This category contains defunct video game companies. Video game developers and publishers work in a volatile market with demanding customers and slim profit margins. As a result, many spring up and go out of business quickly.

Some of the companies on this list have been purchased by larger companies, and their brand names and legacy games continue to be used, but the development and publishing operations of the original company itself no longer continue. For example, see Sierra Entertainment, Broderbund, and Eidos Interactive.