![Top Game Publishers [2025 Rankings]](/static/0624a216212fe9a5e2d967216247dc6f/6bd3c/game-publishers2.webp)
The gaming industry is massive, and it wouldn’t be what it is without the developers and publishers behind your favorite titles. From AAA giants releasing global blockbusters to indie-focused teams pushing creative boundaries, these companies shape what we play and how we play it.
In this article, we’re spotlighting 30 of the most important game publishers today.
You’ll find familiar names like Nintendo and Sony, rising powerhouses like miHoYo and Annapurna Interactive, and versatile publishers backing everything from esports to narrative-driven gems.
Whether you’re a developer, investor, or just a passionate gamer, this list gives you a quick overview of who’s leading the charge in modern gaming.
1. Nintendo
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Splatoon
Nintendo is one of the most influential game publishers in the world. Originally founded in 1889 as a playing card company, it transitioned into video games in the 1970s and has been a driving force in the industry ever since.
The company is known for developing high-quality, family-friendly games and innovative hardware. Franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon have become global cultural icons, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences. With the success of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo continues to set the standard for accessible and engaging gaming experiences.
2. Sony Interactive Entertainment
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: God of War, The Last of Us, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, Gran Turismo
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the gaming arm of Sony and the force behind the PlayStation brand. Since the debut of the original PlayStation in 1994, SIE has grown into one of the most respected publishers in the world.
It’s especially known for high-quality single-player games produced by its internal studios, including Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, and Santa Monica Studio. Storytelling and visual polish are key hallmarks of Sony’s first-party titles.
With the continued success of the PlayStation 5 and major exclusives, Sony remains a major player in shaping the console gaming market, despite recent layoffs.
3. Microsoft (Xbox Game Studios)
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Halo, Forza Horizon, Minecraft, Gears of War, Starfield
Microsoft entered the gaming scene in 2001 with the launch of the original Xbox. Since then, it has grown into a major force, owning franchises like Halo and Gears of War and acquiring major developers such as Mojang (Minecraft) and Bethesda (Starfield). Xbox Game Studios now oversees a vast network of teams focused on everything from open-world RPGs to competitive shooters.
Xbox Game Pass has become a core part of Microsoft’s strategy, offering hundreds of games for a flat monthly fee. It’s a shift from console-first thinking to a broader ecosystem that spans PC, mobile, and the cloud.
4. Activision Blizzard
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga
Activision Blizzard is one of the most powerful names in gaming, bringing together blockbuster franchises across consoles, PC, and mobile. Formed by the merger of Activision and Blizzard Entertainment in 2008, the company dominates several key genres – from first-person shooters with Call of Duty, to MMORPGs with World of Warcraft, to mobile gaming with Candy Crush through its King division.
Known for high production values, seasonal content, and long-term live service support, Activision Blizzard has mastered the art of keeping players engaged for years. Its games frequently top sales charts and have massive online communities, making it a central player in both Western and global gaming markets.
5. Electronic Arts (EA)
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Madden NFL, The Sims, Apex Legends, Battlefield
EA is one of the biggest third-party publishers in the world, with a long history dating back to 1982. It’s known for both its original franchises and major licensed properties.
Sports titles are a cornerstone of EA’s success, especially its annual FIFA (now EA Sports FC) and Madden NFL releases. These games consistently rank among the best-selling titles every year.
The company also publishes a mix of single-player and multiplayer games, like the live-service hit Apex Legends and story-driven releases under its EA Originals label.
While it’s had its share of criticism – especially over monetization – EA remains a dominant force across platforms, genres, and business models.
6. Take-Two Interactive
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, NBA 2K, BioShock, Civilization
Take-Two is the publisher behind some of the most successful and critically acclaimed franchises in gaming.
Its subsidiary Rockstar Games is responsible for Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, two open-world juggernauts known for their detail, storytelling, and cultural impact. Another major label, 2K, handles everything from NBA 2K – one of the top-selling sports titles – to beloved strategy games like Civilization and XCOM.
Take-Two also invests in indie partnerships through Private Division, supporting smaller studios with big ideas. The company is known for taking its time between releases, but when it launches a new title, it’s often a major industry event.
7. Ubisoft
Headquarters: France
Popular Games: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, Just Dance, Watch Dogs
Ubisoft is one of the largest publishers in Europe and a major player globally. Founded in 1986, it grew rapidly through the 2000s with a focus on expansive open-world games and popular franchises.
Assassin’s Creed remains its flagship series, combining historical settings with stealth-action gameplay. Other titles like Far Cry and Rainbow Six have carved out loyal fanbases, especially in the shooter and tactical genres.
