What do we appreciate in top game companies

As not just a game development business but, most importantly, a team of passionate gaming fans, we at Pingle Studio often find ourselves drawn to companies that prioritize the art of game development over mere profitability. As players, we don’t really care how much money the game brings to its developer or publisher. We value the commitment to satisfying players, dedication to the craft, and a genuine passion for innovation in gaming.

We decided to discuss some of the most commendable game development companies from 2024, focusing on what made them shine, except for their financial success. Most of these companies have set themselves apart by fostering a culture that values creativity and player engagement above all. 

In this article, we will discover what makes leading video game developers truly influential.

Arrowhead Studios

Arrowhead Studios is not a new name in the industry due to its successful Gauntlet, Magicka, and the first part of Helldivers. However, it is rarely mentioned among the best video game studios. The Swedish company took the game development industry by releasing Helldivers 2 in February 2024. Hardly anybody, including the developers, expected this much success for this game. Helldivers 2 is very likely to become 2024’s Game of the Year.

The game is designed to offer a cooperative multiplayer experience that challenges players with its tactical depth and relentless action – the experience gamers miss for a while. The game’s appeal is significantly enhanced by its distinctive style, which combines gritty sci-fi elements with a satirical undertone, adding a unique flavor that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. 

Arrowhead has shown a genuine commitment to their community, regularly updating Helldivers 2 with new content and improvements, for example, by fixing the major server issues pretty fast. Another pivotal aspect of Helldivers 2’’s success is its monetizing strategy. Arrowhead has opted for a fair and player-friendly approach, focusing on cosmetic and convenience items that do not disrupt the game’s balance. This strategy respects the player’s investment and enhances the overall experience without imposing necessary expenditures. Such decisions reflect a broader philosophy within Arrowhead Game Studios of valuing player satisfaction above aggressive revenue generation.

“A game for everyone is a game for no one,” – says the forefront of the studio’s website, underlining the company’s philosophy and understanding the importance of binding with a certain audience for the game. We believe this approach will help Arrowhead become an even bigger name for our industry in the near future.

Epic Games

Epic Games needs no introduction neither as a direct game development nor as gamedev technologies provider. Best known for the colossal success of Fortnite, Epic has also made substantial impacts with its Unreal Engine and the Epic Games Store, cementing its status as a multifaceted player in the gaming world.

Fortnite has been a huge success for Epic Games since its release in 2017. Its vibrant, dynamic gameplay has captured millions of players globally and pioneered the battle royale genre to mass acclaim. The game’s popularity is largely attributed to its continually evolving world. It keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging through new seasons, themes, and live events that seamlessly integrate popular culture into its narrative and mechanics. This strategy has retained a dedicated player base and kept the game in the cultural zeitgeist across multiple years.

Beyond the direct success of its games, Epic Games has solely influenced the industry with the Unreal Engine, a powerful, highly versatile game development tool adopted by countless developers worldwide. This engine is known for its work with realistic and heavy graphics and efficiency, lowering the barrier to entry for game developers and enabling them to create high-fidelity experiences more efficiently.

In addition to its technological contributions, Epic introduced the Epic Games Store, a digital distribution platform that has challenged established norms within the industry. By offering developers a favorable revenue split and financial incentives, Epic has attracted a range of publishers, from indie to AAA, thereby diversifying the games available to consumers and enhancing competition within the market.

The sustained popularity of Fortnite, combined with the influence of the Unreal Engine and the strategic positioning of the Epic Games Store, underscores Epic’ comprehensive approach to the gaming industry. This approach is not merely about creating and selling games but fostering a robust ecosystem that supports developers and engages players in new and ongoing ways. Epic’s enduring success is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate in a competitive environment, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry for years to come.

Larian Studios

Larian Studios, a Belgian game developer known for its mastery of role-playing games, achieved significant acclaim with the release of Baldur’s Gate 3. This title continued the prestigious legacy of the Baldur’s Gate series and earned the 2023 Game of the Year award, a testament to its excellence and the studio’s adept craftsmanship.

Baldur’s Gate 3 builds upon the rich narrative and complex, diverse mechanics the series is known for, offering an immersive, deeply engaging experience that appeals to longtime fans and new players. Larian’s success with this game can be attributed to several key factors. First, the game’s expansive and richly detailed world encourages exploration and interaction, providing a dynamic environment that reacts to player decisions. This level of interactivity has set a new hard-to-reach standard for what players expect from RPGs.

