We’ve seen a lot of development within the industry in the past five years, with better graphics, stories and sounds than ever before and the rise of online gaming and motion controls changing the landscape of gaming as we know it. Sometimes we need a bit of time to reflect on how far things have come this console generation though, so here’s a run down of ten developers who have pushed the limits of gaming in various ways this console generation.
Crytek – Graphics
Crysis was a game that, even disregarding its intriguing gameplay, could’ve easily sold on its graphics alone. The thing looked incredible, and still looks better than most contemporary titles in spite of its age. Crytek managed to do the unthinkable with Crysis 2 and, not only improve the visuals even more, but also bring them to home consoles. I never thought such graphics would be capable on our current generation of consoles, but Crytek proved me wrong, and for this they earn my respect.
Rockstar/Team Bondi – Game world size
Rockstar have been on a publishing streak when it comes to open world games this generation. Their in-house developers have pulled out the masterful Grand Theft Auto 4 and Red Dead Redemption, two games that have expanded and altered what we expect from an open world title. Likewise, the recent L.A Noire from Team Bondi was a technical wonder in how it rendered a 1940’s Los Angeles that was oozing with atmosphere.
Platinum Games/Clover Studio – Variety
Whether you look at Platinum Games’ output in isolation or in conjunction with their former works as Clover Studio, you get an eclectic and exciting mix of titles. Considering the key members from both studios are so similar, it is highly impressive that the games they have developed have covered so many different genres. In an industry that is crowded with sequel after sequel and very few new IPs, I have an immense respect for a developer who can pull out Infinite Space one minute and Bayonetta the next.
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