List of most expensive video games to develop
Updated: 5/24/2026, 6:57:17 PM Wikipedia source
The following is a list of the most expensive video games ever developed, with a minimum total cost of US$50 million and sorted by the total cost adjusted for inflation. Most game budgets are not disclosed, so this list is not indicative of industry trends.
Tables
· Lists › Official figures
Development
Development
Name
Development
Year
Marketing
Developer
Total
Publisher
Total (2025 inflation)
Monopoly Go!
Monopoly Go!
Name
Monopoly Go!
Year
2023
Developer
Scopely
Publisher
Android, iOS
Costs (million US$)
1,000
Costs (million US$)
1,000
Costs (million US$)
1,026
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact
Name
Genshin Impact
Year
2020
Developer
miHoYo
Publisher
Android, iOS, PS4, Windows
Costs (million US$)
900+
Costs (million US$)
998+
Star Citizen and Squadron 42
Star Citizen and Squadron 42
Name
Star Citizen and Squadron 42
Year
TBA
Developer
Cloud Imperium Games
Publisher
Windows
Original platform(s)
637+
Costs (million US$)
156+
Costs (million US$)
793+
Costs (million US$)
955+
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Name
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Year
2020
Developer
Treyarch / Raven Software
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Costs (million US$)
700
Costs (million US$)
871
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Name
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Year
2019
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS4, Windows, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
640
Costs (million US$)
806
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Name
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Year
2015
Developer
Treyarch
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS3, PS4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
450
Costs (million US$)
611
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077
Name
Cyberpunk 2077
Year
2020
Developer
CD Projekt Red
Publisher
CD Projekt
Original platform(s)
PS4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
174
Costs (million US$)
142
Costs (million US$)
441
Costs (million US$)
526
2023
2023
Name
2023
Year
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Developer
103
Publisher
21
Battlefield 6
Battlefield 6
Name
Battlefield 6
Year
2025
Developer
Battlefield Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Costs (million US$)
400+
Costs (million US$)
400
Marvel's Spider-Man 3
Marvel's Spider-Man 3
Name
Marvel's Spider-Man 3
Year
TBA
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
TBA
Costs (million US$)
385
Costs (million US$)
407
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Name
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Year
2009
Developer
Infinity Ward
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
40–50
Costs (million US$)
150–160
Costs (million US$)
200
Costs (million US$)
360–375
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Name
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Year
2023
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS5
Costs (million US$)
315
Costs (million US$)
333
Marvel's Wolverine
Marvel's Wolverine
Name
Marvel's Wolverine
Year
2026
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS5
Costs (million US$)
305
Costs (million US$)
322
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII
Name
Final Fantasy VII
Year
1997
Developer
Square
Publisher
Square, Sony Computer Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS1
Costs (million US$)
40–45
Costs (million US$)
40–100
Costs (million US$)
80–145
Costs (million US$)
160–291
The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II
Name
The Last of Us Part II
Year
2020
Developer
Naughty Dog
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS4
Costs (million US$)
220
Costs (million US$)
220
Costs (million US$)
274
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Name
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Year
2020
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS4, PS5
Costs (million US$)
81
Costs (million US$)
25
Costs (million US$)
213
Costs (million US$)
265
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West
Name
Horizon Forbidden West
Year
2022
Developer
Guerrilla Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS4, PS5
Costs (million US$)
212
Costs (million US$)
212
Costs (million US$)
233
Halo 2
Halo 2
Name
Halo 2
Year
2004
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox
Costs (million US$)
40
Costs (million US$)
80
Costs (million US$)
120
Costs (million US$)
205
Destiny
Destiny
