Ranking Every PlayStation Developer From Worst To Best (2020)
1. Insomniac Games
Recent Release: Stormland
Past Highlights: Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank series, Marvel's Spider-Man
In Development: Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Into the Rift
Sony's most recent first-party acquisition... but also their oldest collaborator?
Insomniac started their (nearly) exclusive Sony relationship with the forgotten PS1 shooter Disruptor in 1996. However, they only really hit it big that gen with the Spyro the Dragon trilogy, creating a pivotal title for that console.
Next, they built their most enduring franchise for PS2, with Ratchet & Clank, a series that felt like an endearing Pixar movie come to life with break-neck action, addictive platforming, and bolts... so many bolts!
Insomniac kept Ratchet & Clank thriving throughout the PS3 generation while creating the gritty FPS Resistance series, to mixed results. The PS4 years saw two pinnacle collaborations with Sony though, with Marvel's Spider-Man and a Ratchet & Clank reimagining. Both were so successful, we are currently getting direct follow-ups on the PS5.
Interestingly, in 2013, they shook up their exclusive relationship by releasing on other platforms. The disappointing Fuse, the underselling (but enjoyable) Sunset Overdrive, and the low-key Song of the Deep didn't ruffle any feathers by skipping the agreement.
However, Insomniac's lengthy catalog of incredible Oculus Rift exclusives (culminating in last year's Stormlands), must have been smarting for Sony's PSVR catalog. So, the company divvied up the cash and made Insomniac a first-party collaborator at long last.
This means Sony can continue Insomniac's iconic franchises, help build their new IPs, while also inheriting their entire team of cutting-edge devs for PSVR. This is truly the prize of Sony's current stable.