Video game budgets now rival Hollywood blockbusters, often reaching hundreds of millions. Developers invest heavily in realistic animations and relentless marketing. Yet, massive spending doesn’t always guarantee success. Some games became legends, while others struggled to justify their cost. Let’s explore the most expensive games ever developed.
Genshin Impact – $100 Million
Created by miHoYo, Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG that debuted in 2020. With a development and marketing budget of around $100 million, the game features extensive world-building, rich character design, and frequent content updates. This substantial investment contributed to its widespread global popularity.
Star Citizen – $600 Million+ (Still In Development)
What began as an ambitious space sim has become the biggest crowdfunded project in gaming. As of January 2025, crowdfunding for Star Citizen has surpassed $750 million. It promises groundbreaking visuals and endless possibilities. Years of delays raise questions, but backers remain hopeful. Will it deliver on its sky-high ambitions?
Cyberpunk 2077 – $316 Million
CD Projekt Red envisioned a groundbreaking RPG, but launch issues almost doomed it. Development, marketing, and updates cost around $436–$441 million. However, post-release fixes restored its reputation, delivering a vast world and rich storytelling. Despite setbacks, its budget secured an immersive cyberpunk experience.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $700 Million
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, was released in 2020. The game’s total production budget was over $700 million, encompassing development, marketing, and post-launch support. This substantial investment contributed to high-quality graphics and an engaging campaign.
Red Dead Redemption 2 – $170-240 Million
Rockstar’s Western epic focused on realism, from intricate animations to dynamic weather. The budget ensured an emotional story and a vast, living world. Every detail was carefully crafted, which certainly made it one of the most visually impressive games ever created.
Destiny – $500 Million
Bungie sought to redefine online shooters with a persistent universe. The budget covered extensive expansions, stunning visuals, and engaging gunplay. Initial skepticism faded as ongoing updates made it into a beloved franchise. It proved that the massive investment was worthwhile.
Halo Infinite – $500 Million
Master Chief’s return promised open-world gameplay and innovative graphics. However, development hurdles and delays increased costs. Despite its troubled launch, continued improvements and multiplayer updates ensure it remains a staple in the Halo universe.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild – $100 Million+
Nintendo revolutionized open-world design with unprecedented player freedom. Climbing mechanics and physics-based puzzles pushed boundaries. Though its budget was smaller than some others on this list, its impact on gaming is immeasurable.
Final Fantasy VII Remake – $140 Million
Bringing Midgar to life required massive resources. Square Enix expanded the original’s scope and blended nostalgia with modernized gameplay. Fans praised its depth and emotional storytelling, proving that some classics are worth the investment.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Estimated $300 Million
Insomniac delivered a cinematic superhero experience by refining web-slinging mechanics and crafting stunning visuals. The seamless traversal and emotional storytelling made it a standout title. The substantial investment paid off because this adventure resonated with players.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – $200 Million
BioWare created a cinematic MMORPG filled with voice-acted quests and profound lore. Its launch received mixed reactions, but expansions and a dedicated player base helped it endure. The investment supported one of the longest-running MMOs to date.
Max Payne 3 – $105 Million
Rockstar crafted an intense noir shooter with immersive storytelling and cinematic action. Advanced motion capture enhanced character movements, while dynamic combat mechanics elevated gunplay. Though it didn’t achieve Rockstar’s highest sales figures, its gripping narrative and polished gameplay secured its place as a standout in action gaming.
Battlefield 4 – $100 Million+
DICE redefined large-scale warfare by integrating destructible environments and advanced physics, creating an immersive combat experience. The launch faced setbacks and affected its reputation, but extensive post-release updates revitalized its multiplayer appeal. Today, it has secured its place among the most influential shooters.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – $120 Million+
Ubisoft’s Viking Saga featured a vast environment, brutal combat, and deep RPG mechanics. The budget enabled highly detailed historical settings and lifelike character interactions. Its success proved that the Assassin’s Creed franchise remains a powerhouse.
Watch Dogs: Legion – $150 Million.
Ubisoft’s gamble on a playable NPC system demanded extensive AI work. The innovation was impressive, yet the reception was mixed. Some found the execution underwhelming, leading to debates on whether the budget was well spent.
Death Stranding – $100 Million+
Hideo Kojima’s bold vision blended haunting terrains with a star-studded cast. Deeply atmospheric, it defied gaming conventions with its unique mechanics. This $100 million+ budget ensured a one-of-a-kind experience, even if it’s an acquired taste.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – $80 Million+
Kojima’s final Metal Gear entry emphasized open-ended stealth and player freedom. Its budget funded intricate AI and detailed environments. Despite feeling unfinished due to studio conflicts, its gameplay remains among the best in the series.
Tomb Raider (2013) – $100 Million
Bringing Lara Croft back required motion capture and intense combat mechanics. The investment successfully revived an iconic franchise and created an experience that balanced action and storytelling. With a fresh narrative and modernized gameplay, Tomb Raider was re-established as a major force in gaming.
Fallout 76 – Estimated $100 Million+
Bethesda’s attempt at a multiplayer Fallout experience had a rough start. Bugs and content issues plagued its launch, but continuous updates improved its reception. Though its budget was substantial, its early reputation remains a cautionary tale in game development.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – $81 Million
This RPG became a masterpiece thanks to its deep narrative, expansive world, and rich character development. Despite a relatively modest budget, it left an undeniable mark on the industry. Its influence remains strong as one of the greatest RPGs ever.