Name
Destiny
Year
2014
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
140
Costs (million US$)
190
The Callisto Protocol
The Callisto Protocol
Name
The Callisto Protocol
Year
2022
Developer
Striking Distance Studios
Publisher
Krafton
Original platform(s)
PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Costs (million US$)
162
Costs (million US$)
178
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Name
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Year
2018
Developer
Eidos Montréal
Publisher
Square Enix
Original platform(s)
PS4, Windows, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
75–100
Costs (million US$)
35
Costs (million US$)
110–135
Costs (million US$)
141–173
Dead Space 2
Dead Space 2
Name
Dead Space 2
Year
2011
Developer
Visceral Games
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
120
Costs (million US$)
172
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV
Name
Grand Theft Auto IV
Year
2008
Developer
Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
100+
Costs (million US$)
150+
Undawn
Undawn
Name
Undawn
Year
2023
Developer
Lightspeed Studios, Level Infinite
Publisher
Tencent Games
Original platform(s)
Android, iOS, Windows
Costs (million US$)
140
Costs (million US$)
148
Battlefield 4
Battlefield 4
Name
Battlefield 4
Year
2013
Developer
EA DICE
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
138
Immortals of Aveum
Immortals of Aveum
Name
Immortals of Aveum
Year
2023
Developer
Ascendant Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Costs (million US$)
80
Costs (million US$)
45
Costs (million US$)
125
Costs (million US$)
132
Shenmue
Shenmue
Name
Shenmue
Year
1999
Developer
Sega AM2
Publisher
Sega
Original platform(s)
Dreamcast
Costs (million US$)
47
Costs (million US$)
47–70
Costs (million US$)
91–135
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Name
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Year
2015
Developer
CD Projekt Red
Publisher
CD Projekt
Original platform(s)
PS4, Windows, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
81
Costs (million US$)
110
Rift
Rift
Name
Rift
Year
2011
Developer
Trion Worlds
Publisher
Windows
Original platform(s)
50+
Costs (million US$)
10–20
Costs (million US$)
60–70+
Costs (million US$)
86–100+
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Name
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Year
2021
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS5
Costs (million US$)
81
Costs (million US$)
96
Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs
Name
Watch Dogs
Year
2014
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher
Ubisoft
Original platform(s)
PS3, PS4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
68+
Costs (million US$)
92+
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Name
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Year
2012
Developer
Ubisoft Paris, Red Storm Entertainment, Ubisoft Bucharest
Publisher
Ubisoft
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
65
Costs (million US$)
91
Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5
Name
Gran Turismo 5
Year
2010
Developer
Polyphony Digital
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS3
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
89
Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3
Name
Gears of War 3
Year
2011
Developer
Epic Games
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
48–60
Costs (million US$)
69–86
Gears of War: Judgment
Gears of War: Judgment
Name
Gears of War: Judgment
Year
2013
Developer
Epic Games, People Can Fly
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
83
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain
Name
Heavy Rain
Year
2010
Developer
Quantic Dream
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS3
Costs (million US$)
21
Costs (million US$)
30
Costs (million US$)
52
Costs (million US$)
77
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX
Name
Final Fantasy IX
Year
2000
Developer
Square
Publisher
PS1
Costs (million US$)
40
Costs (million US$)
75
Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong
Name
Black Myth: Wukong
Year
2024
Developer
Game Science
Publisher
PS5, Windows
Costs (million US$)
70
Costs (million US$)
72
Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen
Name
Lords of the Fallen
Year
2023
Developer
Hexworks
Publisher
CI Games
Original platform(s)
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Costs (million US$)
42
Costs (million US$)
24
Costs (million US$)
66
Costs (million US$)
70
E . the Extra-Terrestrial
E . the Extra-Terrestrial
Name
E . the Extra-Terrestrial
Year
1982
Developer
Atari, Inc.
