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Top 10 most outstanding devs this generation

They are the life blood of the gaming industry. Without them, gamers would not get to experience the memorable titles we've seen this generation. I'm talking about the games that the media can't stop talking about. The ones gamers keep playing for years. They get you excited, you want to take a vacation from work and play till you've completed the missions. You cry, laugh, you get scared, and sometimes your rage makes you want to throw the controller into the television.

None of the aforementioned experiences would be possible without developers. And today, GamesThirst honors the best of the best. Most of them do a good job with the games they develop, but some are downright outstanding. Join us as we count down to the number one game development studio of this the seventh generation of gaming consoles.
naughty57 - contributor
Published: 39 days 2 hours ago | News | PlayStation 3 | Xbox 360 | Wii | PC | Dev News
 
 

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Darkeyes - 39 days 7 hours ago
1 -
If you are basing the rankings on sales, then obviously IW comes 1st, but in terms of sheer talent, no dev this gen comes close to the ND team (only Kojima can give them a run for their money). And before tagging me a fanboy, just think about the sheer improvements in UC2 as compared to 1 (and 1 was still a landmark).. They create arguably the best single player experience and create a deep multi-player mode plus graphics that make any IW game look like last gen.

If it's only based on money grossed, then obviously MW2 is going to break all records, but in terms of creating the ultimate single player experience, ND wins... Don't get me wrong, IW still deserves a place in the top 3 due to them revolutionizing multi-player, but I still feel Singl Player is the soul of the game... ND just broke the bar IMO.
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Saaking - 39 days 7 hours ago
1.1 -
Pretty good list; however, I'd take off IW and put ND at number 1. Drop IW a few places down. Even though they've been aholes lately, you can't deny the impact COD4 has on online gaming.
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QSPR - 39 days 1 hour ago
1.2 - WOW
8 out of 10 work/are from sony!! woooottt
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umair_s51 - 39 days 1 hour ago
1.3 -
Where's Kojima Productions?
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evrfighter - 39 days 1 hour ago
1.4 -
fail blog is fail
1.5 Why o why | 39 days 1 hour ago - deleted by mod -
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mikeslemonade - 38 days 23 hours ago
1.6 -
The correct ranking is:
1. Naughty Dog- best current gen game in Uncharted 2
2. Infinity Ward- use to be the best gen game in COD4
3. Bioware- best xbox 360 game and best RPG in Mass Effect
4. 2k Games Boston- Bioshock visually impressive in 2007 and best offline shooter
5. Media Molecule- Most innovative game in Little Big Planet
6. Epic Games- 1st visually impressive current gen title (not including Fight Night Round 3 graphics) in Gears of War and cover system
7. Insomniac Games- Consistent next gen developer who can put out next gen full price games faster than anyone.
8. Kojima Productions- MGS4
9. Valve- Portal L4D Team Fotress Half life 2
10. Bethesda- Oblivion
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BaseballFan15 - 38 days 23 hours ago
1.7 - @mikeslemonade
No love for Bungie?
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Noctis Aftermath - 38 days 16 hours ago
1.8 -
IW at the top OVER naughty dog? are you retarded?
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sa_nick - 38 days 13 hours ago
1.9 -
Needs more Harmonix.
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11 360s and counting - 38 days 8 hours ago
1.10 - SHUT UP!
Am I the only one tired of these stupid top ten lists? It's pathetic they have nothing to write about. Top ten fight scenes, top ten endings, who THE F#CK CARES! Its an opinion anyway, A$$H*LES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Shepherd 214 - 38 days 6 hours ago
1.11 -
This list pretty much listing the devs based on their favorite games, and not what the devs have actually accomplished.

If it were actually listed based on the support and accomplishments of the devs, companies like Konami, Bungie, Bethesda, Media Molecule, and a few more would be very high on the list, while devs that simply delivered good graphics like Guerrilla Games and Naughty Dog would either be off the list or very low.
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komp - 39 days 7 hours ago
2 -
The only devs that deserve respect are the quiet ones who sit back and push themselves and their wares.

Those that sit back and become immune to reality continue to pump out gimp ware because they are too stupid to learn new things.

The only looser is us the gamers, if the game is sub par and still sells they think it is ok to continue that way.