Another crucial aspect of Baldur’s Gate 3 is its fidelity to the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) mechanics, which enhances its authenticity and depth. Larian Studios worked meticulously to integrate D&D’s 5th Edition ruleset, ensuring players feel like they are part of a D&D campaign. This respectful approach towards the source material has been particularly appreciated by the D&D community and has helped bridge the gap between tabletop gaming and digital experiences.

Screenshot from Baldur’s Gate 3

The game also features cutting-edge graphics and visual effects powered by Larian’s in-house developed engine, which brings the fantastical elements of the Forgotten Realms to life with stunning clarity and realism. Furthermore, robust multiplayer options allow for a shared narrative experience, significantly enhancing the game’s replayability and social appeal.

Larian Studios’ approach to the development of Baldur’s Gate 3 reflects their deep understanding of the RPG genre and their commitment to delivering quality content that respects its roots while pushing the boundaries of modern gaming. The game’s success and its accolade as Game of the Year 2023 are not just achievements in sales or popularity but are also indicative of the impact and resonance the game has had within the gaming community.

CD Project Red

CD Projekt Red, a Polish video game developer, has carved out a formidable reputation among gamers largely due to its critically acclaimed Witcher series, based on a fantasy books set of novels by Anjey Sapkowski. The series garnered a massive following and numerous awards and expanded its universe through successful adaptations, including a popular Netflix series. This move further cemented the game’s legacy and influence in both gaming and popular culture.

Following the success of The Witcher, CD Projekt Red embarked on another ambitious project with “Cyberpunk 2077.” Despite its highly anticipated launch in 2020 being marred by technical issues, the game has since rebounded impressively. Through diligent updates and patches, CD Projekt Red addressed the initial shortcomings, turning Cyberpunk 2077 into a success story of resilience and commitment to quality. The game’s redemption was further propelled by the release of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a Netflix anime series that expanded the game’s universe and attracted a new wave of players.

CD Projekt Red is also renowned for its approach to downloadable content (DLC), which has significantly influenced the company’s success. For The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the DLCs Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine were particularly noteworthy. Each added substantial new storylines, quests, and areas that were on par with, or even exceeded, the main game in terms of quality and engagement. These expansions were praised for their content and value, deepening the game’s world and extending its lifespan significantly.

Similarly, for Cyberpunk 2077, the studio released Phantom Liberty. This spy-thriller expansion has been well-received for enriching the game’s narrative and introducing new elements that rejuvenated interest among the player base. This strategy of releasing high-quality, value-packed DLC has established CD Projekt Red as a studio that stands by its products and values its community’s experience long after the initial release.

CD Projekt Red’s success can be attributed to its deep storytelling, richly detailed worlds, and commitment to enhancing its games post-launch. The company’s ability to create immersive experiences and dedication to improving its products underscores a model of sustainable success within the gaming industry. This approach not only rectifies past missteps but also solidifies the studio’s reputation for the future, illustrating its capacity to learn, adapt, and continue delivering compelling gaming experiences.

Embark Studios

Embark Studios, a relatively new player in the gaming industry, has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, drawing on deep roots in the Battlefield series. Founded by veterans of the iconic franchise, the studio leverages extensive experience in creating large-scale, action-packed games. This background has profoundly influenced their approach to game development, focusing on innovation and high-quality gameplay experiences.

One of Embark Studios’ notable achievements is the development of THE FINALS, a game that has garnered attention for its dynamic and engaging gameplay. This game taps into the competitive shooter genre but sets itself apart through several key features. It operates on a free-to-play model, making it accessible to a broad audience and allowing for rapid community growth. This approach has proven successful in the gaming industry, as it lowers barriers for new players and fosters a large, active player base.

THE FINALS gameplay screenshot

THE FINALS is celebrated for its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay that encourages creative strategies and adaptability. One of the game’s standout features is its superior destruction system, which allows almost every part of the environment to be destroyed or altered during combat. This feature adds depth to the tactical gameplay and enhances each match’s visual and physical impact, making the game feel more immersive and interactive.

Further enhancing the success of THE FINALS, Embark Studios collaborated with Pingle Studio to optimize the game for the PlayStation 5. This partnership was crucial in achieving PS5 certification, ensuring that the game runs smoothly on the latest console technology and meets high performance and user experience standards. Pingle Studio’s involvement was particularly instrumental in refining the game’s user interface, ensuring that it is both functional and visually appealing on the new platform. Read the case study on our work at THE FINALS to know more.