Publisher
Atari 2600
Costs (million US$)
21–22
Costs (million US$)
70–73
Darksiders II
Darksiders II
Name
Darksiders II
Year
2012
Developer
Vigil Games
Publisher
THQ
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
70
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2
Name
Half-Life 2
Year
2004
Developer
Valve
Publisher
Windows
Costs (million US$)
40+
Costs (million US$)
68+
Kingdom Under Fire II
Kingdom Under Fire II
Name
Kingdom Under Fire II
Year
2019
Developer
Blueside, Phantagram
Publisher
Gameforge
Original platform(s)
Windows
Costs (million US$)
50+
Costs (million US$)
68+
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
Name
Ghost of Tsushima
Year
2020
Developer
Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS4, Windows
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
60
Costs (million US$)
60
Control Resonant
Control Resonant
Name
Control Resonant
Year
TBA
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Original platform(s)
52
Costs (million US$)
52
Costs (million US$)
54
| Name | Year | Developer | Publisher | Original platform(s) | Costs (million US$) | |||
| Development | Marketing | Total | Total (2025 inflation) | |||||
| Monopoly Go! | 2023 | Scopely | Android, iOS | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,026 | ||
| Genshin Impact | 2020 | miHoYo | Android, iOS, PS4, Windows | 900+ | 998+ | |||
| Star Citizen and Squadron 42 | TBA | Cloud Imperium Games | Windows | 637+ | 156+ | 793+ | 955+ | |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 2020 | Treyarch / Raven Software | Activision | PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 700 | 871 | ||
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 2019 | Infinity Ward | Activision | PS4, Windows, Xbox One | 640 | 806 | ||
| Call of Duty: Black Ops III | 2015 | Treyarch | Activision | PS3, PS4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 450 | 611 | ||
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | CD Projekt Red | CD Projekt | PS4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One | 174 | 142 | 441 | 526 |
| 2023 | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | 103 | 21 | |||||
| Battlefield 6 | 2025 | Battlefield Studios | Electronic Arts | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | 400+ | 400 | ||
| Marvel's Spider-Man 3 | TBA | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | TBA | 385 | 407 | ||
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | 2009 | Infinity Ward | Activision | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | 40–50 | 150–160 | 200 | 360–375 |
| Marvel's Spider-Man 2 | 2023 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS5 | 315 | 333 | ||
| Marvel's Wolverine | 2026 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS5 | 305 | 322 | ||
| Final Fantasy VII | 1997 | Square | Square, Sony Computer Entertainment | PS1 | 40–45 | 40–100 | 80–145 | 160–291 |
| The Last of Us Part II | 2020 | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS4 | 220 | 220 | 274 | |
| Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales | 2020 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS4, PS5 | 81 | 25 | 213 | 265 |
| Horizon Forbidden West | 2022 | Guerrilla Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS4, PS5 | 212 | 212 | 233 | |
| Halo 2 | 2004 | Bungie | Microsoft Studios | Xbox | 40 | 80 | 120 | 205 |
| Destiny | 2014 | Bungie | Activision | PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 140 | 190 | ||
| The Callisto Protocol | 2022 | Striking Distance Studios | Krafton | PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 162 | 178 | ||
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | Eidos Montréal | Square Enix | PS4, Windows, Xbox One | 75–100 | 35 | 110–135 | 141–173 |
| Dead Space 2 | 2011 | Visceral Games | Electronic Arts | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 172 |
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | 100+ | 150+ | ||