Ubisoft is also known for annual releases and live-service support, along with its signature open-world design formula. With studios across multiple continents, the company produces a high volume of games aimed at broad, international audiences.
8. Bandai Namco
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: Elden Ring, Tekken, Pac-Man, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Dark Souls (co-publisher)
Bandai Namco has a deep legacy in both arcade and console gaming. The company was formed through a merger of Bandai and Namco in 2005, combining toys, anime, and gaming into one powerhouse. It owns classic titles like Pac-Man and Tekken, and also partners with developers like FromSoftware to co-publish global hits such as Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series. Bandai Namco is particularly strong in anime-related games, including Dragon Ball and Naruto titles that have broad appeal among fans.
Its strength lies in blending Eastern and Western markets with franchises that resonate across cultures.
9. SEGA
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Yakuza/Like a Dragon, Persona (via Atlus), Total War, Football Manager
SEGA has been part of gaming history since the arcade era and was once a major console manufacturer with the Genesis and Dreamcast. Today, it focuses entirely on publishing and development, with a diverse lineup spanning fast-paced platformers, deep RPGs, and real-time strategy. Sonic the Hedgehog remains its most recognizable mascot, but its portfolio has expanded through acquisitions like Atlus and Creative Assembly, adding Persona and Total War to its roster.
SEGA mixes legacy and innovation, with games that appeal to both niche and mainstream audiences.
10. Square Enix
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts, Nier: Automata, Octopath Traveler
Square Enix is one of the most recognized names in Japanese RPGs. Its roots go back to the 1980s, when Square and Enix were separate companies developing genre-defining titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
Since merging in 2003, Square Enix has become a global publisher with both Eastern and Western branches. Kingdom Hearts brought Disney into the RPG space, while more recent releases like Nier: Automata and Octopath Traveler have shown its range and willingness to experiment.
Beyond single-player epics, the company also runs online games like Final Fantasy XIV, which has grown into one of the most successful MMORPGs worldwide.
11. Capcom
Headquarters: Japan
Popular Games: Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Mega Man
Capcom has been delivering iconic titles for decades, with a strong focus on action, horror, and fighting games. Resident Evil redefined survival horror, while Monster Hunter became a global phenomenon with its co-op gameplay and deep combat systems. Street Fighter helped shape competitive gaming, and Devil May Cry set the tone for fast-paced action titles. Capcom has earned a reputation for high-quality remakes and strong post-launch support, especially with its recent hits like Resident Evil 4 Remake and Monster Hunter: World.
The company continues to blend nostalgia with modern game design.
12. Bethesda Softworks
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Starfield, DOOM, Dishonored
Bethesda is best known for its massive open-world RPGs and long-running franchises. The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series have set the standard for expansive storytelling, deep lore, and player freedom. In recent years, the studio released Starfield, its first new IP in decades – marking a major milestone.
Thanks to its publishing label and ownership of studios like id Software and Arkane, Bethesda also delivers top-tier action titles like DOOM and Dishonored. Now under Microsoft, Bethesda plays a key role in the Xbox content strategy moving forward.
13. Warner Bros. Games
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Mortal Kombat, Batman: Arkham series, Hogwarts Legacy, LEGO games, Injustice
Warner Bros. Games combines entertainment IP with high-quality game development. Through its internal studios – like NetherRealm, Rocksteady, and Avalanche Software – it brings major franchises to life. Mortal Kombat and the Batman: Arkham series have earned critical and commercial success, while Hogwarts Legacy became one of the top-selling games of 2023. WB is also known for its LEGO game series, developed by TT Games, which offer co-op fun across popular film universes.
The publisher focuses heavily on recognizable franchises and cinematic experiences.
14. Riot Games
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: League of Legends, Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, Wild Rift
Riot Games started with a single title – League of Legends – and built it into one of the most successful live-service games of all time. Over the years, the company has expanded its universe with spin-offs, mobile adaptations, and a thriving esports scene. Valorant marked Riot’s successful leap into the tactical shooter genre, quickly gaining a competitive player base and strong support from streamers and tournaments alike.
Riot is known for its community-focused development and ongoing updates that keep its games active for years.
15. Epic Games
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Fortnite, Unreal Tournament, Gears of War (early titles), Fall Guys (publisher), Rocket League (publisher)
Epic Games is a major force in both game development and game technology. While it started with titles like Unreal Tournament and Gears of War, its breakout hit was Fortnite – now one of the most played and streamed games in the world.