We wouldnt be here if all those pre historic animals did not push limits and migrate to newer better things. We would all be sea shrimps.

The review scene does not help the situation at all with the stupid review scores given out for mediocre games and nit picking over the advanced games.

A good dev deserves success and success is a journey not a destination.
3 juicyfruti | 39 days 7 hours ago - comment has been reported as SPAM -
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BaseballFan15 - 39 days 2 hours ago
3.1 -
Since were talking about the devs, you should say "I think Naughty Dog deserved the crown".
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reintype - 39 days 7 hours ago
4 - Where's Turn 10 the definitive developer?
Joke!

Great List, But as a great fan of Media Molecule's LBP and Guerrilla Games KZ2, I think Kojima Productions and Valve deserves those spots more. Valve maybe assholes, but they're great developers too.

Note 1: Media Molecule has nothing to do with the up and coming MOD NATION RACERS, they are made by UNITED FRONT with help from SCEA, they just happen to have the same PLAY, CREATE, SHARE philosophy.

Note 2: 2k is more known as a publisher, and they did not make BIOSHOCK. That game was created by then IRRATIONAL GAMES, which is now known as 2k BOSTON, while the follow-up, BIOSHOCK 2 is being made mostly by 2k MARIN. BORDERLANDS was made by GEARBOX, 2K just published it.
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Pandamobile - 39 days 6 hours ago
5 -
Infinity Ward is #1? List fails.
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Mista T - 39 days ago
5.1 -
I guess IW giving PC gamers the finger for MW2 is deserving for them to get the #1 spot??

this list is a POS
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Digitaldude - 39 days 4 hours ago
6 -
Just cause i game is popular doesnt make it great.
Just because everyone will buy MW2 doesn't mean IW are THAT good....
Make no mistake they deserve to be there, not just number 1.
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cereal_killa - 39 days 4 hours ago
7 -
Switch 1 and 2 and the list is more accurate no way IW is #1 not after Uncharted 2 was released no doubt ND are the kings of 2009.
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CrippleH - 39 days 2 hours ago
8 -
No dedicated servers and mods says IW doesn't belong at 1 maybe 2 or 3. Not only that, they insulted their PC fanbase by talking to them like they are idiots.
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Pandamobile - 39 days 2 hours ago
8.1 -
"Dedicated servers throw off the balance of the game"

Hurr...
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a_squirrel - 39 days 1 hour ago
8.2 -
@panda

lol, no kidding
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renegade - 39 days 2 hours ago
9 -
nd deserve to the one position .
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kaveti6616 - 39 days 2 hours ago
10 -
Bioshock is an important game. It will, I hope, become a catalyst for more story-driven games in the future. The developers took Randian philosophy and turned it on its head in Rapture. Absolutely fantastic argument against unhindered capitalism. Many of you might not know what my avatar means or where it's from. It's from a novel titled "Atlas Shrugged," and it was written by Ayn Rand. Her ideas were radical. Contrary to what some people might think, I don't think she was right. And Bioshock, though extreme in itself, showed what can happen when men are free to roam about in their own domains, unregulated.
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LostCypher11 - 39 days 1 hour ago
11 -
Good List, But i would not have put IW first
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nraudigy2 - 39 days 1 hour ago
12 - COD
I know a friend will skip work for MW2 on Tue. He owns both PS3 and Xbox 360 but only play COD4 on LIVE; not sure why. He is a huge COD Modern Walfare fan.
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Mista T - 39 days ago
12.1 -
hah, your gaff is good, you mean

COD Modern Welfare :P
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gtamike123 - 39 days 1 hour ago
13 - PS3 Dev's own
Naughty Dog, Guerrilla Games are the best this year.
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foxtheory - 39 days 1 hour ago
14 - Infinity Ward as #1 is a fail
They belong on the list somewhere, but Kojima Pro or Naughty Dog deserve that spot.

BTW, where the hell is Kojima Pro? MGS4 blew me away!! If there's any dev who puts passion and commitment into their games, it's by far Kojima Pro (along with ND).

And the way Assassin's Creed 2 is shaping up, Ubi Montreal deserves a spot as well. The same can be said for The Last Guardian and Team ICO. But those games are, of course, not out yet.

