. Namco’s continued success has pegged its value at a staggering 4.74 billion dollars along with the title of the sixth richest video game developer in the world.

#7 Electronic Arts ($4.14 Billion)

Not enough can be said about this illustrious video game giant which is undoubtedly one of the most influential companies in modern times. EA’s ability to turn everything it touches into gold is remarkable, and is responsible for many of today’s most recognizable games.

The American corporation is the brains behind many brilliant game series like the best selling FIFA series, the Battlefield series, the Need For Speed series, NBA series, The Sims series, along with countless other acclaimed series. Where success goes, money follows, and today EA has achieved a valuation of a staggering 4.14 billion dollars.

#8 Konami ($3.24 Billion)

Another Japanese video game company that continues to have a massive impact on the gaming world today has got to be Konami. The company has a presence across every possible form of entertainment from slot machines to computer games, and is highly appreciated by gamers everywhere.

Some of the company’s most acclaimed releases are the best selling Pro Evolution Soccer series, the Silent Hill series, the Metal Gear series among others. All these franchises have helped Konami become a 3.24 billion dollar company.

#9 Ubisoft ($1.84 Billion)

Although Ubisoft is relatively younger than its illustrious peers, that hasn’t stopped them from producing best selling game series. The French company is the brains behind remarkable series like the Assassin’s Creed series, the Prince of Persia series, Brother in Arms series as well as the Rainbow Six series.

All these games have helped catapult Ubisoft among the richest game developers the world, with a valuation of 1.84 billion dollars.

#10 Square Enix ($1.26 Billion)

The Japanese developer has acquired a cult following with its famous role playing games, and is considered as one of the most influential video game companies today. Square Enix is famous for developing the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series and Kingdom Hearts series.

The company received a major boost after its acquisition on Edios Interactive and now also has the Hitman, Tomb Raider and Thief series on its enviable roster. All these factors have helped Square Enix become a 1.26 billion dollar company.