10 Most Expensive Games to Make
It's well known that modern video games have budgets rivaling those of major Hollywood blockbusters. With development cycles stretching over several years, studios invest vast amounts of resources and work hours to bring a single AAA title to life and costs continue to rise. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most expensive games ever produced.
The globally renowned gacha giant, Genshin Impact, is unsurprisingly one of the most expensive games ever developed. Initially, miHoYo invested $100 million into its creation, but maintaining and expanding the game has required an estimated $200 million annually. With continuous updates, new content, and evolving mechanics, total development and maintenance costs are now approaching the billion-dollar mark.
1. Genshin Impact
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2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Activision’s 2019 reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-franchise in the Call of Duty series came with a staggering $640 million development and marketing budget. However, this massive investment quickly paid off, as the game recouped most of its costs within just three days of release, shattering multiple sales records in the process.
Despite some lingering controversies surrounding its story campaign, Modern Warfare remains one of the most beloved multiplayer FPS titles, praised for its refined gunplay, immersive mechanics, and gripping multiplayer experience.
A true anomaly in game development, Star Citizen straddles the line between an ambitious crowdfunded masterpiece and one of the most controversial projects in gaming history. Spearheaded by industry veteran Chris Roberts, the creator of the beloved Wing Commander series, the game was initially pitched as the most immersive space sim ever made.
What began in 2012 with a modest $2 million crowdfunding campaign has since ballooned into an ongoing fundraising juggernaut, amassing an estimated $600–$700 million from backers. Despite over a decade of development and countless updates, a full release remains elusive, with the latest target set for 2026—though skepticism continues to grow within the gaming community.
A stunning open-world RPG from the creators of The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077 came with a hefty $442 million price tag for CD Projekt Red. However, its launch in 2020 was marred by technical issues, leading to widespread criticism and refunds.
Despite its rocky start, the game underwent significant improvements through patches, culminating in the release of the Phantom Liberty DLC, which helped redefine its reputation. Today, Cyberpunk 2077 is widely praised as a deep and immersive RPG, breathing new life into the cyberpunk genre—one that had been largely overlooked in gaming. CP still has a very active gamer base, and a huge modding scene that keeps the game alive in new and interesting ways.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
A blockbuster action-adventure sequel to one of PlayStation’s most beloved exclusives, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 came with a production cost exceeding $300 million for Sony and developer Insomniac Games. Despite the massive budget, the game was a resounding success, living up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
Now featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they swing through the streets of New York, battling crime with web-shooters and witty banter, the game received overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Selling over 10 million copies, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 solidified its place as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusives.
6. Final Fantasy VII
One of the most iconic Japanese RPGs of all time, Final Fantasy VII had a production budget ranging between $80–145 million back in 1997. When adjusted for inflation, that amount nearly doubles, putting it in the same financial league as its modern reimaginings.
Both Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth reportedly cost around $200 million each, reflecting the industry’s growing development costs. Despite the massive budgets, these remakes have been widely praised for their stunning visuals, deep storytelling, and faithful yet innovative take on the legendary classic. The story of sword-wielding SOLDIER Cloud Strife and the members of Avalanche fighting to save the planet from Shinra Corporation and the evil Sephiroth is one of the most iconic in the game genre and the world of gaming as a whole, and remains painfully relevant even decades after release.
7. The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog’s sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last of Us was an ambitious and costly endeavor, with a final production budget of around $220 million. Every cent of that investment is evident in the game’s meticulous attention to detail, emotionally charged storytelling, and stunningly realized world.
TLoU Part II follows Ellie and newcomer Abby on intertwining paths of revenge and redemption, delivering a narrative filled with heartbreak and moral ambiguity. The game’s bleak yet breathtaking post-apocalyptic environments, fluid combat mechanics, and intense action sequences make for an unforgettable experience. True to Neil Druckmann’s signature storytelling, tragedy looms large, cementing The Last of Us Part II as one of the most powerful and divisive titles in modern gaming.
8. Horizon Forbidden West
Another sequel to a PlayStation blockbuster, Horizon Forbidden West expands on the lush, machine-filled world introduced in its predecessor. With over 300 developers working on the project, the game’s final budget surpassed $212 million, making it one of Sony’s most expensive exclusives.
Returning as Aloy, players explore breathtaking landscapes teeming with advanced robotic creatures and diverse human tribes. The game features improved mechanics, deeper exploration, and an engaging narrative that builds upon the original’s rich lore. With its stunning visuals and refined gameplay, Horizon Forbidden West solidified its place as a standout entry in the open-world action RPG genre.
Sony is currently working on AI implementation of the main character, Aloy, whom HFW follows as she travels further west, looking for the source of a mysterious plague. The game was a huge hit and was especially praised for engaging side-quests.
9. Destiny
The multiplayer co-op shooter Destiny cost Bungie around $150 million to develop, marking one of the most ambitious projects in gaming history. While the game faced criticism at launch for its story structure and content limitations, it gradually built a dedicated player base through expansions and live-service updates.
Set in a vast sci-fi universe, Destiny follows the Guardians as they battle powerful cosmic threats, blending fast-paced action with RPG elements. However, its most lasting impact lies in its pioneering role in the live-service model, which has influenced countless games since. Even today, Destiny and its sequel serve as the foundation stones of the shared-world shooter genre, proving the long-term viability of ongoing content-driven experiences.10. The Callisto Protocol
Glen Schofield, the visionary behind the series, served as the main creative force behind The Callisto Protocol. With a combined development and marketing budget nearing $160 million, the game aimed to make a significant impact in the survival horror genre. However, its sales ultimately fell short of the studio’s expectations.
The development process faced challenges, including reports of crunch, particularly in the final stages leading up to release. Despite these issues, The Callisto Protocol was well received by survival horror enthusiasts, who praised it for its innovative concepts and genuinely terrifying sequences. The game successfully created an unsettling atmosphere, cementing its place as a noteworthy entry in the genre, even if it did not achieve the commercial success anticipated by its creators.