The 10 Biggest Budget Video Games of the Past Decade

In recent times, video games have grown into enormous undertakings, boasting budgets comparable to big-screen movies. Over the past decade, certain games have stretched their financial boundaries in a bid to offer immersive experiences, combining advanced technology, large workforces, and extended development periods.

The expenses typically encompass development, promotion, and continuous improvements, mirroring the increasing interest in intricate virtual environments and refined gameplay experiences. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 games with the highest production costs from 2015 to 2025, starting with the tenth most expensive and progressing to the costliest.

10. Destiny 2 (2017)

The game ‘Destiny 2’ initially hit the market at approximately $500 million, primarily because of its expansive vision and continuous upkeep, as developed by Bungie. Their goal was to construct a dynamic cosmos, merging intense multiplayer action with an immersive sci-fi narrative.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the astronomical costs associated with this game’s grandiose world-creation, top-notch graphics, and countless updates to ensure an immersive player experience. Yet, these expenses were validated by its extraordinary success, boasting millions of active players worldwide. Indeed, it has become a pillar in the contemporary landscape of online gaming.

9. The Last of Us Part II (2020)

Approximately $220 million was spent in creating Naughty Dog’s ‘The Last of Us Part II’, a deeply emotional story set in a post-apocalyptic world. A team of more than 2,000 developers from 14 different studios were involved in crafting its intricate environments and complex narrative.

The budget was allocated towards motion-capture technology, realistic animations, and a storyline that ignited passionate discussions among gamers. Despite its steep price tag, the game managed to sell more than 10 million units, solidifying its status as a daring, contentious masterpiece.

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)

Arriving in New York City, the production budget for “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” was an impressive $315 million, more than triple that of its earlier version. Insomniac Games invested heavily into perfecting smooth web-swinging actions and expanding the game world.

This game’s expenses were used for the development of not one but two main characters, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, as well as popular antagonists like Venom. By the end of 2024, it had sold over 10 million copies, demonstrating that its expensive production was a wise investment for Sony.

7. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)

The video game ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops III’ had a hefty budget of approximately $450 million, primarily due to its thrilling single-player storyline and multiplayer options. With Activision emphasizing high-quality weaponry interactions and the development of engaging zombie scenarios, a large team was essential for its creation.

The game’s expenses featured sophisticated visuals and worldwide promotion to preserve the series’ supremacy. Robust sales and a devoted following guaranteed that the publisher’s risk was a prudent move.

6. Monopoly Go! (2023)

It’s worth noting that the popular mobile game ‘Monopoly Go!’ had an estimated cost of approximately $500 million, a significant portion of which was allocated for marketing efforts. Over the course of seven years, extensive development and aggressive promotion contributed to its success.

The easy-to-grasp, hard-to-put-down mechanics of this game resulted in a staggering 100 million downloads and a massive $2 billion in earnings by 2024. This achievement underscores the potential for mobile games to compete financially with big-budget AAA titles when the right approach is taken.

5. Concord (2024)

The game titled ‘Concord’, classified as a hero shooter, came with a hefty price of approximately $400 million, a daring decision for a fresh franchise. The creators at Firewalk Studios were gunning for a successful competitive multiplayer experience by incorporating distinctive characters and lively environments.

Regardless of its substantial investment in stunning graphics and game mechanics, the game failed to attract a significant player base due to intense competition. The large expenditure serves as a reminder of the perils in following trends when the market is already saturated.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ revamped the renowned series at a cost of approximately $640 million, emphasizing gritty realism and multi-platform compatibility. Activision invested heavily in creating an immersive cinematic campaign for

The game’s continuous marketing efforts and regular updates managed to keep gamers engaged, resulting in sales exceeding 30 million. This remarkable financial achievement has established a challenging benchmark for upcoming installments within the series.

3. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)

Boasting an impressive $700 million budget, ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’ capitalized on the achievements of its previous version. It seamlessly combined a narrative set during the Cold War era with diverse multiplayer options.

Expenses grew significantly because of a big development crew and extensive international promotions. However, even with mixed opinions, the game’s robust sales demonstrated the lasting popularity of the franchise within the gaming community.

2. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

CD Projekt Red’s “Cyberpunk 2077” carried a total price tag of approximately $441 million, with $316 million going towards the initial development and an additional $125 million allocated for post-launch improvements. The game’s futuristic open world was marked by extraordinary ambition.

As a dedicated gamer, I faced some initial technical hiccups that required pricey fixes when the game first launched, but the developers quickly regained my trust and many others with intriguing updates such as Phantom Liberty. In the end, this game proved its lasting worth by selling more than 20 million copies, showcasing its enduring value in the gaming world.

1. Grand Theft Auto VI (2024)

Leading the pack, it’s said that ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ carries an estimated price tag of $1-$2 billion, making it the costliest game to date. Rockstar Games has reportedly poured resources into creating an expansive open-world environment modeled after a fictional Florida setting.

Over a long period, advancements in technology, heavy investment in marketing, and groundbreaking innovations have significantly increased the project’s cost. With lofty anticipations, its launch in 2025 aims to push the boundaries of both financial and creative aspects in gaming.

2025-07-12 18:16