where's team fortress 2 here on the list D=

Agreed... Many more studios are going to close, downsize and/or get bought out in the next few years, besides the ones that already have. Watch out for Atari and THQ first and foremost. EA is also downsizing.

The consolidation (i.e. companies buying smaller ones) has been going on for many years, but now we have consolidation plus trouble at the big companies themselves. That's why I think the word "crash" will be applicable.

NJ5, what gaming companies do you see surviving the crash relatively unscathed (other than Nintendo, I mean)?

it makes me feel good that you agree. lol

but while i am aware that the crash is coming, i will go ahead and enjoy the calm while it lasts. so far, yeah, this gen is indeed heavenly so far for the consumer. but i do see the crash coming within the next 2-3 years..

Epic, Activision-Blizzard, id, Valve, Ubisoft (probably). Those look like the good bets.

I can't comment much on the Japanese ones though.

bugrimmar, you say you see the crash coming within the next 2-3 years...you see Sony as one of the companies to pull out 2-3 years from now?

Don´t forget Mario Galaxy.

I'd add 2k to that, since their IPs have been relatively successful so far. I agree with all that you said especially Blizzard. I think Blizzard will single-handedly save the PC gaming industry.

As far as Japanese devs:

1.) Konami, since their games have always sold no matter what. Pro Evo alone can keep them afloat.

2.) Namco should keep it's fire going, as their slew of new IP RPGs seem to be doing well, and Tekken seems to have a long life to go.

I think Square and Capcom will eventually fold or merge with someone.

Square's new IP RPGs have proven to be disasters so far. Final Fantasy 13's production cost is so high right now that I doubt they can actually make any money out of it even if it sells 8 something million copies. Same goes with Versus.

Capcom already threw all their bombs in the early part of this year, and while the sales of RE5 and SF4 were pretty good, I doubt their next sequels will do well because both are still sticking to the same old game mechanics that have been in use for years and years. It doesn't look like anyone cares about Bionic Commando or Devil May Cry anymore.

Don´t forget Punch out! and Sin and Punishment II.

I don't think Sony will stop making the console, nor will Microsoft, until at least 5 more years.

I just think that the crash will destroy the quality and quantity of games that are to be produced. Sure the console will be there, but the games won't. And until the industry receives a major overhaul, that will continue for quite some time.