| Undawn | 2023 | Lightspeed Studios, Level Infinite | Tencent Games | Android, iOS, Windows | 140 | 148 | ||
| Battlefield 4 | 2013 | EA DICE | Electronic Arts | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | 100 | 100 | 138 | |
| Immortals of Aveum | 2023 | Ascendant Studios | Electronic Arts | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | 80 | 45 | 125 | 132 |
| Shenmue | 1999 | Sega AM2 | Sega | Dreamcast | 47 | 47–70 | 91–135 | |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 2015 | CD Projekt Red | CD Projekt | PS4, Windows, Xbox One | 81 | 110 | ||
| Rift | 2011 | Trion Worlds | Windows | 50+ | 10–20 | 60–70+ | 86–100+ | |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS5 | 81 | 96 | ||
| Watch Dogs | 2014 | Ubisoft Montreal | Ubisoft | PS3, PS4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 68+ | 92+ | ||
| Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier | 2012 | Ubisoft Paris, Red Storm Entertainment, Ubisoft Bucharest | Ubisoft | PS3, Xbox 360 | 65 | 91 | ||
| Gran Turismo 5 | 2010 | Polyphony Digital | Sony Computer Entertainment | PS3 | 60 | 89 | ||
| Gears of War 3 | 2011 | Epic Games | Microsoft Studios | Xbox 360 | 48–60 | 69–86 | ||
| Gears of War: Judgment | 2013 | Epic Games, People Can Fly | Microsoft Studios | Xbox 360 | 60 | 83 | ||
| Heavy Rain | 2010 | Quantic Dream | Sony Computer Entertainment | PS3 | 21 | 30 | 52 | 77 |
| Final Fantasy IX | 2000 | Square | PS1 | 40 | 75 | |||
| Black Myth: Wukong | 2024 | Game Science | PS5, Windows | 70 | 72 | |||
| Lords of the Fallen | 2023 | Hexworks | CI Games | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | 42 | 24 | 66 | 70 |
| E . the Extra-Terrestrial | 1982 | Atari, Inc. | Atari 2600 | 21–22 | 70–73 | |||
| Darksiders II | 2012 | Vigil Games | THQ | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | 50 | 70 | ||
| Half-Life 2 | 2004 | Valve | Windows | 40+ | 68+ | |||
| Kingdom Under Fire II | 2019 | Blueside, Phantagram | Gameforge | Windows | 50+ | 68+ | ||
| Ghost of Tsushima | 2020 | Sucker Punch Productions | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS4, Windows | 60 | 60 | 60 | |
| Control Resonant | TBA | Remedy Entertainment | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | 52 | 52 | 54 | ||
· Lists › Official figures › Cancelled games
Development
Development
Name
Development
Year cancelled
2025 inflation
Titan Project
Titan Project
Name
Titan Project
Year cancelled
2007–2008
Developer
Ensemble Studios
Publisher
Microsoft Game Studios
Platform(s)
Windows
Costs (million US$)
90
Costs (million US$)
135
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Name
Wonder Woman
Year cancelled
2025
Developer
Monolith Productions
Publisher
Warner Bros. Games
Platform(s)
Unknown
Costs (million US$)
100+
Costs (million US$)
100
Fable Legends
Fable Legends
Name
Fable Legends
Year cancelled
2016
Developer
Lionhead Studios
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Platform(s)
Windows, Xbox One
Costs (million US$)
75
Costs (million US$)
101
This Is Vegas
This Is Vegas
Name
This Is Vegas
Year cancelled
2009–2010
Developer
Surreal Software
Publisher
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Costs (million US$)
40–50
Costs (million US$)
59–74
Volt
Volt
Name
Volt
Year cancelled
2021
Developer
Hangar 13
Publisher
2K
Platform(s)
Unknown
Costs (million US$)
53
Costs (million US$)
53
| Name | Year cancelled | Developer | Publisher | Platform(s) | Costs (million US$) | |
| Development | 2025 inflation | |||||
| Titan Project | 2007–2008 | Ensemble Studios | Microsoft Game Studios | Windows | 90 | 135 |
| Wonder Woman | 2025 | Monolith Productions | Warner Bros. Games | Unknown | 100+ | 100 |
| Fable Legends | 2016 | Lionhead Studios | Microsoft Studios | Windows, Xbox One | 75 | 101 |
| This Is Vegas | 2009–2010 | Surreal Software | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | 40–50 | 59–74 |
| Volt | 2021 | Hangar 13 | 2K | Unknown | 53 | 53 |
· Lists › Unofficial figures › Analyst estimations
Name
Name
Name
Name
Year
Institution
Developer
Dev.
