We all know them, love them and are aware of the great games that they make, but what makes Naughty Dog such an excellent developer?
The studio has a tendency to create a new IP every generation for the Playstation. As we all know, they are the creators of the hugely popular Crash Bandicoot franchise on the Playstation. They moved on to their Jak and Daxter series. While boasting rather similar platforming, the sequels brought guns into the mix. Of course, on the Playstation 3, they began their Uncharted franchise, which boasts amazing visuals and an incredible cinematic experience.
I list the following reasons why Naughty Dog is one of the best developers around.
Their consistency
I'm sure many of you, myself included grew up with Crash Bandicoot, having very fond memories of it being the best game around at the time. Naughty Dog managed to produce 3 great platforming games in that era as well as creating in my opinion the greatest cart racing game of all time, Crash Team Racing. What I admire about them is that they don't milk their franchises creating sequel after sequel. They have the talent to create a whole new experience, which is exactly what they did with Jak and Daxter. The franchise has definitely made a landmark on platforming games for the PS2, showcasing likable characters and innovative gameplay, which they continued throughout their time on the Playstation 2.
Jak 2 and 3 pushed the boundaries further creating the best platforming experience on the system. Moving onto the Playstation 3, Naughty Dog has once again done the same, entered the console with a new franchise delivering unforgettable experiences with its Uncharted franchise combining intricate story telling with great dialogue and great gameplay. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is still one of the best single player experiences on the system. Do I even need to say anything about Uncharted 2? It sets the benchmark for visuals on a console and single player experiences.
My point of the praise is that Naughty Dog, time and time again has delivered and not only met expectations, but surpassed them in many cases. Every single game they have made is not only a "good" game, but a fantastic game. To rank the top games of all time on each Playstation console, a Naughty Dog game will pop up on everyone's list. This is no small feat, and I applaud them immensely for this.
Their support for their fans and online community
Uncharted 2 being their first online multiplayer game ever is one hell of an entry. I myself am an avid fan of the online and have sunk hundreds of hours into it. While following closely on the online news and being part of the community, I have been very impressed with Naughty Dog's involvement. They are constantly updating the game with title updates and bug fixes, trying to make the online experience as best as they possibly can. While many other developers do this, I am impressed with the level at which Naughty Dog has done it.
I have been impressed seeing Arne, Senior Manager of Marketing Communications answering many questions that people ask on their website and forwarding feedback to the team. They have just announced more DLC, which is very impressive. It will contain more maps, skins, medals and trophies. I'm sure they will continue their efforts on the online, further pleasing the community.
Their culture
From watching many interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Naughty Dog operates differently to other developers I have seen. First of all, they are open with their methods and have talked with many developers, including Bungie, Infinity Ward and Insomniac. They also have what seems like a fantastic work environment which is described as having no hierarchy of power. All employees have equals rights and contribute to the company. The employees are open with each other and work very closely together. It's not a matter of "here is the finished product, add your part to it," it's a collaboration of the ideas of all employees. Issues are pointed out and worked on until a desirable outcome is reached. This means that all teams are constantly communicating with each other.
This also applies to the voice acting. Creativity is encouraged and many lines in the game are improvised by the voice actors adding their own style to it, It was not a case of reading between the lines. Another interesting method is that they also give their employees a break after games are developed, this gives them time to relax and think of new ideas, it is reported that most ideas came from this time period. Certainly a unique company, but whatever they are doing is paying off.
Their effort and talent
While silly and rather hard to justify, it shows. In just two short years, they have managed to attain such progress in their games, the jump from Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is astonishing. In two short years, they have redone their own engine, which has produced the best visuals on a console to date, showcasing breathtaking environments and amazing character models. They also added their first online mode to any of their games and an in-depth one at that, having fantastic co-operative and competitive modes while retaining the same amazing visuals in the game. Not only this, but delivering arguably the best single player experience ever. Amy Hennig wasn't kidding when she said they slaved in those two years.
I myself am a huge fan of all of Naughty Dog's work and appreciate the effort they put into their games. I hope you appreciate them a bit more and that they continue to make great games in the future.
Bungie are the best Developers around while other developers can only dream. Even Naughty Dog had to ask Bungie for some help in Multi-player for Uncharted 2.
