Top 10 Video Games With the Biggest Budgets

If you thought paying $60 to $70 for a new video game was bad, imagine how the video game developers must feel. These days, most AAA games cost $60 to $70 million or more. As consoles and graphics grow more advanced, that price will only continue to rise. While an indie game could cost as little as $5 thousand or less, these massive, high-profile blockbuster games often cost as much as (or more than) a Hollywood studio tent-pole production. With that being said, what are the games with the biggest budgets in history? Let’s take a look at what we know.

What Is Covered By a Video Game Budget?

Before diving into the list of the video games with the biggest budgets, it’s worth breaking down a couple of things first. For one, what exactly goes into a video game’s budget? And secondly, is it even possible to know how much a game truly costs? We’ll begin with the first point: a typical budget breakdown for your average AAA game today. Like any major production, there are a lot of moving parts that go into the creation of a video game. With production lasting several years or more, the budget encapsulates all costs from day one and beyond.

Generally speaking, this includes salaries and benefits for the developers, computers and other tools for the developers, licenses for software and engines used, physical space for the game to be developed in, music and other copyright or trademark licenses, paying independent contractors, distribution and advertising costs, marketing materials, merchandise, ad research, events… the list goes on. Broadly, all of these little fees can be grouped into three groups: development costs, marketing costs, and — adding the two together — total cost. This total cost is the full budget.

This leads us right into our second consideration, which is this: Can we ever truly know what a game’s full budget is? In truth, the only way to know is if someone from the developer, publisher, or studio lets us know the figures. Oftentimes, the true cost is kept on the down-low. Sometimes they make it publicly known, other times they opt not to. In these instances, we have to instead rely on estimates from industry professionals. For the sake of this list, the numbers and figures ranked below are a combination of unofficial industry estimates and official figures.

Top 10 Video Games With the Biggest Budgets

Below, we’ve ranked the 10 video games with the biggest budgets in the history of the medium. As you’ll quickly notice, most were made within the last decade or so. That’s because today’s consoles require far more in terms of graphics, size, and production costs than video games past. (That’s not to say games from the 1980s and ’90s weren’t expensive, of course. For instance, the infamous E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial game for the Atari 2600 cost an estimated $22 million. That’s nearly $70 million when adjusted for inflation today.)

Also worth mentioning? The games below are all officially released titles. We’ve opted to leave off canceled games — such as Microsoft‘s Fable Legends, which cost an estimated $75 million before being canned — and unreleased games — such as Star Citizen, which has spent more than $500 million so far in its 10+ years of production. For the sake of this argument, every game listed is an official title you can purchase today. Now, without further ado, let’s review the 10 video games with the biggest budgets in history.

10. Halo 2

Arriving three years after the first Halo game took the world by storm, Halo 2 was released to the public in the fall of 2004. Equipped with exciting new modes, thrilling new enemies, fun new vehicles, and an arsenal of new weapons, the game was bigger and better than its predecessor in every conceivable way. Microsoft and Bungie officially spent $40 million on development and $80 million on marketing, resulting in a total budget of $120 million. Remarkably, Halo 2 netted $125 million in sales in the first 24 hours — successfully earning back its budget almost instantly upon release.

Become a Covenant Elite

Halo 2 – Xbox

$3.10

• Master Chief can now wield two weapons at once, board Covenant vehicles and steal Covenant weapons like the incredible double energy sword
• Lead an all-new unit of super-soldiers, the ODST -- tougher, badder and deadlier versions of your old comrades
• New enemies, allies and surprises
• Intense combat with enhanced AI and real-time lighting
• Incredible single-player action with massive landscapes and huge cities to explore and defend
• Destructible and interactive environments
• Take the action online with your Xbox Live and switch sides

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08/28/2023 09:12 pm GMT

9. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Serving as a sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) but technically operating as the 12th mainline entry in the long-running Tomb Raider series, Shadow of the Tomb Raider also concluded the hugely popular Survivor trilogy that began back in 2013 with Tomb Raider. The game was well-received, with fans and critics alike finding much to enjoy in the game’s graphics and challenges. Development officially cost between $75 and $100 million, while marketing was just $35 million. That’s a total budget of $110 to $135 million. It sold nearly nine million copies, making it more than profitable.

