20 amazing video game companies you should be cheering for

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re spotlighting 20 video game companies and studios that are so much more than soulless, greed-driven corporations. These are the folks who genuinely love creating games – not just cranking out “products.” Keep in mind, this isn’t a ranked list, and yes, we know there are way more than 20 amazing developers out there. But hey, these are some of our absolute favorites.

Think we missed a studio that deserves the spotlight? Drop it in the comments and let the world know!

| © Squad

Double Fine

Double Fine is the quirky genius of the gaming world – led by Tim Schafer, the studio has a knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with offbeat humor. Whether you’re diving into the mind-bending worlds of Psychonauts or building hilariously oversized robots in Iron Brigade, Double Fine games are never just “games.” They’re experiences that stick with you, like that one random dream you still can’t explain. And let’s not forget Brütal Legend, which made heavy metal cool in gaming. Double Fine proves that you don’t need to be a corporate behemoth to make fans fall head over heels for your creations. | © Double Fine

Yacht Club Games

Remember when Shovel Knight swept onto the scene and showed everyone that retro platformers could still slap? That was Yacht Club Games, delivering pixel-perfect gameplay with a healthy dose of nostalgia. But they didn’t stop at just one hit; with expansions like Plague of Shadows and Specter of Torment, they practically turned Shovel Knight into its own mini-franchise. Yacht Club feels like your cool indie friend who throws vintage gaming parties but never lets the vibe get stale. | © Yacht Club Games

Moon Studios

Moon Studios knows how to tug on your heartstrings in the best way. Their Ori series (Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps) is the gaming equivalent of a beautiful symphony – emotional, mesmerizing, and incredibly challenging. Every frame looks like it was hand-painted by angels, and the gameplay flows like a dream. Moon Studios proves that you don’t need loot boxes or microtransactions to create games that are timeless. | © Moon Studios

Team Ninja

If you like your games fast, furious, and punishingly difficult, Team Ninja is your best friend. The creators of Nioh and Nioh 2 deliver action-RPGs that make you feel like an unstoppable samurai... after you’ve died 37 times learning enemy attack patterns. They’ve also been behind the iconic Dead or Alive series and contributed to Ninja Gaiden. Team Ninja doesn’t just make games; they make adrenaline-packed adventures that keep you on your toes. | © Team Ninja

Nihon Falcom

For RPG fans, Nihon Falcom is practically sacred. They’ve been quietly delivering masterful JRPGs like the Trails series (Trails in the Sky, Trails of Cold Steel) and Ys for decades. What makes Falcom special? Their deep stories, intricate world-building, and soundtracks that could power you through any workout. Unlike some larger studios, they never sacrifice quality for profit, which is why their fanbase is fiercely loyal. | © Nihon Falcom

Coffee Stain

Coffee Stain might be known as the jokester of the gaming industry, but they’re no joke when it comes to creating innovative games. Goat Simulator is the absurd sandbox game that no one asked for but everyone needed, while Satisfactory turned factory-building into an oddly relaxing art form. Coffee Stain games have this magical ability to be both ridiculous and brilliantly executed, proving that fun doesn’t have to be taken seriously. | © Coffee Stain Studios

The Behemoth

Castle Crashers, BattleBlock Theater, and Pit People – if you’ve played any of these, you know The Behemoth’s signature style: colorful, chaotic, and irresistibly charming. They’re the kind of studio that could take a stick figure and turn it into an unforgettable character. Their humor hits just right, and their co-op games are some of the most fun you’ll ever have with friends. The Behemoth doesn’t just make games; they create memories. | © The Behemoth

Klei Entertainment

Klei Entertainment is like the Swiss Army knife of indie studios—they do a bit of everything, and they do it brilliantly. Whether you’re surviving the stylish darkness of Don’t Starve, sneaking through Invisible, Inc., or parkouring in Mark of the Ninja, Klei games are bursting with creativity. They’re proof that you don’t need to be a mega-studio to explore wildly different genres and nail every single one. | © Klei Entertainment

Arrowhead Game Studios

Arrowhead specializes in multiplayer mayhem. Helldivers brings co-op chaos with friendly fire that keeps you very friendly, and Magicka turned wizardry into a slapstick comedy of spellcasting errors. This Swedish studio knows that gaming is at its best when you’re laughing, screaming, or both at the same time. Arrowhead keeps the focus on fun, without trying to sell you a $10 “wizard hat DLC.” | © Arrowhead Game Studios

