If you're an avid gamer, chances are you've played a role playing game (RPG) at least once in your life. RPGs have become one of the most popular genres in the gaming industry, with millions of players around the world. But who are the companies behind these games?
What are Role Playing Games?
Role playing games, or RPGs, are games that allow players to take on the role of a character and immerse themselves in a fictional world. These games typically involve a lot of character development, exploration, and decision-making, and can be played both offline and online.
The Top RPG Companies
There are many companies that produce RPGs, but some have stood out as the top players in the industry. Here are some of the most well-known RPG companies:
1. Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks is a game developer and publisher based in Maryland, USA. They are known for their critically acclaimed RPG series, The Elder Scrolls, which has been around since 1994. The latest installment, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, was released in 2011 and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
2. BioWare
BioWare is a Canadian game developer known for their story-driven RPGs. They are responsible for the popular Mass Effect series, which has won numerous awards for its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. BioWare is also the developer behind the massively multiplayer online RPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic.
3. Square Enix
Square Enix is a Japanese game developer and publisher that has been around since the 1980s. They are responsible for some of the most beloved RPG franchises, including Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Square Enix also has a strong presence in the mobile gaming market, with games like Kingdom Hearts Union ?? and Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
4. CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red is a Polish game developer known for their ambitious RPG series, The Witcher. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released in 2015, is widely considered one of the best RPGs of all time, thanks to its open world, engaging story, and memorable characters. CD Projekt Red is also currently working on an RPG based on the popular tabletop game, Cyberpunk 2020.
5. Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment is an American game developer and publisher known for their massively multiplayer online RPG, World of Warcraft. WoW has been around since 2004 and has become one of the most popular online games in history, with over 100 million accounts created. Blizzard is also the developer behind the Diablo and StarCraft series.
Other Notable RPG Companies
While the above companies are some of the most well-known in the RPG industry, there are many others that deserve recognition. Here are some other notable RPG companies:
1. Obsidian Entertainment
Obsidian Entertainment is a game developer known for their story-driven RPGs, including Pillars of Eternity and Fallout: New Vegas. They have also worked on sequels to popular RPG franchises, including Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2.
2. Larian Studios
Larian Studios is a Belgian game developer known for their Divinity series of RPGs. The latest installment, Divinity: Original Sin 2, has received critical acclaim for its engaging story, deep gameplay mechanics, and impressive graphics.
3. Capcom
Capcom is a Japanese game developer and publisher known for their popular action RPG series, Monster Hunter. The Monster Hunter games have become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and have gained a strong following in the West as well.
4. Bethesda Game Studios
Bethesda Game Studios is a subsidiary of Bethesda Softworks and is responsible for developing the company's RPGs. In addition to The Elder Scrolls series, they have also developed the post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout. The latest installment, Fallout 76, was released in 2018.
5. Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a French game developer and publisher known for their open-world RPGs, including the Assassin's Creed series and the Far Cry series. They are also the developer behind the online RPG, Tom Clancy's The Division.
Conclusion
Role playing games have become a staple in the gaming industry, and the companies behind them have made a significant impact on the industry as a whole. Whether you prefer the open-world exploration of The Elder Scrolls, the story-driven gameplay of Mass Effect, or the action-packed battles of Monster Hunter, there is an RPG out there for everyone.
