The 9 most expensive video games in history

For the past twenty years, video games have become a global phenomenon. The industry is now worth more than $300 billion, which is more than the film and music industries combined.

It’s normal, because the number of players is increasing. It’s also logical that the budgets allocated to the creation of a game and to its marketing are exploding. And you will see it by discovering the ranking of the 9 most expensive video games to produce in history.

Some of the games in the list below should not really surprise you. On the other hand, some others, despite the passing years and the increasing production costs, manage to be in the ranking of the most expensive video games in history despite all.

You’ll also see that making money is not always synonymous with commercial and critical success… Discover now our top 9 most expensive video games to produce in the history of video games.

9. Dead Space 2 – 120.000.000$

Dead Space 2 is not very young, but still manages to “beat” many productions that one would have thought more expensive. Dead Space 2 cost 120 million dollars, which is not necessarily surprising when you put this budget in perspective with the quality of the game.

8. Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 135.000.000$

Shadow of the Tomb Raider was not as successful as expected. Square Enix is frustrated, because with $135M committed, never before has a Tomb Raider opus cost so much to develop. The cult heroine is not expected to return anytime soon.

7. Star Wars: The Old Republic – 200.000.000$

The MMORPG in the Star Wars universe was a commercial and critical success, making the $200 million budget of the game profitable.

6. Halo 2 – 217.000.000$

The second Master Chief adventure was also the most expensive. As exciting in single-player as it was in multiplayer, Halo 2 cost about $217 million to produce.

5. Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 – 250.000.000$

The title released in 2009 and one of the best episodes of the franchise was a huge success with over 4 million copies sold. And fortunately, because the budget was colossal. On the 250 million dollar budget, the marketing would represent the modest sum of… 200 million dollars.

4. Grand Theft Auto V – 265.000.000$

You will surely not be surprised to see GTA V in this ranking. In total, the title will have required more than 265 million dollars of expenses. The marketing costs of the game alone would be around 100 million dollars. But considering the number of copies sold on a regular basis, the game was worth it.

3. Star Citizen – 275.000.000$

Yes, we are talking about an early access only game. Since development began in 2012, Star Citizen has cost its publisher more than $275 million… and earned $400 million. Still, it’s about time the multiplayer space simulation game got a release date.

2. Cyberpunk 2077 – 328.000.000$

Like eFootball or GTA Trilogy: The Definitive Edition, Cyberpunk 2077 belongs to the category of the biggest bad buzz suffered by a game in recent years. The PS4 and Xbox One versions of the title were completely unplayable when they were released. On PC, the game is excellent and justifies its $328M budget. A record in the video game industry? Nothing is less sure…

1. Red Dead Redemption II – unknown

Let’s be clear, there are no official figures on how much Red Dead Redemption II cost. Some estimates are around $500 million, others are closer to $800 million. One thing is certain: the budget allocated to Red Dead Redemption II is colossal. It’s logical for a game that also allows you to learn.