Stunning Visuals

Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (PS4)

$28.99

• Sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
• Includes all downloadable content, including weapons, skills, and all seven challenge tombs
• Explore exciting jungle settings, beautiful underwater environments, dangerous tunnel systems, and terrifying tombs
• Engaging, action-packed storyline
• Critically-acclaimed graphics

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

8. Destiny

The public loves a good online multiplayer game. The success of Destiny is proof of this. Operating as Bungie’s first new franchise for consoles since the creation of the Halo series, Destiny came with plenty of hype upon its arrival in 2014. Its official budget — including both development and marketing costs — was $140 million. Luckily for Bungie, the game was a massive success. It earned numerous Game of the Year awards, plus it shipped $500 million in copies at launch alone. It seems you really do have to spend money to make money.

Unique FPS Modes

Destiny - Standard Edition - PlayStation 4

$19.95

• Online only and requires a PlayStation Plus membership.
• Exciting story set in a future where you are a Guardian of the last city on Earth
• Create your own character and upgrade your skills and abilities by defeating enemies
• FPS gameplay allows you to play on your own or online with friends
• Earn customizable weapons, gear, and vehicles as you progress through the game

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

7. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Here’s something interesting: The original version of Final Fantasy VIII was already expensive enough, officially costing publisher and developer Square and Sony Computer Entertainment between $80 and $145 million to make and release in 1997. Its 2020 remake — which redesigned characters and environments while expanding the story, battle system, and other key elements — is estimated to have cost Square Enix almost exactly as much: between $140 and $144 million. Remarkably, both made back their respective budgets and became profitable in less than a week each.

Fantastic Re-Imagining of a Classic

Final Fantasy VII: Remake - PlayStation 4

$19.47

• The Final Fantasy VII remake redesigns and expands on the popular title
• Features hybrid gameplay that combines real-time action with command-based combat
• Play as the legendary Cloud Strife, a former soldier in Shinra's elite unit who has become a mercenary
• Complex and innovative game mechanics
• Engrossing narrative in the cut-scenes

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

6. Halo 5: Guardians

If you thought Halo 2 cost a lot of money, wait until you hear about the budget for Halo 5: Guardians. It cost Microsoft and 343 Industries an estimated $160 million on development alone. Even with marketing costs remaining unknown, this is still one of the most enormous games with the biggest budgets. The budget for its sequel, Halo Infinite (2021), was rumored to be around $500 million. However, because we have no confirmation or evidence to base an estimate on, we can’t say for certain whether this number is accurate or not.

Design Your Own Levels

Halo 5 (Xbox One)

$6.77

• First Halo title for the Xbox console
• Updated weapons arsenal and improved speed and mobility
• Features numerous competitive and cooperative multiplayer game modes
• Play the classic Halo Arena experience or try your luck in the new 24-player mode, Warzone
• Design your own levels with robust level-building tools

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08/28/2023 09:07 pm GMT

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

The true cost of Rockstar’s hit game Red Dead Redemption 2 remains up for debate. The official figures from the publisher and developer put the game’s budget at $170 million. However, sources estimate the true cost as much higher than that: somewhere around $300 million. Regardless of where the game actually falls on this spectrum, it remains one of the most well-received games with the biggest budgets. It’s estimated to have grossed over $1 billion to date. That’s right: Red Dead Redemption 2 is also the eighth best-selling video game of all time.

