GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Expensive Games

The most expensive games tend to be those with high production costs and extensive marketing campaigns, resulting in premium pricing for consumers.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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In this post, we explore the staggering development costs of some of the most expensive video games ever created. From multi-million dollar budgets to years of meticulous work, these statistics provide insights into the immense investments behind popular gaming titles.

Statistic 1

""Grand Theft Auto V" is the most expensive video game ever made, costing $265 million during its development."

Statistic 2

"The development cost of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" was about $200 million."

Statistic 3

"The game "Star Wars: The Old Republic" cost $200 million to develop, not including marketing expenses."

Statistic 4

"The budget for Destiny, developed by Bungie, reached around $500 million including marketing expenses."

Statistic 5

""Final Fantasy VII" was the most expensive game of its time, costing around $45 million to develop in 1997."

Statistic 6

""Red Dead Redemption 2" from Rockstar Games, had an estimated development budget of $100 million - $150 million."

Statistic 7

"It cost $63 million to develop "Tomb Raider (2013)" as per the estimation."

Statistic 8

"The game "Max Payne 3" had a development budget of $105 million."

Statistic 9

""Too Human" took $100 million to develop and nine years in development time."

Statistic 10

"The development of "Dead Space 2" cost $60 million."

Statistic 11

""The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" cost roughly $120 million to develop and market."

Statistic 12

"The development of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" cost $80 million."

Statistic 13

""Halo 2", with a cost of $40 million, was one of the most expensive games at the time of its release in 2004."

Statistic 14

""The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"'s development and marketing costs were around $81 million."

Statistic 15

""APB: All Points Bulletin" cost $100 million to develop."

Statistic 16

""Shenmue" was once the most expensive game ever made with a cost of $70 million at the time of its release in 1999."

Statistic 17

"Criterion Games spent around $67.3 million on the creation of "Need For Speed: Most Wanted"."

Statistic 18

""Final Fantasy XV" is estimated to have cost $60 million to $85 million to develop."

Statistic 19

""Crysis 3" cost $66 million in development and marketing expenses."

Statistic 20

"The development of "Mass Effect: Andromeda" was estimated to cost around $40 million."

In conclusion, the video game industry has seen a notable increase in development budgets over the years, with some of the most expensive games costing hundreds of millions of dollars to create. From iconic titles like “Grand Theft Auto V” and “Destiny” with budgets surpassing the $200 million mark to classics such as “Final Fantasy VII” and “Halo 2” setting new standards in their respective eras, the evolution of game development costs reflects both the growing complexity of modern gaming and the increasing financial risks involved in creating blockbuster titles.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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