Beyond games, Epic is also the creator of Unreal Engine, one of the most widely used game development software across the industry. Through Epic Games Publishing, it supports other studios and distributes hit titles like Fall Guys and Rocket League. The company is also known for challenging industry norms, especially with its Epic Games Store and developer-friendly revenue share model.
16. Tencent Games
Headquarters: China
Popular Games: Honor of Kings, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, Arena of Valor, CrossFire
Tencent is the world’s largest gaming company by revenue, with a strong presence in mobile and online games. It owns or holds major stakes in studios like Riot Games, Supercell, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard. Its flagship title, Honor of Kings, dominates the Chinese mobile market, regularly bringing in billions in annual revenue. Tencent also co-develops global hits like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile, which consistently rank among the highest-grossing mobile games worldwide.
Its strategy blends publishing, investment, and platform ownership on a massive scale.
17. NetEase Games
Headquarters: China
Popular Games: Identity V, Knives Out, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, Naraka: Bladepoint, Eggy Party
NetEase is one of China’s top game publishers and a key rival to Tencent. It develops a mix of original games and licensed content across mobile and PC platforms.
Titles like Naraka: Bladepoint and Identity V have gained strong international traction, while mobile releases like Harry Potter: Magic Awakened have performed especially well in Asia.
NetEase has also been expanding globally, opening studios in the U.S., Canada, and Japan to reach broader audiences and work with top international talent.
18. miHoYo
Headquarters: China
Popular Games: Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3rd, Zenless Zone Zero
miHoYo gained global recognition with the launch of Genshin Impact in 2020, a free-to-play action RPG that combined open-world exploration with gacha mechanics. Since then, the company has continued to grow its brand with stylish, anime-inspired games that appeal to a global audience.
Honkai: Star Rail further proved miHoYo’s ability to build deep, content-rich live service games, while Zenless Zone Zero is poised to follow a similar path. Known for high production quality, consistent updates, and strong community engagement, miHoYo has quickly become one of the leading forces in mobile and cross-platform gaming.
19. Embracer Group
Headquarters: Sweden
Popular Games: Saints Row, Borderlands (via Gearbox), Darksiders, Metro, Tomb Raider (acquired IPs)
Embracer Group is known for its rapid growth through acquisitions. Over the past several years, it has purchased dozens of studios and IPs, including Gearbox Entertainment, THQ Nordic, and the former Western studios of Square Enix.
The company now owns a massive catalog that spans indie titles and well-known franchises. While this aggressive expansion has brought attention, it’s also led to recent restructuring and layoffs. Still, Embracer remains a major name in the AA and AAA game publishing space, with a deep library and global development presence.
20. Paradox Interactive
Headquarters: Sweden
Popular Games: Crusader Kings, Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Cities: Skylines, Hearts of Iron
Paradox Interactive specializes in complex strategy and simulation games. It has built a loyal fanbase around deep, systems-driven experiences that offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. Titles like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis let players shape history through diplomacy, war, and dynastic politics.
Beyond grand strategy, Paradox also publishes city-builders and management sims, with Cities: Skylines becoming one of its most successful titles. The company supports its games with long-term DLC and modding support, keeping communities active for years after launch.
21. Devolver Digital
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Hotline Miami, Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Inscryption, Fall Guys (early publisher)
Devolver Digital is known for its indie-first approach and quirky attitude. The publisher focuses on creative, genre-bending titles that often take risks bigger studios wouldn’t.
From the fast-paced chaos of Hotline Miami to the unexpected success of Cult of the Lamb, Devolver’s catalog is packed with unique ideas and bold art styles.
Its offbeat marketing and irreverent tone have made it a favorite among indie fans – and a standout in an industry full of safe bets.
22. CD Projekt
Headquarters: Poland
Popular Games: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077, Gwent
CD Projekt is best known for developing The Witcher series, particularly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
The studio gained global attention for its rich storytelling, open-world design, and commitment to quality – though its 2020 release, Cyberpunk 2077, launched with major technical issues that sparked widespread criticism. Since then, the company has rebuilt its reputation through substantial updates, expansions, and renewed transparency. CD Projekt also operates GOG.com, a DRM-free game distribution platform, reinforcing its player-first approach.
505 Games
Headquarters: Italy
Popular Games: Control, Death Stranding (PC), Terraria, Assetto Corsa, Ghostrunner
505 Games is a mid-sized publisher known for working with independent studios and niche genres. It has built a solid reputation by supporting unique titles that might not get attention from larger publishers.
Control, developed by Remedy, stands out as a critically acclaimed hit, while 505 also brought the PC version of Death Stranding to a wider audience. The company publishes everything from hardcore racing sims to pixel-art sandbox games.
