This is my list of the top 10 developers of this generation...feel free to post yours as well, I look forward to reading who your favourite developers of the generation are.
NOTE: I have not played any Nintendo games this generation - only HD games - and so my list will contain developers who have made games for only the PS3 and/or 360.
1. Konami
Konami has made only one big game this generation, but that one game is my favourite game of all time. Metal Gear Solid 4 redefined not only the genre, but gaming as a whole for me. The graphics, presentation, cinematic storytelling and thrilling/varied gameplay completely sold me. This is by far the best game this generation and the best game of all time for me.
2. Naughty Dog
Uncharted 2 is perhaps the finest new IP this generation and the first Uncharted was the game to start it all. Both games feature jaw dropping visuals (Uncharted 2 is the benchmark every game's graphics are measured by), thrilling gameplay, a cinematic feel and one of the best new characters of this generation! Hats off to you ND; you did it with Crash Bandicoot on the PS1, Jak and Daxter on the PS2, and now the legendary Uncharted series on the PS3.
3. Bioware
When it comes to RPG's, Bioware simply cannot be beat. These guys make such amazing and involving tales with unique gameplay elements (the conversation wheel in ME was truly innovative) and their games, Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect, reflect these qualities. The makers of KOTOR definitely deserve this spot on the list. WELL DONE!
4. Ubisoft
Assassin's Creed is reason enough for Ubisoft to make the list, but on top of that they have the underrated (IMO) Splinter Cell: Conviction and the overlooked Rainbow Six: Vegas games. Ubisoft is a publishing giant and the only reason they are so big is because of their fantastic developers. It's no wonder that millions of gamers are impatiently waiting for the next installment in the Assassin's Creed game, which was recently announced.
5. Epic Games
GEARS OF FU*KING WAR! ENOUGH SAID! Ok, in all seriousness, they revolutionalized this generation by re-inventing the cover system that the PS2 game Kill *dot* Switch started. They took gore and the meaning of the word "bad-ass" to the next level and it comes as no surprise that Gears 3 might be the most anticipated game of 2011.
6. Rocksteady Studios
We were all a little skeptical when Arkham Asylum was announced, but upon playing the game, I'm sure that it blew you away. This was perhaps the first good licensed superhero game. I actually felt like Batman while playing this; prowling in the shadows and doing the kick-ass combat moves was just amazing. I'm eagerly awaiting Batman: AA2 and what this awesome studio has in store for us.
7. Infinity Ward
Love Modern Warfare or hate it, you need to hand it to these guys. Sure, 12 year old kids camping does get annoying but the truth is, MW took multiplayer to the next level. The class system was very detailed and the controls were very tight. They did whatever they could to make the gameplay amazing and suceeded with flying colours. It's no wonder that the COD titles are the highest selling multiplatform games this generation.
8. R* Games
I know what you're thinking: GTA 4 was a letdown. Although I do agree that it wasn't as good as the previous 3 titles, I did see what Rockstar was trying to achieve. They realized that the gaming world was evolving and that maybe they needed to modify the classic GTA formula that was present in the PS2/XBOX games. That is why the game had a much more serious storyline, a more humanized character, better physics, more realism and a new driving scheme. While I do miss the sillyness of previous titles, there is no denying that this game still rocked. I do hope though that R* opts for a more varied mission structure next time around and a bit more colour in the city. Don't be surprised though if R* makes its way up to the top half of the list with their upcoming titles, Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, The Agent, Max Payne 3, and of course, GTA V.
9. Sony Santa Monica Studios
How awesome was God of War III? The epicness of the game is resonated beautifully by the grand scale, beautiful graphics, and overwhelming gore. Although I didn't mind the fact that the gameplay had hardly evolved from previous titles (If it ain't broke, why fix it?), I did have a problem with the story, or rather how it was presented. If Santa Monica had not rushed it with the lame flashback sequences, this studio would have been much higher on my list. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Regardless of that though, GOW3 is still one of the best action games to ever be made and I encourage everyone with a PS3 to buy it!
10. 2K Games
Bioshock is a cinematic thrill ride. The game oozes with quality and although the second game didn't live up to the hype IMO, the first was enough for this marvellous title to sneak into my list. I still remember the feeling I experienced when the big plot point was revealed in the end of the first game; I get goosebumps just thinking about it! Let's hope 2K games continues to bring more IP's to the gaming world, for they are most welcome!
