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There was a certainly a time when this was a difficult question to answer, but in 2026 I feel like it's fairly easy. East wins.
The two best, most consistent developers on the planet are Nintendo and Capcom, both Japanese giants. Square Enix, for all its inconsistency, still turns out a masterpiece now and then. From Software seems to make nothing but GOTY contenders. Then there are all the important "AA" publishers and developers: Atlus, Nihon Falcom, Vanillaware, Koei Tecmo, Marvelous, etc.
Meanwhile, in the western part of the world, "AAA" gaming has never been worse. Microsoft has never been worse. Apart from Astro Bot (a Japanese game), Sony has never been worse. There are some highlights, to be fair: Ubisoft Montpellier, Larian, CD Projekt, etc. And, of course, the indie scene. This is where the western part of the world makes up the most ground. Chained Echoes, Sea of Stars, Freedom Planet 2, Balatro, Mina the Hollower, the list goes on and on. Japan can't compete in terms of indies.
*edited for clarity
Last edited by Veknoid_Outcast - 6 hours ago
