1. Destiny 2 – $500 million

With a staggering $500 million budget, Destiny 2 stands as one of the most expensive video games ever developed. This figure includes both production and long-term marketing. Developed by Bungie, the game expanded on its predecessor’s online multiplayer world with enhanced graphics, deeper lore, and live-service features. Its ambitious scope included constant updates, expansions, and an evolving in-game universe. The investment paid off, drawing millions of players and establishing Destiny 2 as a leader in the sci-fi shooter genre.

Image at Destiny 2 : Bungie nous parle de l’avenir du jeu

2. Halo Infinite – $500 million

Microsoft reportedly spent around $500 million developing Halo Infinite, aiming to rejuvenate one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. The game introduced an open-world element to the Halo series and featured cutting-edge visuals optimized for the Xbox Series X/S. Technical challenges and multiple delays added to the cost, but the final product delivered a modern experience that respected the series’ legacy. This investment reflected the high expectations surrounding Halo as a flagship title for Xbox’s future.

Image at Halo Infinite Reaches 20 Million Players – Gameranx

3. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $400 million

Combining blockbuster production quality with global marketing campaigns, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War reportedly cost around $400 million. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the game continued the franchise’s legacy of cinematic storytelling and intense multiplayer action. Its Cold War-era setting and cross-generation support made it one of the most ambitious entries in the series. With massive day-one sales, the game proved the franchise’s dominance in the shooter market.

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4. Star Citizen – $350 million

Still in development, Star Citizen has surpassed $350 million in crowdfunding—an unprecedented figure for a video game. Created by Cloud Imperium Games, this space simulation title aims to deliver a deeply immersive universe with high realism, multiplayer features, and limitless exploration. Its funding model and scale have drawn both excitement and criticism. Despite years of delays, the sheer size of its budget and fan support highlight its place among the most ambitious projects in gaming history.

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5. Cyberpunk 2077 – $314 million

Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 had an estimated production and marketing cost of $314 million. Set in a futuristic dystopia, the game was highly anticipated for its open-world gameplay and detailed narrative. Despite its controversial launch due to bugs and performance issues, the massive budget reflects the ambition behind the project. Over time, patches and updates have improved the experience, helping Cyberpunk 2077 gradually rebuild its reputation and sales success.

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6. Grand Theft Auto V – $265 million

Released in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V cost an estimated $265 million to develop and market. Rockstar Games spared no expense in crafting an expansive open world, cinematic storyline, and diverse gameplay mechanics. Its success was immediate and overwhelming, eventually becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game’s online component, GTA Online, continues to generate revenue years after launch, making the hefty investment one of the smartest moves in gaming history.

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7. Horizon Forbidden West – $212 million

Guerrilla Games reportedly spent over $212 million developing Horizon Forbidden West, making it one of Sony’s most expensive first-party titles. The game builds upon the post-apocalyptic world introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn, offering larger environments, more dynamic gameplay, and stunning visuals. Its cutting-edge animation and intricate world design contributed significantly to its high budget. As a PlayStation exclusive, it reinforced Sony’s reputation for delivering premium, narrative-driven single-player experiences.

Image at Horizon Forbidden West’s Main Story Will be About as Long as Horizon Zero Dawn’s

8. The Sims 3 – $200 million

One of the most surprising entries on the list, The Sims 3 cost around $200 million to develop and promote. Electronic Arts invested heavily in expanding the popular life simulation franchise, enhancing customization, open-world mechanics, and AI behavior. Released in 2009, it was a massive commercial success, spawning numerous expansion packs. The game’s development cost reflected its broad appeal and EA’s goal of pushing simulation gaming to new heights.

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9. Star Wars: The Old Republic – $200 million

BioWare and EA spent approximately $200 million creating Star Wars: The Old Republic, one of the most ambitious MMORPGs ever. Featuring fully voiced characters, branching narratives, and a rich Star Wars universe, the game launched in 2011. Its enormous budget was aimed at competing with World of Warcraft, and while it didn’t quite dethrone the genre leader, it built a loyal player base. Regular updates have kept the game alive for over a decade.

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10. Red Dead Redemption 2 – $170 million

With a development cost of around $170 million, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most meticulously crafted games ever made. Rockstar Games spent years perfecting its story, characters, and open-world design, set in the American frontier. The result was a stunningly immersive narrative experience praised for its realism and detail. Combined with Red Dead Online, the game has enjoyed critical and commercial success, cementing its place as one of the most impressive achievements in gaming.

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This top list shows the top 10 most expensive video game developments of all time.