With Diablo 3 and Max Payne 3 releasing around the same time, I noticed a number of other writers debating whether Rockstar or Blizzard were the most consistent developer in recent years. While I certainly cannot argue that both studios have reached new heights in recent times, with my feelings that Rockstar have already hit their peak, one other studio came to mind as a major contender - Valve.
To conduct this experiment I collated data from review aggregate site, Metacritic to determine an average percentage for each platform (PS3, Xbox 360 and PC), based upon each studio's last five releases.
Keep in mind that while Metacritic offers an average studio score, they also have individual scores listed for each expansion pack. My experiment applies to games upon launch only, not individual DLC or expansion packs.
Blizzard
Diablo III (2012)
PC - 88
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)
PC - 93
World of Warcraft (2004)
PC - 93
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)
PC - 92
Diablo II (2000)
PC - 88
Average Score: PC = 90.8%
As you can see, Blizzard are only across one platform which means they are purely dedicated to PC gamers. When it comes to lengthy development times however, they definitely take the cake! There were 12 years between Diablo II and Diablo III, and StarCraft fans were also waiting 12 years for 2010's sequel to arrive. The figures say it all however, Blizzard are definitely one of the most renowned, and critically successful studios to develop for the PC platform.
Rockstar Games
Max Payne 3 (2012)
360 - 87
PS3 - 87
L.A Noire (2011)
PC* - 83
PS3 - 89
360 - 89
Red Dead Redemption (2010)
PS3 - 95
360 - 95
Midnight Club: Los Angeles (2008)
PS3 - 82
360 - 81
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
PC - 90
PS3 - 98
360 - 98
Average Score: PC = 86.5% 360 = 90% PS3 = 90.2%
As you can see, Rockstar are definitely more console focused, and have yielded some really impressive results. Their release schedule is a little closer together than old Blizzard, yet their PC endeavours aren't nearly as impressive in comparison. Also keep in mind that the PC version of L.A Noire was the complete edition, which included all DLC packs that were released on the console at the time.
Valve
Portal 2 (2011)
PC - 95
PS3 - 95
360 - 95
Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)
PC - 89
360 - 89
Left 4 Dead (2008)
PC - 89
360 - 89%
Team Fortress 2 (2007)
PC - 92
The Orange Box (2007)
PC - 96
PS3 - 89
360 - 96
Average Score: PC = 92.2% PS3 = 92% 360 = 92.25%
Valve started out as a PC operation, but over the years has expanded onto consoles. While their PS3 development leaves something to be desired, their presence on the Xbox 360 has been fairly strong over the years.
Conclusion
If we're looking at stats alone, then the evidence is fairly conclusive. Based upon critic's opinion, Valve is better than Blizzard Entertainment when it comes to PC development, while Rockstar is the most consistent console developer of the three. Blizzard are specialist PC devs, yet their games appeal to a certain type of gamer, with interests in mystical and immense worlds. Rockstar have proven their worth with the craziness that is the GTA series, but are now stepping into narrative-driven stories. Valve are robust and always keen to try new things, and that is why they are the king of every field they attempt to break into.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who is "better". All that matters is that we enjoy the games that these three studios are churning out, and give them all the support we can to ensure they have long futures ahead of them.
By Stephen Heller - Bio