Bioware never ceases to amazing me, though. So I agree that they should be higher up on the list. Mass Effect was a unique take on an RPG with the heavy sci-fi elements. Mass Effect 2 will be no different.
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Grandreaper9999 - 39 days 1 hour ago
14.1 -
MGS4 and Kojima Productions isn't on that list because "at that time", the PS3 was dead for the 80th time.. I don't think anyone really paid any attention to what they released (it's a shame, I know, but it's true).
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foxtheory - 38 days 23 hours ago
14.2 - It's not like this list
was made at that time, though. It's been over a year since its release, and its name is pretty much synonymous with the PS3 itself due to great ratings and such. And after Kojima Pro released games like MGS, MGS2, and MGS3, I think that people would be interested in the next installment that was on a next-gen console (and took advantage of what it had to offer even).
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lavitz - 38 days 16 hours ago
14.3 -
Kojima Pro. definitely should be on that list in the no. 1 spot imo.
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jleack - 39 days 1 hour ago
15 -
Infinity Ward? The one's who screwed over the PC community? Hardly #1. Put em on top 10 but Naughty Dog should be #1.
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itchy18 - 39 days 1 hour ago
16 - naughty dog for me
is #1!
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Skizelli - 39 days 1 hour ago
17 -
Infinity Ward at number 1? Really? The same people who refuse to give their fans dedicated servers, mod tools, host control, in-game console or the ability to kick players? I used to worship IW, but they're so full of themselves now. After the success that was CoD4, it's like they think they can walk on water or turn water into wine now. Disgusting.
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BonhamZ0S0 - 39 days 1 hour ago
18 -
That list was decent, but I'm surprised Rockstar wasn't at least at 10.
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Grandreaper9999 - 39 days 1 hour ago
19 -
I think this list was just another MW2 article in disguise. IW No. 1? No way!

Why didn't Epic get a spot on there? They raised the bar early this gen! I'd replace them with Bungie's mentioning for "this gen".

Naughty Dog at No. 1 would seem right though. JUST KIDDING! SILICON KNIGHTS ALL THE WAY! (har har har)
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SilentShank - 39 days 1 hour ago
20 - 1-10 is Irrelevant...
My list of outstanding devs... not in any order, off the top of my head.

Epic (UE3 aint too hot, but their games are worth playing)

Media Molecule (Great mechanics)

Guerrilla Games (Excellent engine)

DICE (MP FPS at its finest)

Bungie (Excellent ideas to improve MP experience)

Monolith (I love these guys games, scary and fun)

ID (Pioneers in the FPS genre, and it shows)

Irrational Games aka 2k Boston/Australia (Great art style)

Crytek (Excellent engine)

Naughty Dog (Excellent quality)

Ubisoft Montreal (Tons of great games)

Rockstar Games (Always obliterating the envelope)

Bioware (Excellent approach towards the RPG genre)

Valve (not really happy with them, but they do contribute to gaming)

Kojima Productions (need I say more?)

Polyphony Digital (Their dedication to detail is unmatched in the
industry)

Criterion Games (Excellent approach towards DLC)

EA Black Box (redefining sports titles)

Bethesda Softworks (Excellent approach towards the RPG genre)

Insomniac (Great games that have helped pave the way for PS3
exclusives)

Santa Monica Studio/Incognito (GOW3 and Starhawk. End Story)

Evolution Studios (Great games that have helped pave the way for PS3
exclusives)

Zipper Interactive (MP architecture thats pushing the envelope)

SCEA London (Eyepet is pushing the envelope for interaction)

SOE (DC Universe is coming, you know that right?)

Team Ico (Incredible developer)

Phew! Just to name a few!
I'd be stupid not to include Infinity Ward... problem is, I'm not talking about TODAYS IW... because their completely ignorant and a disgrace to game development.