Its strength lies in variety and collaboration – 505 Games often backs creative projects that balance innovation with commercial appeal.
24. Koch Media (Plaion)
Headquarters: Austria
Popular Games: Metro Exodus, Saints Row (reboot), Dead Island 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Chorus
Now operating under the name Plaion, Koch Media is a long-running European publisher that works across both physical distribution and digital publishing. It owns Deep Silver and several other labels, which handle a mix of action games, RPGs, and AA titles.
Plaion focuses on supporting a wide range of studios, from established developers to smaller teams. Its portfolio spans gritty shooters like Metro Exodus to more experimental games like Chorus, making it a diverse but focused publisher within the Embracer Group family.
25. Annapurna Interactive
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Stray, What Remains of Edith Finch, Outer Wilds, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Twelve Minutes
Annapurna Interactive is known for publishing emotional, narrative-driven games with strong artistic direction. Its titles often explore unique storytelling formats, unconventional mechanics, or experimental visuals, earning consistent praise from critics and players alike. From the atmospheric mystery of Outer Wilds to the cyberpunk charm of Stray, Annapurna’s catalog leans toward experiences that feel personal and thought-provoking.
It’s a go-to publisher for developers who want to try something different.
26. Raw Fury
Headquarters: Sweden
Popular Games: Kingdom series, Sable, Norco, Call of the Sea, Backbone
Raw Fury calls itself a “boutique” publisher focused on games with heart. It backs developers with creative vision, especially those making narrative, pixel-art, or atmospheric indie games. The Kingdom series helped put Raw Fury on the map, and the company has since released a steady stream of visually distinct, emotionally resonant titles.
While small in size, Raw Fury has earned a reputation for curating thoughtful, polished experiences that stand out in the crowded indie space.
27. Gearbox Publishing
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Remnant series, Risk of Rain 2, Have a Nice Death, Homeworld 3, Godfall
Gearbox Publishing focuses on bringing ambitious, high-concept games to a wider audience. While it’s part of the larger Gearbox Entertainment umbrella (best known for Borderlands), the publishing arm works with a range of external studios across genres.
It has supported successful co-op shooters like Remnant: From the Ashes and creative indies like Have a Nice Death. Gearbox Publishing also handles the long-awaited revival of the Homeworld series, signaling its investment in both modern hits and classic IPs.
28. Focus Entertainment
Headquarters: France
Popular Games: A Plague Tale: Requiem, Evil West, SnowRunner, GreedFall, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Focus Entertainment specializes in mid-sized games with strong identities. It often works with independent studios to publish story-rich, action-heavy, or simulation-focused titles that might fly under the radar with bigger publishers.
The A Plague Tale series is a standout, praised for its emotional storytelling and visual quality. Focus also supports genres like off-road sims (SnowRunner) and tactical action (Warhammer 40K titles), appealing to niche but passionate audiences.
While not a household name, Focus has built a consistent catalog by backing original ideas and double-A projects that punch above their weight.
29. Curve Games
Headquarters: United Kingdom
Popular Games: Human: Fall Flat, The Ascent, For the King, Lawn Mowing Simulator, Bomber Crew
Curve Games focuses on quirky, creative, and often humorous titles that appeal to indie and casual audiences. Human: Fall Flat became a viral hit thanks to its wobbly physics and hilarious multiplayer gameplay, helping put Curve on the map. Since then, it’s expanded into publishing a variety of genres, from RPGs to simulators.
Curve’s strength lies in finding approachable games that are easy to pick up but full of personality.
30. Humble Games
Headquarters: United States
Popular Games: Slay the Spire, Unpacking, Temtem, Coral Island, Wizard of Legend
Humble Games is known for supporting heartfelt, innovative indie projects. As the publishing arm of Humble Bundle, it focuses on titles with artistic vision, unique mechanics, or strong storytelling. From the deck-building classic Slay the Spire to the meditative Unpacking, its lineup stands out for creativity and emotional impact.
The publisher also supports day-one Game Pass launches and works closely with small teams around the world. It’s become a reliable name for players seeking fresh, memorable experiences outside the mainstream.
Final Thoughts on Top Game Publishers
The game publishing world is more diverse than ever. Some companies focus on sheer scale and global franchises, while others prioritize creativity and niche appeal. What unites them is their role in helping great games reach players around the world.
As the industry keeps growing, these publishers will be the ones shaping its next chapter – whether that’s through bold new IPs, genre-defining hits, or the next breakout indie success.
Looking to keep tabs on the future of gaming? These are the names to watch.
And if you’re wondering what game publishers do exactly, check out this article!
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