The world of video games has impacted many nations around the world. With different consoles from arcade games, handheld, PC, and home TV consoles, the evolution of gaming has been highly influenced in such a positive light. There have been numerous developers in the last few decades improving the world of gaming with new and updated consoles, additions to beloved franchises, and fresh new takes in the gaming industry. 

But which Japanese game developers have made a great impact with top games and leading sales? Gamers Decide has curated a list of awesome Japanese game developers that most likely developed your favorite game!

10. Grasshopper Manufacture

Although this particular developer may not have the most popular credentials as some of the game developers on this list, Grasshopper Manufacture is quite an innovative company that has brought out some unique additions to the gaming world. Suda51 founded Grasshopper Manufacturer in 1998 and was acquired by GungHo Online Entertainment in 2013. GungHo Online Entertainment is widely known for its development of Ragnarok Online.

No More Heroes III, the fourth installment and third entry of the series will be released in August 2021, so keep an eye out!

Top 5 Games 

• No More Heroes
• Lollipop Chainsaw
• Killer 7
• Killer is Dead
• Lollipop Chainsaw

9. Atlus 

Atlus has been around for 35 years and is no doubt one of the leading game developers in Japan. With their series Persona and Shin Megami Tensei being incredibly popular with JRPG fans alike, Atlus has always brought on new and successful games and ideas. Starting their development within the arcades, Atlus emerged from there. The popular Purikura, print shop photo booths, was launched with Atlus with Sega's partnership. So from arcades, photo booths, and then popular console games, Atlus has really struck gold with the gaming world.

Top 5 Games 

• Shin Megami Tensei
• Persona
• Etrian Odyssey
• Catherine
• Thousand Arms

8. Capcom

The bold blue and yellow logo of Capcom truly stands out, as this game developer has made a multi-million game franchise within its corporation with their high-selling games. Capcom is over 40 years old, being found in 1979 by Kenji Tsujimoto. Street Fighter and Megaman were their flagship games until Resident Evil became Capcom's highest selling game. Although Capcom may rely on their popular and successful existing franchises, the company has developed some other known games such as Okami and Dragon's Dogma.

Top 5 Games 

• Resident Evil 
• Devil May Cry
• Street Fighter 
• Mega Man
• Monster Hunter

7. Koei Tecmo Games

With the merge of two great gaming developers, Tecmo and Koei, became the great company of Koei Tecmo Games. With this merger, the developer Koei Tecmo gained rights to both Koei and Tecmo games and has released many afterward. From the cult favorite, Monster Ranchers, to the serene La Corda d'Oro, and the action of Samurai Warriors, there are many popular games that have been established by Koei Tecmo.

Top 5 Games 

• Dead or Alive
• Monster Rancher
• Fatal Frame
• Dynasty Warriors
• Ninja Gaiden

6. Konami 

When I first think of Konami, I instantly become nostalgic for the JRPGs that were so prominent within my childhood. Suikoden, Azure Dreams, and many others that I loved playing. Konami, founded in 1969, has over 50 years of producing iconic games. Iconic, and well-rounded in genres from arcades games, JPRGs, Rhythm beat games, sports, horror, and cartoon licensed games.

Top 5 Games 

• Suikoden
• Castlevania
• Silent Hill
• Dance Dance Revolution
• Metal Gear Solid

5. Sony 

With the massive success of the PlayStation console, it's no wonder that Sony Interactive Entertainment is one of the leading gaming developers in Japan. With gaming consoles, accessories, and services, Sony continues to operate and serve the masses with their impactful consoles around the world.

Top 5 Games 

• Crash Bandicoot
• Uncharted
• The Last of Us
• PaRappa the Rapper
• Dark Cloud

4. Sega

Sega, the multi-million game-selling developer has been prolific in the gaming world for many years. With its popular consoles, arcade games, and successful franchises, Sega has been one of the top leading game developers of all time. I think it's safe to say that most of us gamers have played a Sonic game or at least can recognize the speedy blue anthropomorphic hedgehog.

Top 5 Games 

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Yakuza
• Total War
• Disney's Aladdin
• Puyo Puyo

3. Square Enix

The many wonderful games developed by Square Enix hold dear to our hearts. With the merge of Square and Enix that happened in 2003, it combined two prolific gaming developers to keep producing incredible titles. Through animations, manga, toys, and collectibles Square Enix has massively made an impact in the gaming world due to their cherished JRPG titles and beloved characters. 

Top 5 Games 

• Final Fantasy
• Seiken Densetsu
• Dragon Quest 
• Star Ocean
• Kingdom Hearts

2. Game Freak

The magical world of Pokemon has been popular for ages. Gamefreak has been the developer of the Pokemon franchise since the beginning, 1996. Started with games like Mario & Wario and Yoshi, Game Freak soon dived right into the world of Pokemon with each series of the franchise. With adorable pocket monsters, characters, and adventures it's no wonder that the Pokemon games have made such an impact on gamers and consumers. 

Top 5 Games 

• Pokemon Red and Blue
• Pokemon Gold and Silver
• Pokemon Crystal
• Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
• Pokemon Sword and Shield 

1. Nintendo

Nintendo is surely a titan within the gaming world, with immense success within their beloved consoles, to their respective games. An empire of accomplishments, Nintendo has graced gamers from all over the world. The popularity of Super Mario Bros, Splatoon, Metroid, and others has brought many generations of happy gamers. Nintendo has become so prolific that there are now Nintendo Land theme parks, in Universal Studios Japan and under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando

Top 5 Games 

• Mario
• Donkey Kong
• Legend of Zelda
• Animal Crossing
• Kirby

Which Japanese game developer has made the most impact in your life?