Top Game Development Studios in California

Compare Top Game Development Studios in California 2024

 

Forget the red carpet, its controllers and keyboards taking center stage. The once-humble game industry has crossed the popularity of silver-screen and Grammys combined. 

 

Video games boast a global audience of over 2 billion players (that's roughly 20% of the planet hooked to keyboards and consoles). And California is atop this pixelated pyramid.

 

The Golden State is not just home to theme parks, you now find a list of video games companies in California. From players buying up WoW gold to adventurers earning Path of Exile, Californians have served greatly in the virtual world. 

 

A study from the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) states that California generates $51.8 billion each year as economic output. Ranking California #1 nationally in gaming economic output, but initially, it was different.

 

Hollywood Played a Huge Part in Setting off California As a Game Hub

 

Unknown to few, Hollywood had a big part in contributing to California's gaming rise. Back in the early 80s, Pixar got into computer-generated animations, pulling vast talent to Los Angeles. 

 

Quickly, CGI top game developers studios in California put their motion capture and animation skills to the promising gaming industry, providing valuable expertise and knowledge with 3D animation tools. 

 

If you are searching for the best video games companies in California, this post is for you. We have tracked a list of game studios in California based on specific criteria like, focus, development model, financial stability, type, marketing & publishing, collaboration. 

 

Wisely pick the studio that ticks all your boxes for a winning partnership!

 

 

Video Games Companies in California

 

For a more descriptive approach, let’s look at the history of California based game development studios. See how they made it to this list and why you should choose them. 

 

Take-Two Interactive

 

Founded: 1993

Employees: 10,000-15,000

 

 

Take-Two Interactive, headquartered in New York was created by Ryan Brant in 1993. Today, it is a dominant video game studio for gamers all over the world. 

 

The studio found significant success with Star Crusader in 1994, which introduced full motion video and live actor performances. 

 

However, after 30 years, they published through Rockstar Games and 2K. They design products for console systems and PCs, including tablets and smartphones, generating a revenue stream of $3.5 billion in 2022. 

 

InvoGames

 

Founded: 2014

Employees: 500+

 

 

From custom game development to creating entire virtual universes, InvoGames is passionate about doing it all. With seasoned professionals experting in Unreal, PlayCanvas, Game Design, and Blockchain frameworks, InvoGames take full responsibility for end-to-end solutions for cross-platform and native game solutions. 

 

InvoGames has evolved from a game development studio to a mature technology company, with projects like Ellie The Ellie, Gino Devolution, and Big Stakes. While focusing on Augmented Reality Games and Virtual Reality, IoT, NFT, AI, and other emerging technologies. 

 

Activision 

 

Founded: 1979

Employees: 12,000-14,000

 

 

Originally introduced as a third-party developer in 1979, Activision is now among the interactive entertainment companies operating across three continents. 

 

They possess some of the most celebrated games, including Call of Duty®, Spryo, and Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™ series. Their entertainment network conquers millions of gamers in 196 countries, making it one of the world's largest gaming communities. 

 

Activision's commitment to innovation and focused approach create breakthroughs in entertainment. 

 

With the brightest talents in media and technology domains, Activision pulled a revenue of $7.53 billion in 2022. 

 

Sanzaru Games

 

Founded: 2007

Employees: 100-200

 

 

Picture a California based game development company, with staff on a mission to craft visually stunning and downright FUN console games. This is the recipe behind Sanzaru Games that launched them to success. 

 

Just this year, the studio earned the $6 million revenue mark, showing that their games relate with players. 

 

But what's the secret? It's the powerful combination of perfect sound design, razor-sharp visuals, and a rock-solid tech foundation.

 

Riot

 

Founded: 2016

Employees: 4,200

 

 

A little new compared to other studios, Riot Games got into this world with League of Legends, and won millions of hearts in 2016. Their first game also redefined the MOBA genre. 

 

Riot has pushed boundaries with their start games like, Valorant to the lore of Runeterra, giving experiences that outshine mere gameplay.

 

Beyond pixels, they've built a universe, with new animation techniques for the esports global passion. 

 

Owned by Tencent yet independent, Riot promotes a healthy community and annual earnings of $1.5B. Their story is far from over; each chapter is a call to the power of innovation.

 

Jam City

 

Founded: 2016

Employees: 300-400

 

 

At the end of 2009, MySpace co-founder Aber Whitcomb and former Fox Executive, Josh Ygado reunited to launch a new gaming platform, Jam City. 

 

In 2023, the Culver City-based company works with some of the known hollywood brands on the planet, like Family Guy, Harry Potter, and Marvel. 

 

Jam City’s Hogwarts Mystery became the fastest mobile game to hit the $100M benchmark in Jam City’s entire career. It quickly become the #1 downloaded game in 40 countries. 

 

In 2019, Jam City raised $145 million, making Jam City’s total worth over $300 million.

 

Tips on Choosing the Video Games Companies in California

 

You need to take many critical considerations while selecting the best game development studio for your project. Here are some crucial factors to help you choose best:

 

• Business Duration: The business duration of every game development organization varies, you must choose the ideal studio that has been actively involved in serving the industry.

 

• Development Strategies: Know what methods the company follows to execute winning gaming projects. A professional game development company in the USA will always use the best industry regulations to deliver the finest gaming applications.

 

• Check Services: Compare the service portfolio of every game development company in California. Choose the ideal tech agency that has the proven specialization.

 

• Good Cultural Fit: Work with a company that shares your beliefs and work ethics, and fit in the culture of your work environment.

 

Good games are a combination of realism and fun, let’s combine them together to create a game that hooks players for decades. Get in touch today.