As gamers know, certain publishers like to keep their franchises under a specific set of expectations. Some are going to put more time into a cohesive story that will move players and leave a lasting impact. Others will half-ass a story and focus on a multiplayer aspect that will allow 12 year-olds to scream racial slurs at each other while amped up on Mountain Dew and hormones (ahh puberty). With the release of every AAA franchise game, consumers are starting to understand what the game will include, simply by looking at who is releasing it. Below are some telling expectations on what you can expect from the major providers of our gaming industry.
1. Naughty Dog
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KNOWN FOR: The Last Of Us, Uncharted Series, Crash Bandicoot
Naughty Dog is best known for giving us numerous loveable rogues that we grow to love and call our own. Whether it's the platforming adventures of Crash Bandicoot, the treasure hunting, wise cracking Nathan Drake, or the gruff survival instincts of Joel and Ellie, ND continuously put out franchises that have staying power. Their products will make us laugh, cry, hope, dream, and laugh again. If you find yourself coming across one of their products, you'll probably end up forming an attachment and becoming a long-time fan.
2. Rockstar Games
KNOWN FOR: Grand Theft Auto Series, Red Dead Series, Bully, Manhunt, LA Noire, Max Payne
Never known to shy from controversy, Rockstar Games is mainly known for its powerhouse series delving into the gritty worlds of crime, whether it's from the perspective of serial killers, Gang Members, or Western Outlaws, Rockstar will probably give their consumers exactly what they ask for, and turn the raunch level up to 11. Fans always know when the studio releases a new game, as there will probably be a news story about a mother group trying to get it banned or another politician being "concerned about the safety of the youths" when it comes to video games. Either way, die hard fans will be in line for midnight releases, as well as children whose parents don't know how to read rating labels.
3. Blizzard Entertainment
KNOWN FOR: Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft, Overwatch
King of the current American RPG (and taking over the multiplayer market by storm), Blizzard is a technical powerhouse that has made a lasting impact in the gaming world. Whether it is giving gamers Space Marine Fantasies, worlds of dungeon crawling with players from across the world, or cheeky British pilots warping through time, Blizzard has taken the PC and console world by storm. What they may lack in cohesive story they make up for in multiplayer, as well as YEARS AND YEARS OF LORE. Be on the lookout for their products, as you'll probably need to sign up for 3 different accounts, upgrade your PC twice, and silently hate yourself as you buy microtransactions.
4. Telltale Games
KNOWN FOR: Sam and Max Save The World, The Wolf Among Us. Game Of Thrones, Tales From The Borderlands
Telltale is the indie-darling of the gaming industry. They have their fingers in multiple licenses, and have the creativity to use each license to portray a different story every time, whether it's from the mean streets of Gotham, the land of The Walking Dead, or going Back To The Future, leave it to Telltale to give players a wonderful story, even if all it consists of is quick-time events and dialogue options.
5. Square Enix![]()
KNOWN FOR: Final Fantasy. Dragon Quest, Tomb Raider (as of 2015), Hitman, Kingdom Hearts
This is probably the BIGGEST name on this list. Square Enix has covered multiple fronts on the gaming world, be it software, engines, films, or anime, but their gaming franchises are their bread and butter. Their products are memorable and stand against time, and they just keep getting better. Their latest release, Final Fantasy 15, is absolutely gorgeous, and their to be released Kingdom Hearts III has kept many fans awake at night scouring the web, hoping to find new screenshots or hints at a release date. Be forewarned, their games WILL steal your free time, and possibly time you need to actually be productive in reality, but they will leave you extremely satisfied.