Publisher
Marketing
Original platform(s)
Total
Analyst(s)
Total (2025 inflation)
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V
Name
Grand Theft Auto V
Year
2013
Developer
Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Analyst(s)
Arvind Bhatia
Analyst(s)
Sterne Agee
Costs (million US$)
137
Costs (million US$)
69–109
Costs (million US$)
206 –246
Costs (million US$)
285–341
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Name
Red Dead Redemption 2
Year
2018
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
PS4, Xbox One
Original platform(s)
Michael Pachter
Analyst(s)
Wedbush Securities
Analyst(s)
170
Costs (million US$)
170
Costs (million US$)
218
Halo 5: Guardians
Halo 5: Guardians
Name
Halo 5: Guardians
Year
2015
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox One
Analyst(s)
160
Costs (million US$)
160
Costs (million US$)
217
Marvel's Avengers
Marvel's Avengers
Name
Marvel's Avengers
Year
2020
Developer
Crystal Dynamics
Publisher
Square Enix
Original platform(s)
PS4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One
Analyst(s)
David Gibson
Analyst(s)
Astris Advisory
Costs (million US$)
170+
Costs (million US$)
211+
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Name
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Year
2020
Developer
Square Enix Business Division 1
Publisher
Square Enix
Original platform(s)
PS4
Analyst(s)
Yuhsuke Koyama
Analyst(s)
Shibaura Institute of Technology
Costs (million US$)
144
Costs (million US$)
144
Costs (million US$)
179
Atul Goyal
Atul Goyal
Name
Atul Goyal
Year
Jefferies & Company
Developer
<140
Original platform(s)
<140
Analyst(s)
<174
Max Payne 3
Max Payne 3
Name
Max Payne 3
Year
2012
Developer
Rockstar Studios
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Analyst(s)
Arvind Bhatia
Analyst(s)
Sterne Agee
Costs (million US$)
105
Costs (million US$)
105
Costs (million US$)
147
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider
Name
Tomb Raider
Year
2013
Developer
Crystal Dynamics
Publisher
Square Enix
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Analyst(s)
Billy Pidgeon
Analyst(s)
—N/a
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
138
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2
Name
Resident Evil 2
Year
2019
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
PS4, Windows, Xbox One
Original platform(s)
Atul Goyal
Analyst(s)
Jefferies & Company
Analyst(s)
<100
Costs (million US$)
<100
Costs (million US$)
<126
Halo 3
Halo 3
Name
Halo 3
Year
2007
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Microsoft Game Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox 360
Analyst(s)
Michael Pachter
Analyst(s)
Wedbush Securities
Costs (million US$)
30+
Costs (million US$)
15–20
Costs (million US$)
60+
Costs (million US$)
93+
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2
Name
Alan Wake 2
Year
2023
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher
Epic Games Publishing
Original platform(s)
PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Analyst(s)
Atte Riikola
Analyst(s)
Inderes
Costs (million US$)
53
Costs (million US$)
21
Costs (million US$)
75
Costs (million US$)
79
ARC Raiders
ARC Raiders
Name
ARC Raiders
Year
2025
Developer
Embark Studios
Publisher
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Original platform(s)
Michael Pachter
Analyst(s)
Wedbush Securities
Costs (million US$)
75
Costs (million US$)
75
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
Name
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
Year
2008
Developer
Mythic Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
Windows
Analyst(s)
50
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
75
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV
Name
Grand Theft Auto IV
Year
2008
Developer
Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Analyst(s)
45
Costs (million US$)
45
Costs (million US$)
67
| Name | Year | Developer | Publisher | Original platform(s) | Analyst(s) | Costs (million US$) | Ref. | ||||
| Name | Institution | Dev. | Marketing | Total | Total (2025 inflation) | ||||||
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | Arvind Bhatia | Sterne Agee | 137 | 69–109 | 206 –246 | 285–341 | |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Rockstar Games | PS4, Xbox One | Michael Pachter | Wedbush Securities | 170 | 170 | 218 | |||
| Halo 5: Guardians | 2015 | 343 Industries | Microsoft Studios | Xbox One | 160 | 160 | 217 | ||||
| Marvel's Avengers | 2020 | Crystal Dynamics | Square Enix | PS4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One | David Gibson | Astris Advisory | 170+ | 211+ | |||
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020 | Square Enix Business Division 1 | Square Enix | PS4 | Yuhsuke Koyama | Shibaura Institute of Technology | 144 | 144 | 179 | ||
| Atul Goyal | Jefferies & Company | <140 | <140 | <174 | |||||||
| Max Payne 3 | 2012 | Rockstar Studios | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | Arvind Bhatia | Sterne Agee | 105 | 105 | 147 | ||
| Tomb Raider | 2013 | Crystal Dynamics | Square Enix | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | Billy Pidgeon | —N/a | 100 | 138 | |||
| Resident Evil 2 | 2019 | Capcom | PS4, Windows, Xbox One | Atul Goyal | Jefferies & Company | <100 | <100 | <126 | |||
| Halo 3 | 2007 | Bungie | Microsoft Game Studios | Xbox 360 | Michael Pachter | Wedbush Securities | 30+ | 15–20 | 60+ | 93+ | |
| Alan Wake 2 | 2023 | Remedy Entertainment | Epic Games Publishing | PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | Atte Riikola | Inderes | 53 | 21 | 75 | 79 | |
| ARC Raiders | 2025 | Embark Studios | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | Michael Pachter | Wedbush Securities | 75 | 75 | ||||
| Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning | 2008 | Mythic Entertainment | Electronic Arts | Windows | 50 | 50 | 75 | ||||
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | 45 | 45 | 67 | ||||
· Lists › Unofficial figures › Press estimations
Dev.