Embark Studios’ ability to blend innovative gameplay with technical excellence speaks to its roots in the Battlefield series, where large-scale environments and detailed, interactive gameplay are paramount. THE FINALS represents a culmination of this experience, showcasing the studio’s commitment to becoming one of the biggest names in our industry. 

Nintendo

Nintendo, a pioneering force in the gaming industry, continues to influence both game development and console innovation, most notably through the introduction of the Nintendo Switch. This hybrid console, which seamlessly transitions between a home system and a portable device, has significantly impacted how games are played, offering flexibility in gaming lifestyle unlike any previous console.

The success of the Nintendo Switch is closely tied to Nintendo’s strategic release of exclusive titles, particularly from its flagship franchises like Mario and Zelda. These series have not only been instrumental in defining video gaming at large but have consistently driven hardware sales with each new release. For instance, games such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have been critical and commercial successes that underscore the company’s ability to innovate within its established properties.

Super Mario Odyssey revisits the open-ended, exploration-based gameplay that fans loved in previous installments while introducing new mechanics and vibrant worlds that push the boundaries of the genre. Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild broke new ground with its expansive open world and reinvented gameplay that encourages experimentation and discovery, aspects that have redefined expectations for action-adventure games.

Nintendo’s approach extends beyond game development, including a keen sense of market dynamics and consumer preferences. The company’s commitment to quality and ability to create deeply engaging, family-friendly games have cultivated a broad and dedicated fan base. Moreover, Nintendo’s games often feature a charming aesthetic and a level of polish that enhances their appeal and longevity in the market.

The Nintendo Switch’s versatility, combined with strong exclusive titles, has not only sustained Nintendo’s position in the industry but has also attracted a new generation of gamers. The console’s design and the company’s ongoing support through games and system updates reflect Nintendo’s understanding of its audience’s needs and the shifting gaming landscape. This strategy has proven effective in maintaining Nintendo’s prominence and influence in a competitive market.

Honorable Mentions

While our main focus has been on some of the most standout game development companies of 2024, several other studios deserve recognition for their remarkable contributions to the industry. These companies have produced successful titles that have left indelible marks on gamers worldwide.

Rockstar Games is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and the immersive depth of its open-world games. Titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 are exemplars of storytelling and gameplay, offering expansive environments that are both dynamic and reactive to player actions. The complexity and richness of the worlds Rockstar creates set these games apart.

Respawn Entertainment has conquered player’s hearts in the first-person shooter genre with innovative games such as Titanfall and Apex Legends. Known for fast-paced gameplay and unique mechanics like the introduction of Titans in Titanfall, Respawn continues to innovate with Apex Legends by refining the battle royale formula and emphasizing team dynamics and character abilities.

Valve Corporation has been influential through its game titles and Steam platform, which has changed digital game distribution for good. However, Valve’s own games, like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, continue to dominate in their respective genres, mostly due to the strong community involvement and eSport component. 

From Software is credited with creating some of the most challenging and rewarding gaming experiences with its Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. These games are celebrated for their intricate level design, deep lore, and unforgiving difficulty, which have not only cultivated a dedicated fan base but also influenced many other games in the industry.

Insomniac Games is known for its vibrant, highly polished games that combine engaging storytelling and innovative gameplay. Their success with the Ratchet & Clank series continued with Spider-Man for the PlayStation, which was praised for its fluid web-swinging mechanics and compelling narrative, setting a new standard for superhero games.

Naughty Dog has set the bar high with their cinematic approach to video game storytelling, particularly with the Uncharted series and The Last of Us. These games are notable for their deep narrative experiences, exceptional character development, and groundbreaking visual fidelity, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in video games.

Finnish Remedy Entertainment stands out with its strong narrative-driven games like Alan Wake and Control. These titles are known for their distinctive blend of storytelling, atmospheric environments, and exceptional gameplay mechanics. Remedy’s ability to weave complex stories with engaging gameplay continues to garner acclaim and a growing fan base.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the most commendable game development companies from 2024, it’s clear that the key to their success isn’t merely financial but deeply rooted in their ability to foster player happiness and engagement. Each of the companies we’ve discussed shares a common dedication to the craft of game development, a genuine passion for innovation, and a commitment to creating experiences that resonate deeply with their audiences.

It’s essential to recognize that a game development company’s greatness is measured not by its revenue but by the joy and satisfaction it brings to players. These companies’ true success is found in their games, which continue to inspire, entertain, and innovate, making the gaming world a richer and more varied space for all who partake in it. By maintaining a player-first approach, these developers achieve commercial success and craft lasting legacies that shape the fabric of gaming culture.