Latest Most Expensive (and Not So Much) Video Games & How Much It Cost to Make Them
We analyzed the production costs of Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield and more.
Video game development has come a long way since the late eighties and early nineties. The advancements in technology have not only elevated the gaming experience but also the costs associated with creating these immersive worlds.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest expensive and not-so-expensive video games and the hefty price tags attached to their production.
Alan Wake 2 — $53.8 million
Remedy’s highly anticipated Alan Wake 2 boasts an estimated production budget of €50 million. As the most expensive released title in Remedy’s catalog, the game holds great potential for strong long-term sales, according to the developers. Yet, the amount of sales has not been revealed by Remedy.
Baldur’s Gate 3 — $100 million
Despite a lower budget compared to some triple-A games, Baldur’s Gate 3 has received critical acclaim (the GOTY award 2023) and achieved commercial success. This goes to show that effective budget management plays a crucial role in the development and overall quality of a game.
Grand Theft Auto V — $137 million (and still counting)
Grand Theft Auto V initially cost $137 million in production costs alone. However, with the addition of DLC, GTA Online, and multiple next-gen ports, the total expenditure is likely to have surpassed $300 million. It’s quite terrifying to think what the budget and sales will be for the sixth installment of the game that fans are looking forward to in 2025.
Red Dead Redemption 2 — $170 million
With a staggering $725 million generated in revenue within just two days of its release, it’s safe to say that Red Dead Redemption 2 was a profitable endeavor for Rockstar. Although the exact total cost is unknown, it demonstrates the success that can result from a significant investment.
Starfield — Over $200–400 million
The highly anticipated Starfield came with estimations of a production cost somewhere between $300 and $400 million. This figure takes into account the status of the title and the significant development time it has undergone. Additionally, if the rumors of a 500-member development team are true, costs are expected to be even higher.
God of War Ragnarök — around $200 million
God of War Ragnarök’s estimated budget of $200 million showcases the growth of the franchise since its previous installment, God of War 3, which had a budget of $44 million in 2010. The increase in budget highlights the ambition and scale of the game.
Spider-Man 2 — $300+ million
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 leaves us astounded with its staggering $300 million production cost. This tripled the budget of the first game in the series, demonstrating the immense investment made by the developers to bring this beloved superhero to life.
Star Citizen — $650+ million
Star Citizen has achieved legendary status in terms of development costs, surpassing $600 million in crowdfunding last year. While the release date remains uncertain, players and enthusiasts continue to support Cloud Imperium Games, making it the most expensive game in terms of development costs.
These figures highlight the immense investments required to create some of the most impressive and immersive gaming experiences of our time. As technology continues to evolve, it’s safe to assume that these figures will only rise, further pushing the boundaries of what the gaming industry can achieve.
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