Dev.
Name
Dev.
Year
Marketing
Developer
Total
Publisher
Total (2025 inflation)
Grand Theft Auto VI
Grand Theft Auto VI
Name
Grand Theft Auto VI
Year
2026
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Original platform(s)
Several
Costs (million US$)
1,000–2,000
Costs (million US$)
1,000–2,000
MindsEye
MindsEye
Name
MindsEye
Year
2025
Developer
Build a Rocket Boy
Publisher
IO Interactive
Original platform(s)
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Press outlet
Gameranx
Costs (million US$)
500
Costs (million US$)
500
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Name
Red Dead Redemption 2
Year
2018
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
PS4, Xbox One
Original platform(s)
VentureBeat
Costs (million US$)
200–300
Costs (million US$)
200–300
Costs (million US$)
256–385
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V
Name
Grand Theft Auto V
Year
2013
Developer
Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Press outlet
The Scotsman
Costs (million US$)
265
Costs (million US$)
366
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Name
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Year
2011
Developer
BioWare
Publisher
Electronic Arts, LucasArts
Original platform(s)
Windows
Press outlet
Los Angeles Times
Costs (million US$)
200+
Costs (million US$)
286+
Marathon
Marathon
Name
Marathon
Year
2026
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Original platform(s)
Forbes
Costs (million US$)
200–250+
Costs (million US$)
200–250+
Concord
Concord
Name
Concord
Year
2024
Developer
Firewalk Studios
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS5, Windows
Press outlet
Kotaku
Costs (million US$)
200+
Costs (million US$)
205+
Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones
Name
Skull and Bones
Year
2024
Developer
Ubisoft Singapore
Publisher
Ubisoft
Original platform(s)
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Press outlet
Insider Gaming
Costs (million US$)
200
Costs (million US$)
205
Too Human
Too Human
Name
Too Human
Year
2008
Developer
Silicon Knights
Publisher
Microsoft Game Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox 360
Press outlet
USgamer
Costs (million US$)
60–100
Costs (million US$)
90–150
Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption
Name
Red Dead Redemption
Year
2010
Developer
Rockstar San Diego
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Press outlet
The New York Times
Costs (million US$)
80–100
Costs (million US$)
118–148
APB: All Points Bulletin
APB: All Points Bulletin
Name
APB: All Points Bulletin
Year
2010
Developer
Realtime Worlds
Publisher
Electronic Arts, Realtime Worlds
Original platform(s)
Windows
Press outlet
The Guardian
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
148
Enter the Matrix
Enter the Matrix
Name
Enter the Matrix
Year
2003
Developer
Shiny Entertainment
Publisher
Infogrames
Original platform(s)
GameCube, PS2, Windows, Xbox
Press outlet
Wall Street Journal
Costs (million US$)
20
Costs (million US$)
80
Costs (million US$)
140
Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity
Name
Disney Infinity
Year
2013
Developer
Avalanche Software, Altron (3DS)
Publisher
Disney Interactive Studios
Original platform(s)
3DS, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360
Press outlet
Los Angeles Times
Costs (million US$)
100+
Costs (million US$)
138+
Deadpool
Deadpool
Name
Deadpool
Year
2013
Developer
High Moon Studios
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Press outlet
GameSpot
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
138
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Name
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Year
2017
Developer
BioWare
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Original platform(s)
PS4, Windows, Xbox One
Press outlet
Edmonton Journal
Costs (million US$)
100
Costs (million US$)
131
Defiance
Defiance
Name
Defiance
Year
