7 Richest Video Game-Developing Companies

Since the days of 2D games and text adventure games, video games have come a long way. The black and white games were eventually colored, and the realm gradually expanded. Games today are much more evolved, with graphics and sound so advanced that they can provide gamers with a simulated reality experience and completely engage the players. Today, gaming is a lucrative industry for both players and developers. Companies in the multibillion-dollar game development industry employ teams of creative and intelligent individuals. Let's take a look at the world's top ten richest video game development companies.

• Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony Computer Entertainment is the creative force behind Sony's Playstation console line. In fact, it is the industry's leading video game developer, with hits such as God of War, an adventure epic based on Greek mythology with six sequels, or Gran Turismo, a grand touring style racing game and the company's best-selling franchise since 1997. These are just two of the many names that have contributed to Sony Computer Entertainment's $13.4 billion valuation.

• Microsoft Studios

Microsoft Studios was founded in 2002 in conjunction with Xbox, and it added another feather to Microsoft's cap. It is extremely popular because it does not require a gaming console to play their games. They are available for Windows PCs as well as smartphones. Its most well-known franchise is Halo, a first-person shooter game that has been an Xbox staple since 2001. With 60 million units sold, Halo has contributed approximately $3.4 billion to Microsoft Studio's $12.82 billion valuation.

• Nintendo

Nintendo has a 125-year history and has dabbled in everything from playing cards to video games. In their hit game Super Mario Bros., it was the plumber Mario on his quest to save his beloved Princess Peach from Bowser, the King of the Koopa. Nintendo has made a significant transition from the Nintendo Entertainment System, through Super Nintendo and Gameboy, to the Wii and Wii U, with franchises such as Mario, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, and others, leading to its $6.28 billion valuation.

• Sega

Sega distinguished itself from the industry's other console behemoths by housing Sonic the Hedgehog, the blue rodent. In terms of game development, Sega is now concentrating on collaborating with other companies. It has now partnered with its former competitor Nintendo to launch an entirely new trend of crossover titles, such as the Mario and Sonic franchise at the Olympic Games. Sonic the Hedgehog installments mark the return of the blue rodent. Sega is valued at $4.9 billion.

• Activision Blizzard

Activision merged with Vivendi Games back in 2008, and became Activision Blizzard, armed with combined powers leading to a number of franchises that made the conglomerate one of the major players in the industry. Their most famous franchise, the Call of Duty series, is perhaps the most popular, second only to Halo. The other big name by Activision Blizzard is World of Warcraft, the most famous role-playing game. No wonder it has a value of a whopping $4.85 billion.

• Namco Bandai

Namco was a Japanese corporation whose primary business was amusement parks with large-scale arcade games. Pac-Man was created by Namco and munched its way through favorite arcade game characters. In the 1980s, it acquired Atari and partnered with Nintendo, propelling it to the forefront of the video game industry. After a hiatus from development, its 2005 merger with Bandai and the creation of popular series such as Tekken and Naruto brought it fame and a $4.74 billion valuation.

• Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts, or EA, is a favourite name among gamers who like sports-based video games like Madden NFL and other such franchises. Tt has also created other popular games like Need for Speed, Medal of Honor, The Sims, and Command and Conquer. It moved from being a PC game developer to a console brand, creating hits like Mass Effect for Xbox and Playstation. LucasArt and EA are collaborating to produce Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Its value is $4.14 billion.