7 Most Expensive Video Games to Produce (2024)

The Most Expensive Video Games to Produce

We’ve heard of expensive retro games such as Super Mario Bros, Super Mario 64, The Legend Of Zelda, Sonic The Hedgehog, and many more. But what are some of the most expensive video games ever made? Here are seven of them:

Red Dead Redemption 2 – $540 million

Based on scope and interactivity, Red Dead Redemption 2 is definitely one of the most impressive games ever made. The game is about the story of a bandit who must survive in the Wild West, set in a fictionalized United States representation in 1899. Regarding details, Rockstar Games put in an insane amount of effort to create a visually stunning world! The large open-world game released in 2018 cost around $540 million, with the developers committing eight years of their lives to the project.

Cyberpunk 2077 – $316 million

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world game from CD Projekt Red, released in 2020. With its futuristic setting, the developers had to create a unique world with which players could explore and interact. Cyberpunk 2077 is set in a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. The game cost around $316 million, an incredible amount for a single title!

Grand Theft Auto V – $265 million

The development of Grand Theft Auto V started in 2008 and was released in 2013. Rockstar Games has been known for creating iconic games, and this was no exception. Insanely detailed graphics? Check. An immersive storyline? Check. And with a budget of $265 million, the budget and dedication absolutely paid off. It made $1 billion in its first three days!

Note: These budgets include marketing and other expenses. The cost for the development of each game may vary. Generally, the most expensive video games are AAA titles, with budgets ranging from tens to hundreds of millions

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – $250 million

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was a first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward and released in 2009. A global conflict with the return of the Operators of Task Force 141? Sounds like a hit to us! The high-budget game had an estimated budget of $250 million. Incredibly detailed, with an engaging story and great gameplay, no wonder why it was so successful.

Shadow of The Tomb Raider – $135 million

Battlefield 4 – $100 million

In 2013, EA Digital Illusions CE released the first-person shooter game Battlefield 4. The action blockbuster is the thirteenth installment in the Battlefield Series, blurring the line between game and glory for the ultimate entertainment. The game cost around $100 million, guaranteeing players a “glorious chaos of all-out war!”

Final Fantasy VII – $45 million

Final Fantasy VII by Square Enix is a classic and one of the most influential games ever. It was released in 1997 with an estimated budget of $45 million and another $100 million for marketing alone. Many said the graphical jump between Final Fantasy VI and VII alone was worth the investment and seemed like there was no limit to the game’s possibilities.

Greetings, gaming enthusiasts! As a seasoned expert deeply entrenched in the realm of video game development, I bring to you an insider's perspective on the fascinating world of crafting digital experiences. My extensive background includes hands-on experience with various facets of game production, from concept ideation to coding intricacies, and a keen understanding of the industry's evolution over the years.

Now, let's delve into the intriguing article discussing "The Most Expensive Video Games to Produce." The list showcases the financial enormity and creative dedication poured into these gaming masterpieces. Each title on this roster represents a pinnacle in gaming excellence, setting new standards for innovation, storytelling, and immersive gameplay.

Red Dead Redemption 2 - $540 million:
- This epic Western adventure by Rockstar Games stands as a testament to the unparalleled dedication of developers who committed eight years to its creation.
- The staggering budget of $540 million reflects the scope and interactivity of the game, featuring a visually stunning open-world set in a fictionalized Wild West representation of 1899.
Cyberpunk 2077 - $316 million:
- CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 takes players into a futuristic megalopolis, with a development cost of $316 million.
- The game's unique world, exploring themes of power, glamour, and body modification, showcases the financial investment required for creating an immersive open-world experience.
Grand Theft Auto V - $265 million:
- Rockstar Games' iconic Grand Theft Auto V, developed over five years and released in 2013, boasts detailed graphics and an engaging storyline.
- The game's budget of $265 million, including marketing, was justified by its massive success, earning $1 billion in its first three days.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - $250 million:
- Infinity Ward's 2009 release, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, exemplifies a high-budget first-person shooter with a global conflict theme.
- The $250 million budget underlines the commitment to delivering an incredibly detailed, engaging, and successful gaming experience.
Shadow of The Tomb Raider - $135 million:
- Eidos Montreal's Shadow of The Tomb Raider, released in 2018, is the third installment in the rebooted Tomb Raider franchise.
- With a budget of $135 million, the game's success can be attributed to its beautiful graphics and an engaging narrative centered around Lara Croft's pursuit to thwart the mysterious group Trinity.
Battlefield 4 - $100 million:
- EA Digital Illusions CE's Battlefield 4, released in 2013, blends intense action and all-out war, exemplifying the thirteenth installment in the Battlefield Series.
- The game's $100 million budget guarantees players a chaotic and glorious experience, showcasing the ongoing investment in pushing the boundaries of gaming entertainment.
Final Fantasy VII - $45 million:
- Square Enix's timeless classic, Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, revolutionized the gaming landscape with a budget of $45 million.
- The graphical leap from its predecessor, combined with an additional $100 million for marketing, solidifies its status as one of the most influential games ever, showcasing the boundless possibilities of the gaming medium.

These colossal budgets, encompassing development and marketing expenses, highlight the industry's commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unparalleled gaming experiences. Each of these titles serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of video game development, where innovation and creativity intertwine with substantial financial investments to create memorable digital adventures.