2013
Developer
Trion Worlds, Human Head Studios
Publisher
Trion Worlds
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows, Xbox 360
Press outlet
Forbes
Costs (million US$)
80
Costs (million US$)
80
Costs (million US$)
111
Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II
Name
Mortal Kombat II
Year
1994
Developer
Probe Entertainment
Publisher
Acclaim Entertainment
Original platform(s)
Game Gear, Sega Genesis, SNES
Press outlet
San Francisco Chronicle
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
109
Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic & Knuckles
Name
Sonic & Knuckles
Year
1994
Developer
Sega Technical Institute
Publisher
Sega
Original platform(s)
Sega Genesis
Press outlet
Los Angeles Times
Costs (million US$)
45
Costs (million US$)
45
Costs (million US$)
98
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Name
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Year
2010
Developer
Treyarch
Publisher
Activision
Original platform(s)
Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Windows, Xbox 360, OS X
Costs (million US$)
50+
Costs (million US$)
74
DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online
Name
DC Universe Online
Year
2011
Developer
Dimensional Ink Games
Publisher
Daybreak Game Company, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Original platform(s)
PS3, Windows
Press outlet
50
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
72
L . Noire
L . Noire
Name
L . Noire
Year
2011
Developer
Team Bondi
Publisher
Rockstar Games
Original platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360
Press outlet
BBC News
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
50
Costs (million US$)
72
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3
Name
Super Mario Bros. 3
Year
1988
Developer
Nintendo EAD
Publisher
Nintendo
Original platform(s)
NES
Press outlet
The Seattle Times
Costs (million US$)
0
Costs (million US$)
25 +
Costs (million US$)
70+
The Indianapolis Star
The Indianapolis Star
Name
The Indianapolis Star
Developer
25+
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X
Name
Final Fantasy X
Year
2001
Developer
Square Product Development Division 1
Publisher
Square
Original platform(s)
PS2
Press outlet
Yomiuri Shimbun
Costs (million US$)
32
Costs (million US$)
32 +
Costs (million US$)
62+
Halo 3
Halo 3
Name
Halo 3
Year
2007
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Microsoft Game Studios
Original platform(s)
Xbox 360
Press outlet
The Hollywood Reporter
Costs (million US$)
40
Costs (million US$)
40
Costs (million US$)
62
| Name | Year | Developer | Publisher | Original platform(s) | Press outlet | Costs (million US$) | Ref. | |||
| Dev. | Marketing | Total | Total (2025 inflation) | |||||||
| Grand Theft Auto VI | 2026 | Rockstar Games | PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Several | 1,000–2,000 | 1,000–2,000 | ||||
| MindsEye | 2025 | Build a Rocket Boy | IO Interactive | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows | Gameranx | 500 | 500 | |||
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Rockstar Games | PS4, Xbox One | VentureBeat | 200–300 | 200–300 | 256–385 | |||
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | The Scotsman | 265 | 366 | |||
| Star Wars: The Old Republic | 2011 | BioWare | Electronic Arts, LucasArts | Windows | Los Angeles Times | 200+ | 286+ | |||
| Marathon | 2026 | Bungie | PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S | Forbes | 200–250+ | 200–250+ | ||||
| Concord | 2024 | Firewalk Studios | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS5, Windows | Kotaku | 200+ | 205+ | |||
| Skull and Bones | 2024 | Ubisoft Singapore | Ubisoft | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows | Insider Gaming | 200 | 205 | |||
| Too Human | 2008 | Silicon Knights | Microsoft Game Studios | Xbox 360 | USgamer | 60–100 | 90–150 | |||