Most Complex World

Red Dead Redemption 2 (XBox One)

$27.94

• From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption
• The deepest and most complex world Rockstar Games has ever created. 4K Ultra HD not available on Xbox One or Xbox One S consoles
• Covers a huge range of 19th century American landscapes
• Play as Arthur Morgan, lead enforcer in the notorious Van der Linde gang
• Interact with every character in the world with more than just your gun

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08/28/2023 08:31 pm GMT

4. Marvel’s Avengers

Marvel’s Avengers is a real enigma. It’s not often you see a video game and a film both share the same title but cover different completely stories yet still end up both being some of the most expensive titles ever made. For the film The Avengers (2012), that budget was $220 million. For the video game Marvel’s Avengers, that budget was more than $178 million. Though the film was a hit, remaining the 10th highest-grossing movie ever, this game was far less successful. It never became profitable, losing the developer and publisher tens of millions of dollars in all.

Great Movie Tie-In

Marvel's Avengers (PS5)

$25.88

• Includes additional free content with new characters and story content
• Combines the original film story with single and multiplayer gameplay
• Up to four players can play together online
• Complete levels to unlock new skills and gear
• Features popular Avengers characters Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, and the Hulk

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

3. Grand Theft Auto V

Once again, we’re presented with some conflicting figures. While some analysts put the budget for Grand Theft Auto V at around $206-246 million, other experts estimate Rockstar spent closer to $265 million. Either way, the true cost doesn’t actually matter all that much when you learn that Grand Theft Auto V is not only the highest-grossing video game of all time, but also the most profitable media ever made at over $6 billion in total revenue. That’s more than any book, any film, any album, or any other video game in history.

Best Activity Packed

Grand Theft Auto V - PlayStation 3

$24.74

• Massive open world game set in Los Santos city and the Blaine County area
• Choose between playing Franklin, Michael, or Trevor and switch between them and their stories as you see fit
• Quests, sidequests, mini-games, or random interactions. The world is abundant in rich experiences.
• Online mode allows you to create your own character and play in the world of Grand Theft Auto 5 alongside other players

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

It’s no surprise that the most iconic game in the Call of Duty franchise also happens to be one of history’s video games with the biggest budgets. According to Infinity Ward and Activision’s official numbers, the total cost of the game was $250 million. Unconventionally, only $40-50 of that was on the actual development of the game. The remaining $200 million was spent entirely on marketing. While there’s no confirmation of this, its 2022 remake (titled Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II) is estimated to have the same budget.

Top Replayability

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Playstation 3

$28.55

• Epic single-player campaign picks up immediately following the thrilling events from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• The definitive multiplayer experience returns, with a host of new perks and enhancements
• New cooperative SpecOps mode, the perfect combination of Modern Warfare's single player intensity and the addictive replayability of its multiplayer
• Special Ops Mode allows two players, either alone or with a friend, to engage in unique mission play and features split-screen functionality.
• Modern Warfare 2 contains new and updated weapons, new weapons attachments, and a variant of the multiplayer weapons customization system

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08/28/2023 08:26 pm GMT

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Until the long-awaited Star Citizen is released or Halo Infinite‘s rumored budget can be corroborated, Cyberpunk 2077 ranks as the number one game with the biggest budget in all of video game history. According to developer and publisher CD Projekt’s own figures, Cyberpunk 2077 cost $316 million in development and marketing costs. Though the game was met with mixed reviews, the sheer amount of hype surrounding the game allowed it to recoup its budget on pre-sales and digital sales alone. This is good news for CD Projekt, as bad reviews can kill big-budget games like this.

Engrossing Open-World Concept

Cyberpunk 2077 - PlayStation 4

$19.00

• Explore the massive, post-apocalyptic setting of Night City, California in the year 2077
• Play as V, an augmented urban mercenary on the hunt for a prototype implant that grants immortality
• Customize your character’s cybernetic upgrades, skills, and playstyle
• Choices you make impact the story and the surroundings in real-time
• Intriguing sci-fi storytelling

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08/28/2023 08:31 pm GMT