PlatinumGames

If you like over-the-top action, PlatinumGames is your home. They’ve given us the stylish, hair-whipping Bayonetta series, the existential beauty of NieR: Automata, and the chaotic brilliance of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Platinum doesn’t just make games; they make statements. Their combat systems are so good, you’ll replay boss fights just for the thrill. And best of all, they’re focused on making games, not exploiting players. | © PlatinumGames

Obsidian Entertainment

Obsidian Entertainment is the king of RPG storytelling. They’ve brought us classics like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and the hilariously sharp The Outer Worlds. Their games let you make choices that actually matter – because who doesn’t love a little moral dilemma between saving a town or blowing it up? Obsidian delivers deep narratives without ever feeling preachy, proving that you can focus on player immersion without nickel-and-diming your fanbase. | © Obsidian Entertainment

ConcernedApe

What’s better than a farm? A farm full of heart, charm, and more characters to befriend (or marry) than you’ll know what to do with. Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone, aka ConcernedApe, single-handedly created a modern farming classic that rivals the Harvest Moon series. It’s proof that one passionate developer can outperform entire teams. ConcernedApe didn’t just create a game; he gave us all a cozy escape from real life. | © ConcernedApe

Squad

Kerbal Space Program is Squad’s magnum opus, and it’s not just a game – it’s a physics-driven sandbox of chaotic engineering and explosive failures. Whether you’re successfully landing on the Mun or accidentally blowing up a $2 million rocket (oops), Squad makes learning about space exploration wildly entertaining. They’ve turned science into fun, and they’ve done it without stuffing the game full of monetization gimmicks. | © Squad

Unknown Worlds Entertainment

With Subnautica, Unknown Worlds gave us the underwater survival game we never knew we needed. They somehow made the ocean beautiful, terrifying, and oddly soothing all at the same time. Exploring alien seas while avoiding giant Leviathans is the kind of thrill that keeps you coming back for more. And the sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, proves they’re not just a one-hit wonder. Unknown Worlds is all about creating immersive, thoughtful experiences. | © Unknown Worlds Entertainment

CD Projekt RED

Sure, they stumbled with Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, but let’s not forget the incredible legacy of The Witcher series, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt RED is one of the few big studios that feels like it actually listens to its fans – fixing mistakes and delivering free DLC to make up for it. They’ve earned their place in gaming history for their rich storytelling and commitment to quality (eventually). | © CD Projekt RED

FromSoftware

FromSoftware is the dark knight of gaming – literally. With Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, they’ve mastered the art of punishing players while making them beg for more. These games aren’t just about difficulty; they’re about discovery, mystery, and the sweet satisfaction of finally defeating that boss who’s been haunting your dreams. FromSoftware doesn’t cut corners, and their loyal fanbase wouldn’t have it any other way. | © FromSoftware

Hello Games

Talk about the ultimate redemption story. No Man’s Sky launched to disappointment but transformed into one of the most ambitious and player-loved games of all time. Hello Games didn’t just fix their mistakes; they went above and beyond, adding years’ worth of free updates that turned the game into a galactic masterpiece. They’ve proven that with enough heart and dedication, any studio can turn things around. | © Hello Games

Valve

Valve might be famous for not counting to three (Half-Life 3, anyone?), but their contributions to gaming are legendary. Portal, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, and Dota 2 are just a few of the gems in their catalog. And let’s not forget Steam – the platform that revolutionized PC gaming. Valve doesn’t just make games; they innovate, often giving the industry a much-needed kick in the pants. | © Valve

Larian Studios

Larian Studios has taken RPGs to a whole new level with Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3. They’ve mastered the art of creating games where you can set everything on fire (sometimes accidentally) and still feel like a tactical genius. Larian’s dedication to player freedom, storytelling, and co-op fun makes them one of the most beloved studios today. Plus, they make even your terrible decisions feel brilliant. | © Larian Studios

Supergiant Games

Supergiant Games is the studio that can do no wrong. Bastion hooked us with its narration and stunning art style, Transistor wowed us with its deep combat system, and Hades redefined what roguelikes could be. They deliver quality games with heart, memorable characters, and soundtracks that slap. Supergiant isn’t just a developer; they’re a team of storytellers who care deeply about their craft. | © Supergiant Games