| Red Dead Redemption | 2010 | Rockstar San Diego | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | The New York Times | 80–100 | 118–148 | |||
| APB: All Points Bulletin | 2010 | Realtime Worlds | Electronic Arts, Realtime Worlds | Windows | The Guardian | 100 | 148 | |||
| Enter the Matrix | 2003 | Shiny Entertainment | Infogrames | GameCube, PS2, Windows, Xbox | Wall Street Journal | 20 | 80 | 140 | ||
| Disney Infinity | 2013 | Avalanche Software, Altron (3DS) | Disney Interactive Studios | 3DS, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 | Los Angeles Times | 100+ | 138+ | |||
| Deadpool | 2013 | High Moon Studios | Activision | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | GameSpot | 100 | 138 | |||
| Mass Effect: Andromeda | 2017 | BioWare | Electronic Arts | PS4, Windows, Xbox One | Edmonton Journal | 100 | 131 | |||
| Defiance | 2013 | Trion Worlds, Human Head Studios | Trion Worlds | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 | Forbes | 80 | 80 | 111 | ||
| Mortal Kombat II | 1994 | Probe Entertainment | Acclaim Entertainment | Game Gear, Sega Genesis, SNES | San Francisco Chronicle | 50 | 109 | |||
| Sonic & Knuckles | 1994 | Sega Technical Institute | Sega | Sega Genesis | Los Angeles Times | 45 | 45 | 98 | ||
| Call of Duty: Black Ops | 2010 | Treyarch | Activision | Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Windows, Xbox 360, OS X | 50+ | 74 | ||||
| DC Universe Online | 2011 | Dimensional Ink Games | Daybreak Game Company, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | PS3, Windows | 50 | 50 | 72 | |||
| L . Noire | 2011 | Team Bondi | Rockstar Games | PS3, Xbox 360 | BBC News | 50 | 50 | 72 | ||
| Super Mario Bros. 3 | 1988 | Nintendo EAD | Nintendo | NES | The Seattle Times | 0 | 25 + | 70+ | ||
| The Indianapolis Star | 25+ | |||||||||
| Final Fantasy X | 2001 | Square Product Development Division 1 | Square | PS2 | Yomiuri Shimbun | 32 | 32 + | 62+ | ||
| Halo 3 | 2007 | Bungie | Microsoft Game Studios | Xbox 360 | The Hollywood Reporter | 40 | 40 | 62 | ||
References
- Includes ongoing costs as of 2024https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_most_expensive_video_games_to_develop&action=edit
- US$100 million for initial development, US$200 million annually for ongoing development as of 2024https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_most_expensive_video_games_to_develop&action=edit
- Playable elements of the game were first released in 2013, but the game remains in early access, with no final release d
- Approximately US$316 million for original game and US$125 million for Update 2 upgrade and Phantom Liberty downloadable
- Update 2 upgrade and Phantom Liberty downloadable content
- US$40 million for Update 2 and US$62 million for Phantom Liberty DLC
- Unannounced game
- Projected figure
- Includes US$106 million licensing fee
- US$19 million for marketing and US$5 million for production of physical copies
- Licensing fee
- Several outlets reported on Grand Theft Auto VI's rumored US$1–2 billion budget, though the figure remains unverified.
- Including licensing fee
- Chris Baker, former interactive manager at Marvel Games, disputed Deadpool's US$100 million figure in 2024 and claimed t
- D'Anastasio, Ceciliahttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-25/behind-the-3-5-billion-pokemon-deal-a-consolidation-strategy
- GamesRadar+https://www.gamesradar.com/games/open-world/its-taken-4-years-and-roughly-dollar900-million-but-genshin-impact-is-a-better-open-world-rpg-than-ever-after-update-50/
- Polygonhttps://www.polygon.com/24063498/genshin-impact-hackers-sued-canada-court
- "Genshin Lawsuit via Polygon"https://www.scribd.com/document/704027216/Genshin-Lawsuit-via-Polygon
- Engadgethttps://www.engadget.com/2013-08-22-gamescom-2013-roberts-demos-star-citizens-hangar-module.html
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/star-citizen-chaotic-report-1203205859/