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The video game industry has evolved into one of the largest and most profitable sectors in entertainment, often rivaling or even surpassing Hollywood films in both production budgets and revenue. In 2024, game development costs have reached unprecedented heights, with modern titles requiring vast teams, cutting-edge technology, and extensive marketing campaigns. The ambition to create immersive, graphically stunning worlds has pushed many developers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, leading to some of the most expensive games ever made.
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| Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | Development Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | MMO, Space trading and combat, first-person shooter, Immersive sim | Cloud Imperium Games | Cloud Imperium Games | Windows | TBA | Over $514 million |
| 2 |  | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation, 4 PlayStation 5 | June 19, 2020 | $220 million |
| 3 |  | Action role-playing | Guerrilla Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows | February 18, 2022 | $212 million |
| 4 |  | Massively multiplayer online role-playing game | BioWare Austin | Electronic Arts (EA) | Microsoft Windows | December 20, 2011 | $200 million |
| 5 |  | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red | CD Projekt | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia | December 10, 2020 | $174 million |
| 6 |  | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games | Rockstar Games | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia | October 26, 2018 | $170 million |
| 7 |  | First-person shooter | 343 Industries | Microsoft Studios | Xbox One | October 27, 2015 | $160 million |
| 8 |  | Action role-playing | Square Enix Business Division 1 | Square Enix | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows | April 10, 2020 | $144 million |
| 9 |  | First-person shooter | Bungie | Activision (2014-2018), Bungie (2019-present) | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | September 9, 2014 | $140 million |
| 10 |  | Action-adventure | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | September 17, 2013 | $137 million |
This article takes a deep dive into the top most expensive video games as of 2024, examining how their enormous budgets contributed to the final product. From crowdfunded projects that have redefined gaming scope to blockbuster franchises that have captivated millions, these games represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved when no expense is spared. Let’s explore how these massive investments shape the gaming landscape and why they continue to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
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1. Star Citizen
- Release Date: Ongoing development (Alpha release in 2015, full release TBD)
- Developers: Cloud Imperium Games
- Publishers: Cloud Imperium Games
- Development Cost: Over $514 million
Star Citizen is a space simulation game that blends elements of space exploration, combat, trading, and multiplayer experiences within a vast, open universe. It allows players to pilot ships, engage in first-person ground combat, and participate in a player-driven economy. The game features incredible detail in its ships and environments, with a sprawling galaxy to explore, and is supported by various playable modules, including the multiplayer-focused Persistent Universe and the single-player campaign Squadron 42.
Star Citizen is notable for being the most expensive video game ever made, having raised over $600 million through crowdfunding and private investment, making it the largest crowdfunded project in history. Its ambition, scale, and attention to detail set it apart, but it has also faced criticism for its prolonged development, feature creep, and repeated delays. The game is an ongoing, evolving project that has generated both excitement and controversy within the gaming community
2. The Last of Us Part II
- Release Date: June 19, 2020
- Developers: Naughty Dog
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Development Cost: Estimated $220 million
The Last of Us Part II is a sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us (2013). Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak, the game follows Ellie, now 19, as she embarks on a quest for vengeance following a devastating event. The game is set in a richly detailed environment where survival is key, blending exploration, stealth, and combat mechanics. Players experience the story from multiple perspectives, adding emotional complexity and moral ambiguity to the narrative.
The game pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling, delivering a dark, emotionally charged tale of love, loss, and the human capacity for violence. Ellie’s journey takes players through a brutally realistic depiction of a world where survival often means making painful and controversial decisions.
Overall, The Last of Us Part II is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and emotionally challenging video games ever made, pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and character-driven narratives.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Developers: Guerrilla Games
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Development Cost: Estimated $212 million
Horizon Forbidden West is the sequel to the highly successful Horizon Zero Dawn (2017). It is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures. The game follows Aloy, a skilled hunter and warrior, as she embarks on a journey to the western regions of what used to be the United States to uncover the mystery behind a new plague threatening all life. Players explore diverse and visually stunning environments, ranging from lush forests and snowy mountains to underwater landscapes, with improved combat, exploration mechanics, and new enemy types.
The game offers a balance between engaging melee combat, ranged weaponry, and tactical use of traps. Aloy’s journey is intertwined with a rich narrative that delves deeper into the secrets of the ancient world, her own origin, and the tribes that inhabit this futuristic world.