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Josh Tan Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 6:58 PM
No doubt Bungie are great developers but ODST kinda dented their reputation, at least to me.
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Anon Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Are you by any chance registered on NZGamer under the name “Digitaldude”? If not, I’ll take care of it.
O.o Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 7:07 PM
wait what? you think becasue devs ask each other things means that because they ask they are than inferior? yes they may be good devs but naughty are probably the best out there. and dont say “OH BUT THEY MADE TEH HALO SERIES” like some poor fanboy which you are, naughty dog have made games which far surpass anything bungie have. both graphically and gameplay wise. you can argue all you like but this artcile is written with alot of truth and honestly i dont see bungie winning GOTY!
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tarbis Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 11:51 PM
So what if they do. That doesn’t mean they’re stupid. I’m sure Bungie took notes from Naughty Dog too, since they’re good friends.
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Bungie are the best no one can come close.
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I definitely agree. ND are definitely fantastic devs.
On another note, you really need an editor. I literally had to check to see if this was a Google Translation or not because the grammar and everything was so bad at times. Proofread and get an editor.
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Tyler Treat Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 7:58 PM
It’s the weekend. Editors aren’t supposed to be working. :p Nevertheless, it’s cleaned up now.
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Josh Tan Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 9:19 PM
I proof read it multiple times, guess I did need help with cleaning it up though.
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Well i some some biased posts in here lol.
Well my fav devs are Square Enix, Konami,Team Ico, Atlus, id Software the list can go on. But i have a tendancy to have an open mind and some people are just fixated on a specific target and its a shame. Hey what do i know im 18
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Bungie havent really broadend their horizons. Yes Halos are excellent but they really havent evolved (not intended) that much since Halo 1.
But Naughty Dog have done everything from Crash bandicoot, to Jak2 to Uncharted 2.
Crash was groundbreaking, Jaks had Veichles and Guns aswell as a great storylines, and Uncharted was well Uncharted!
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Mr Josh you must create an article about the top developers this generation and definitely talk about Sony Santa Monica Studios,i am their number fan followed by ND and GG(Guerilla Games)
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Josh Tan Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Not a bad idea, I am a fan of GG and Santa Monica as well.
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Everyone asks everyone for help.
They all work in the same industry and have the same purpose–making money.
Some people cannot be that ignorant… can they? :|
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“As we all know, they are the creators of the hugely popular Crash Bandicoot franchise on the Playstation 2.”
Does anyone else see whats wrong with this line, or am I the only one?
(Source: End of first line, second paragraph)
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fixed nao…
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uncharted 2.
need i say more?
naughty dog are the best developers out there simply because they do the impossible.
i mean look at games out today, most have been in development for 3 or more years and some how naughty dog have come out with a game thats been in development for less than 2 and beaten them.
heavy rain for instance has been in development for double uncharted 2s time and heavy rain has more bugs and looks no where near as good.
everything they release is nothing but pure gold, crash bandicoot is the best game i have ever played!
speaking of crash i just finished reading this months PSM3 and apparently ND are back at the helm of the series.
OMFG if that is true holy crap on a stick!
never have i wanted something this bad, NEVER!
make it happen ND, make it happen, if you do my bank account is yours!
ND are number 1 followed by sony santa monica than insomniac than sucker punch.
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This article is so good but the posts damn are so stupid ND is good for asking help stupids die with they insufficiency but the good ones and professionals asks for help from the ones who knows…
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I guess that after such great crappy games like “way of the warrior” and “crash” youre bound to make something good eventually.
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Naughty Dog is insanely talented, yet they developed a culture that prevents any individual’s ego from ever getting in the way of sharing new, creative ideas. No one is so high and mighty that he or she isn’t willing to listen to the ideas of any other member of the team, or even from people from outside of their team. Have you guys noticed that even someone as incredibly talented as Amy Hennig (director of the Soul Reaver games and the original Uncharted) is unwilling to take sole credit for any of the accomplishments related to Uncharted 2 when it’s obvious some of the key ideas were directly from her? She always redirects praise to go to the team effort. That’s leadership and putting the product and the good of the team ahead of your own ego. It’s easy to see why ND is so exceptional if you look at the character of the people there.
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