California's 20 Premier Game Development Companies
California's 20 Premier Game Development Companies
The video game industry in California sustains a diverse ecosystem of game development companies, creating an array of games enjoyed by diverse global audiences. These companies, ranging from creator-owned indies to multi-national corporations, contribute to the creation of interactive entertainment content for a variety of platforms, including mobile, console, and PC. They offer unique gaming experiences by developing games of varying genres such as sports, action, simulation, and adventure. With continuous advances in technology, these companies are bound to introduce immersive gaming experiences, shaping the future of the industry.
Top 20 game development companies in California
1. Electronic Arts (EA)
- Website: ea.com
- Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States
- Founded: 1982
- Headcount: 10001+
- Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
EA.com is a company that offers a wide range of interactive video games and entertainment content. They provide a platform for gamers to access and enjoy popular titles across various genres including sports, action, adventure, and simulation.
2. Capcom
- Website: capcom.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 1979
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Capcom is a global entertainment company that specializes in the development and publishing of interactive games and content. With a strong presence in the gaming industry, Capcom offers a diverse range of popular and critically acclaimed titles for various gaming platforms.
3. Zynga
- Website: zynga.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 2007
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, connecting the world through games. With a diverse portfolio of popular game franchises downloaded over four billion times on mobile, Zynga offers immersive experiences across various genres. From puzzle-solving in Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells to drag racing in CSR Racing 2, Zynga offers a wide range of games for players worldwide.
4. Itch.io
- Website: itch.io
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 10001+
3 Halves Games is a game development company that specializes in creating short, character-driven visual novels with a focus on female protagonists and LGBT themes. They have a collection of unique and quirky games that are available on itch.io.
5. Nexon America
- Website: nexon.com
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States
- Founded: 2005
- Headcount: 201-500
Nexon is a company that specializes in online gaming and entertainment. They offer a wide range of video games, including MMORPGs, mobile games, and social games, catering to a global audience. With a focus on immersive and engaging gameplay, Nexon provides a unique gaming experience for players.
6. Cloud Imperium Games
- Website: cloudimperiumgames.com
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Founded: 2012
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Series Unknown
Cloud Imperium Games is an international independent game company currently developing Star Citizen and Squadron 42. They are pushing boundaries in immersive storytelling and combining classic space sim gameplay with amazing visuals. With a strong belief in exceptional talent, they strive for steady delivery and involve their players in every stage of game development.
7. Sperasoft
- Website: sperasoft.com
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Sperasoft is a leading game development company that has been creating world-known videogames for the past 18 years. With headquarters in Burbank, CA, and a strong presence in Eastern Europe, Sperasoft offers innovative solutions and expertise in co-development, art, engineering, and game design.
8. Naughty Dog
- Website: naughtydog.com
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
- Founded: 1986
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Naughty Dog is a company that specializes in the development and production of video games. With a focus on creating immersive and engaging experiences, Naughty Dog offers a wide range of high-quality games for various platforms.
9. Respawn Entertainment
- Website: respawn.com
- Headquarters: San Fernando Valley, California, United States
- Founded: 2010
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Respawn Entertainment is a video game development company that offers immersive and innovative gaming experiences.
10. Sledgehammer Games
- Website: sledgehammergames.com
- Headquarters: Foster City, California, United States
- Founded: 2007
- Headcount: 501-1000
Sledgehammer Games is a gaming company that specializes in developing and producing highly acclaimed first-person shooter games. Their flagship franchise, Call of Duty, offers players an immersive and authentic experience in historical and modern warfare settings.
11. iXie Gaming - A Division of Indium Software
- Website: ixiegaming.com
- Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Latest funding type: Acquired
iXie Gaming is an end-to-end gaming services company that provides holistic services across the game development lifecycle, using world-class tools and technology.
12. Crystal Dynamics
- Website: crystald.com
- Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States
- Founded: 1992
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Crystal Dynamics is a gaming studio that specializes in the development of Tomb Raider games. With a legacy of 25 years, they celebrate the franchise throughout 2021 with community features and nostalgic content. They offer immersive gaming experiences and are known for hosting Girls Make Games summer camps.
13. Insomniac Games
- Website: insomniac.games
- Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
- Founded: 1994
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Acquired
Insomniac Games is a video game development company that aims to create games that have a positive and lasting influence on people's lives.
14. Gamefam
- Website: gamefam.com
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Founded: 2019
- Headcount: 201-500
- Latest funding type: Series A
Gamefam is a company that offers a wide range of interactive and entertaining games for all ages. They provide a platform where users can explore various genres of games and connect with other gamers.
15. Squanch Games
- Website: squanchgames.com
- Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
- Founded: 2016
- Headcount: 51-200
Squanch Games is a company that offers interactive and immersive gaming experiences. They develop and publish a variety of games that engage players with unique storylines and captivating gameplay.
16. 31st Union
- Website: thirtyfirstunion.com
- Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States
- Founded: 2019
- Headcount: 51-200
31st Union is a San Francisco Bay Area studio affiliated with Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. They operate as a 2K studio and are involved in game development and publishing.
17. Blind Squirrel Games
- Website: blindsquirrelentertainment.com
- Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States
- Founded: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Series Unknown
Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is a game development company focused on creating immersive gaming experiences. They offer remastered and optimized versions of popular games, as well as collaborate with other studios for game development projects.
18. Rogue Initiative Studios
- Website: rogueinitiative.com
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Founded: 2015
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Series A
Rogue Initiative is an interactive studio specializing in the development of original video game franchises for next-generation consoles. With a multicultural team of talented artists, engineers, and game designers with extensive production experience, they create engaging cooperative role-playing story-universes.
19. WB Games San Diego
- Website: wbgames.com
- Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, United States
- Headcount: 51-200
WB Games is a company that offers a wide range of video games and interactive entertainment experiences for various platforms. They aim to provide immersive and engaging gaming experiences to gamers around the world.
20. Yacht Club Games
- Website: yachtclubgames.com
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Founded: 2011
- Headcount: 11-50
Yacht Club Games is a company that offers video game development and publishing services. They are known for their popular game Shovel Knight and have expanded their portfolio with games like Cyber Shadow and Pocket Dungeon.
Want to find more game development companies?
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- Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
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