Horizon Forbidden West has been lauded for pushing the boundaries of open-world gaming with its stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and innovative combat mechanics, making it a standout in modern action RPGs.
4. Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Release Date: December 20, 2011
- Developers: BioWare Austin
- Publishers: Electronic Arts (EA)
- Development Cost: Estimated $200 million
Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Star Wars universe, thousands of years before the events of the films. Players can choose from various factions, including the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire, and play as iconic classes such as Jedi, Sith, Trooper, or Bounty Hunter. The game emphasizes story-driven gameplay with fully voiced characters, cinematic cutscenes, and moral choices that affect the narrative.
It features large-scale PvE (player vs. environment) content, including story quests, group missions, and raids, as well as PvP (player vs. player) arenas and warzones. The game allows players to explore iconic planets from the Star Wars universe, engage in space combat, and form alliances with other players in this expansive multiplayer experience.
Star Wars: The Old Republic stands out for its narrative depth, high production values, and successful integration of Star Wars lore into a massive multiplayer experience. It remains one of the most ambitious MMORPGs ever developed and has a unique place in both Star Wars gaming history and the broader MMORPG genre.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
- Release Date: December 10, 2020
- Developers: CD Projekt Red
- Publishers: CD Projekt
- Development Cost: Estimated $174 million
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action RPG set in the dystopian Night City, a sprawling metropolis in the Cyberpunk universe. Players assume the role of V, a mercenary with customizable cybernetic enhancements, in a world filled with crime, megacorporations, and advanced technology. The game offers a deep, branching narrative with multiple outcomes based on player choices, and features an expansive open world that combines role-playing elements with first-person shooting mechanics.
Players can navigate the city, interact with various factions, upgrade cybernetic implants, and shape the world through dialogue choices and actions. The game blends intense combat, hacking mechanics, and exploration with a highly detailed, futuristic setting.
Cyberpunk 2077 is remembered for its ambitious vision and immersive world, as well as the controversies surrounding its release. Over time, it has evolved into a more polished and well-received experience, but its launch will remain a defining moment in modern gaming history. The game’s narrative, open-world design, and cutting-edge cyberpunk aesthetic make it a standout, despite the hurdles it faced.
6. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Developers: Rockstar Games
- Publishers: Rockstar Games
- Development Cost: Estimated $170 million
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game set in 1899 during the twilight of the American Wild West. The game follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they navigate the decline of the outlaw era in the face of government forces, rival gangs, and internal tensions. It serves as a prequel to Red Dead Redemption (2010), giving players a deeper look into the lives of characters like Dutch van der Linde and John Marston.
Players explore a massive, intricately detailed world featuring dynamic weather, wildlife ecosystems, and bustling towns. The game offers a blend of narrative-driven missions, free exploration, and open-world activities, ranging from hunting and fishing to robberies and gunfights. With deep customization options for weapons, horses, and outfits, and an engaging morality system, Red Dead Redemption 2 creates a highly immersive Wild West experience.
Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as one of the most ambitious and critically acclaimed games of all time, praised for its emotional depth, complex characters, and immersive world. Its combination of cinematic storytelling, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay systems has solidified its place as a benchmark for open-world games, making it a defining title in modern gaming history.
7. Halo 5: Guardians
- Release Date: October 27, 2015
- Developers: 343 Industries
- Publishers: Microsoft Studios
- Development Cost: $160 million
Halo 5: Guardians is a first-person shooter set in the expansive Halo universe. It continues the story of the Master Chief, the iconic protagonist, while also introducing a new playable character, Spartan Locke, tasked with tracking down the Chief. The game focuses on two parallel storylines: one following Master Chief and his Blue Team, and the other focusing on Spartan Locke and Fireteam Osiris. The story delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in warfare.
The game features fast-paced, tactical shooting mechanics, with an emphasis on squad-based gameplay, and multiplayer modes that expand on the competitive aspects the Halo series is known for. It also introduces Warzone, a large-scale, team-based multiplayer mode combining PvP (player vs. player) and PvE (player vs. environment) elements, as well as Arena, a more traditional competitive multiplayer mode.
Halo 5: Guardians is a significant entry in the Halo franchise, especially for its innovative multiplayer modes like Warzone and its modernization of gameplay mechanics. However, its campaign and the lack of split-screen co-op led to mixed reactions from fans. It remains a key part of the Halo series, particularly for those invested in its competitive multiplayer scene.
8. Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Release Date: April 10, 2020
- Developers: Square Enix
- Publishers: Square Enix
- Development Cost: $144 million
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1997 PlayStation RPG Final Fantasy VII. The remake covers the first part of the original game, focusing on the events in Midgar, a dystopian city under the control of the powerful Shinra Electric Power Company. Players follow Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE in their fight against Shinra’s exploitation of the planet’s life energy, known as Mako.
The game combines real-time action combat with strategic elements from the original, featuring a hybrid combat system that blends action-oriented attacks and a tactical pause feature that allows players to use special abilities, magic, and items. While the story closely follows the original, it also introduces new characters, expanded storylines, and reimagined iconic moments, with deeper emotional development for the main cast.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a groundbreaking reimagining of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. With its expanded storylines, deep character development, and innovative combat system, it appeals to both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its critical and commercial success cemented it as one of the defining games of the modern era, and fans eagerly await the continuation of the series.
9. Destiny
- Release Date: September 9, 2014
- Developers: Bungie
- Publishers: Activision (2014-2018), Bungie (2019-present)
- Development Cost: $140 million
Destiny is a multiplayer online first-person shooter (FPS) with RPG and MMO elements, set in a futuristic universe where players become Guardians tasked with defending Earth’s last city from alien threats. The game features a mix of PvE (player vs. environment) and PvP (player vs. player) gameplay across expansive, shared-world environments. Players explore planets, participate in story missions, strikes, raids, and engage in competitive multiplayer matches. The game’s rich lore revolves around a mysterious entity known as the Traveler, which grants Guardians their powers, and its enemies, the Darkness.
Destiny became a landmark for live-service games, despite early criticisms, due to its expansive universe, multiplayer innovation, and post-launch content support.
10. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Date: September 17, 2013
- Developers: Rockstar North
- Publishers: Rockstar Games
- Development Cost: $137 million
Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action-adventure game set in the fictional city of Los Santos, a detailed and expansive recreation of Los Angeles. The game follows three main protagonists: Michael De Santa, a retired bank robber; Trevor Philips, a violent and unpredictable criminal; and Franklin Clinton, a young street hustler looking to make his mark. The game allows players to switch between these characters as they engage in a variety of missions that involve heists, criminal activities, and intense action sequences.
The game features a massive open world that players can explore freely, with opportunities for both chaotic and everyday activities like racing, flying planes, investing in the stock market, or simply interacting with the world’s NPCs. Its multiplayer mode, GTA Online, offers an ever-expanding experience where players can team up for missions, run their own criminal enterprises, and participate in various activities like races and deathmatches.
Grand Theft Auto V remains a defining title in gaming history, both for its groundbreaking open-world design and its long-lasting success through GTA Online. Its impact on popular culture, commercial achievements, and technological innovation have set it apart as one of the most influential and financially successful games ever made.
The High Price of Gaming
As video game development costs continue to soar in 2024, it’s clear that the industry’s ambitions are bigger than ever. The titles on this list represent not only significant financial investments but also the desire to push the boundaries of technology, storytelling, and player immersion. While massive budgets don’t always guarantee success, many of these games have made a lasting impact on the gaming world, redefining genres, shaping gaming culture, and setting new benchmarks for future releases.
From the crowdfunded phenomenon Star Citizen to the cinematic marvels of Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, these expensive projects highlight both the rewards and risks of high-stakes game development. As the industry evolves, it will be fascinating to see how game budgets grow and what future titles will join the ranks of the most expensive games ever made. In the end, these projects remind us that the quest to create immersive, unforgettable experiences is as costly as it is captivating.
Which game made a billion dollars?
GTA 5 became the fastest entertainment release across any medium to hit $1 billion in retail sales. Since its release, it has generated billions more for Rockstar and Take-Two, making it one of the most profitable entertainment products ever, as of 2018. The franchise has sold 430 million units in total.
What is often considered the worst video game ever made?
Big Rigs is frequently cited as one of the worst games ever, receiving harsh criticism from GameSpot and Computer and Video Games. X-Play’s Morgan Webb even refused to give it a rating, declaring it "the worst game ever made" in their "Games You Should Never Buy" segment.
What is the highest-value game?
According to a study by Cribbage, a sealed copy of ‘Super Mario 64 – Wata 9.8 A++’ holds the record for the most expensive vintage video game, selling for $1.56 million at auction. The study reviewed over 32,000 Heritage Auctions listings to find the highest-selling video games and memorabilia.
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