The video game development industry in California is vibrant and dynamic, consisting of companies that range from multinational industry giants to innovative indie developers. These companies collectively create a wide variety of games, spanning different genres and platforms, catering to diverse gamer demographics around the globe. They not only bring to life state-of-the-art gaming technologies but also push the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay design, and visual aesthetics. As technology progresses and consumer preferences continually evolve, these companies are consistently at the forefront, driving the future of the gaming industry with captivating, high-quality games and gaming services.


Top 22 video 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
  • LinkedIn

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
  • LinkedIn

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. Itch.io

  • Website: itch.io
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
  • Founded: 2018
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn

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.


4. Nexon America

  • Website: nexon.com
  • Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States
  • Founded: 2005
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

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.


5. Cloud Imperium Games

  • Website: cloudimperiumgames.com
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Founded: 2012
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

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.


6. Sledgehammer Games

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.


7. Naughty Dog

  • Website: naughtydog.com
  • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
  • Founded: 1986
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

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.


8. Infinity Ward

Infinity Ward is a game development studio known for creating legendary franchises in the gaming industry. With a focus on Triple-A teamwork, they have crafted games that have transformed genres. They prioritize player satisfaction and offer a diverse game and movie library.


9. Insomniac Games

  • Website: insomniac.games
  • Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
  • Founded: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Insomniac Games is a video game development company that aims to create games that have a positive and lasting influence on people's lives.


10. Obsidian Entertainment

  • Website: obsidian.net
  • Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States
  • Founded: 2003
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Obsidian Entertainment, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing tactical card RPG games. They offer a range of mobile and Steam games that are inspired by Pathfinder Adventure Card Game. The company is known for its award-winning gameplay and engaging storylines.


11. High Moon Studios

  • Website: highmoonstudios.com
  • Headquarters: Carlsbad, California, United States
  • Founded: 2002
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

High Moon Studios is a company that specializes in creating and developing video games. They are known for their expertise in engineering and design, bringing dead things to life in the form of immersive game worlds. With a focus on quality assurance and a commitment to excellence, High Moon Studios offers a diverse range of career opportunities in the gaming industry.


12. Trion Worlds, Inc.

  • Website: trionworlds.com
  • Headquarters: Redwood City, California, United States
  • Founded: 2006
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Trion Worlds is a company that offers online gaming experiences and services. They provide a wide range of interactive and immersive games for players to enjoy.


13. Hangar 13

Hangar 13 Games is a game development company that focuses on crafting innovative ideas, diverse voices, and exciting stories into industry-defining games.


14. Turtle Rock Studios

  • Website: turtlerockstudios.com
  • Headquarters: Lake Forest, California, United States
  • Founded: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Turtle Rock Studios is a company that specializes in video game development. They offer a range of exciting and immersive gaming experiences.


15. Unbroken Studios

Unbroken Studios is an LA-based team of 93 developers with a proven track record of working on memorable franchises such as Battlefield, Call of Duty, God of War, and the Arkham Series. They prioritize learning and growth, foster diversity and inclusion, and aim for an inclusive philosophy in game development.


16. Cryptic Studios

  • Website: crypticstudios.com
  • Headquarters: Los Gatos, California, United States
  • Founded: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Cryptic Studios is an industry leader in the development of free-to-play massively multiplayer role-playing games on PC and console. They bring popular properties to life with innovative gameplay mechanics, gorgeous graphics, and impressive sound to create an engaging and immersive player experience.


17. PlayQ

  • Website: playq.com
  • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
  • Founded: 2007
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Seed
  • LinkedIn

PlayQ is a company that specializes in creating and developing engaging games for various platforms. With a focus on innovation and captivating gameplay, PlayQ offers a wide range of immersive gaming experiences for players of all ages.


18. Squanch Games

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.


19. Hidden Variable Studios

Hidden Variable Studios is a company that offers services in the field of gaming. The company specializes in the development and production of video games.


20. Quicksilver Software, Inc.

Quicksilver Software, Inc. is a software development company that specializes in creating amazing games since 1984.


21. Empty Clip Studios

Empty Clip Studios is a game development company that specializes in creating retro-style games with modern enhancements. They offer their own game engine and are able to faithfully recreate classic games on any modern platform.


22. Kalloc Studios

Kalloc Studios is a software development company that specializes in video game design and development, mobile app development, and virtual reality experiences.


Want to find more video game development companies?


If you want to find more companies that offer diverse gaming experiences spanning several genres and platforms you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.


With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:


  • Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
  • Contact data: Who are the owners and CEO's? What are their emails and phone numbers?
  • Financials: How do these companies perform financially? What are their revenues and profit margins?

...and a lot more!