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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Ratchet & Clank

Ratchet & Clank is a video game series created and developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Ratchet & Clank is a flagship PlayStation series created by Insomniac Games. It follows a Lombax mechanic and his robot sidekick through a sci-fi universe.

What it is

The series is set in a science-fiction universe and centres on Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a sentient robot. Their stories mix exploration, combat, humour, and high-tech weaponry as they face threats to their galaxy.

Why it matters

The franchise is known for its exotic, over-the-top weapons and gadgets, which set it apart in the action-adventure and platformer genres. It has been a consistent pillar of PlayStation's lineup since its debut in 2002.

Key details

Created and developed by Insomniac Games, the series was originally published by Sony Interactive Entertainment on PlayStation 2. It later expanded to other PlayStation platforms and handheld systems, with High Impact Games handling two PSP installments.

In short

  • Created by Insomniac Games and published by Sony.
  • First released in North America on November 6, 2002.
  • Known for imaginative weapons and gadgets.
  • Main characters: Ratchet (Lombax mechanic) and Clank (sentient robot).
Canadian angle

The franchise has been widely released on PlayStation consoles sold in Canada and is part of the broader North American video game market.

Quick questions

What is Ratchet & Clank?
It is a video game series created by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Who are the main characters?
The title characters are Ratchet, a Lombax mechanic, and Clank, a sentient robot.
What kind of games are in the series?
The series combines action-adventure, platforming, and third-person shooter gameplay.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_&_Clank
    Supports: Series creator, publisher, genre, setting, characters, original release date, PSP development notes
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_and_Clank_(characters)
    Supports: Main characters and character identities
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_&_Clank_(2002_video_game)
    Supports: First game release date and platform
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne-0zouGUmo
    Supports: Series platform coverage and PSP exceptions