Of course, you can't forget the thousands of small and independent developers... not to mention up and comers like the Futuremark Games Studio
21 becoolbiz19801 | 39 days ago - deleted by mod -
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SilentShank - 39 days ago
21.1 - I expected clothing...
Instead I got viruses...
22 huangzhixian04 | 38 days 23 hours ago - deleted by mod -
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StrikerZ3ro112 - 38 days 23 hours ago
23 - Well
seeing as how there have been a few reviews for MW2 and they are pretty exceptional, I would say Infinity Ward deserves the number 1. Although Naughty Dog did pull off something amazing with U2 so I would say they deserve it too.... I'm calling it a tie!
24 juicyfruti | 38 days 22 hours ago - comment has been reported as SPAM -
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Figboy - 38 days 22 hours ago
25 - i'd be willing to give Infinity Ward
the most influential developer this generation in the console multi-player FPS genre, as what they did with CoD4 really set the standard for console FPS multi-player.

but when it comes to the best developer this generation, i'd have to go with Insomniac. i know, Naughty Dog is the easy choice, because Uncharted 2 is a phenomenal title, the best this generation, but for me, Insomniac has been consistently delivering top notch games with excellent gameplay for the past 4 years in a row.

Resistance: Fall of Man - 2006
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - 2007
Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty - 2008
Resistance 2 - 2008
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time - 2009

are amazingly polished, enjoyable games, each offering rather unique, differing experiences (Quest for Booty is so different from Tools, as is A Crack in Time different from Tools and Quest; Resistance 2 is VERY different from the first), and yet they still maintain their quality.

say what you will about the graphics of the Resistance series, the gameplay of both is GREAT, and if it was on another console, it would have gotten infinitely more praise for what it was doing (40 player online, then 60 player online, 8 player, class based co-op).

Naughty Dog certainly deserves honors for elevating story-telling in gaming, as well as technical excellence, but when it comes to delivering a quality gaming experience year in and year out, no other developer beats Insomniac Games. if Bungie can get praised to no end for Halo 3 and it's minor improvements over the original Halo's visuals, and rock solid MP, i don't see why Insomniac can't get praise for their rock solid MP in both Resistance games, as well as their deep, well-crafted alternate history story (collecting the intel in both Resistances reveal how well thought out their alternate history setting is; not everything needs to be spelled out in the story and spoon fed to the gamer; i loved having to dig and find more info on the world and it's characters).

Guerrilla Games did a fantastic job with Killzone 2, but i'll wait until they get a few more next gen games under their belt before i make a declaration about their talent.

but that's just my opinion.

so far, Insominac Games and Naughty Dog have impressed me the most this generation, with Sucker Punch's inFAMOUS being the best sandbox title i've played this gen.
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ico92 - 38 days 5 hours ago
25.1 -
when everyone was playing cod world at war i was playing resistance 2 why because it was just a better game to me to this day its my favourite fps this gen i prefer it to killzone 2 on the topic naughty dog should have been 1st not infinity ward they've become arrogant, and at times very modest on top of that they basicly screwed the pc community ,THE PC IS WHERE COD STARTED i mean how disgraceful they lost my respect after that
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Figboy - 38 days 4 hours ago
25.2 - i'm personally not a CoD fan,
and i LOVE Resistance 2, but i understand what CoD4 contributed to the console FPS, and it most certainly set a new bar for it (Perks, etc).

i think Resistance 2 took that concept and ran with it, as did Killzone 2.

it's like Halo. i'm not a fan since part one, but i understand that it DID set the path of console FPS games for years until CoD4 came and took it to another level.

i personally think Killzone 2 is the best console FPS this generation, not because of just the visuals, but because, gameplay wise, it feels NOTHING like all the other cookie cutter, wannabe PC FPS titles on consoles. the controls in KZ2, as well as it's incredible atmosphere thanks to the jaw-dropping visuals, are what set it apart from the pack.

Insomniac Games, however, i feel is the best dev this generation. i think Bioware has done some great stuff also, but Insomniac Games? those guys NEVER sleep it seems. /horrible pun
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Reshun - 38 days 21 hours ago
26 - Well IW did make the gamers have a memorable experience..
In terms of screwing its fans in so many different levels
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kraze07 - 38 days 16 hours ago
26.1 -
Wasn't it only the PC crowd that was being screwed over and everything else being Activision's doing?
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crazydrummerlad1 - 38 days 16 hours ago
27 - its unanimous
Naughty Dog is the current king of developers. id like to see this list again after next year. w/o a doubt theres gonna b more studios runnin for these spots. sony santa monica, quantic dream, polyphony digital, possible the ea dice team, ubisoft if splinter cell delivers. naughty dogs real competition doesnt come til next year imo. i think sony santa monica n polyphony digital will b a good challenge.
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