The 10 Biggest Budget Video Games of the Past Decade

Video games have become massive projects, with budgets rivaling Hollywood blockbusters. Over the last ten years, some titles have pushed financial limits to deliver epic experiences, blending cutting-edge tech, huge teams, and years of work. 

The costs often cover development, marketing, and ongoing updates, reflecting the growing demand for immersive worlds and polished gameplay. Here’s a ranked look at the top 10 highest-budget games from 2015 to 2025, counting down from the tenth to the priciest. 

10. Destiny 2 (2017)

The open-world shooter ‘Destiny 2’ launched with a hefty price tag of around $500 million, largely due to its ambitious scope and ongoing support. Developer Bungie aimed to create a living universe, blending multiplayer action with a rich sci-fi story. 

Costs ballooned with expansive world-building, high-end visuals, and years of updates to keep players engaged. The game’s success, with millions of active players, justified the investment, making it a cornerstone of modern online gaming. 

9. The Last of Us Part II (2020)

Naughty Dog’s ‘The Last of Us Part II’ cost about $220 million to craft its emotional, post-apocalyptic tale. Over 2,000 developers across 14 studios worked on its detailed environments and complex narrative. 

The budget went to motion-capture tech, lifelike animations, and a story that sparked heated debate among players. Despite its high cost, the game sold over 10 million copies, cementing its place as a bold, divisive masterpiece. 

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)

Swinging into New York City, ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ had a $315 million budget, triple that of its predecessor. Insomniac Games poured resources into seamless web-slinging mechanics and a larger open world. 

The game’s costs covered dual protagonists, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, plus high-profile villains like Venom. Selling over 10 million copies by late 2024, it proved its pricey development paid off for Sony. 

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

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops III’ racked up a $450 million budget, driven by its fast-paced campaign and multiplayer modes. Activision’s focus on polished gunplay and zombie modes required a massive team. 

The game’s costs included advanced graphics and global marketing to maintain the franchise’s dominance. Strong sales and a loyal fanbase ensured the investment was a safe bet for the publisher. 

6. Monopoly Go! (2023)

Surprisingly, the mobile hit ‘Monopoly Go!’ cost around $500 million, with much of that tied to marketing. Seven years of development and a huge promotional push made it a standout. 

The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay led to 100 million downloads and $2 billion in revenue by 2024. Its success shows how mobile titles can rival AAA budgets with the right strategy. 

5. Concord (2024)

The hero shooter ‘Concord’ carried a $400 million price tag, a bold move for a new franchise. Firewalk Studios aimed for a competitive multiplayer hit with unique characters and vibrant worlds. 

Despite the high budget for polished visuals and gameplay, the game struggled to find an audience, facing stiff competition. Its cost highlights the risks of chasing trends in a crowded market. 

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ rebooted the iconic series with a $640 million budget, focusing on gritty realism and cross-platform play. Activision spared no expense on its cinematic campaign. 

The game’s massive marketing and ongoing updates kept players hooked, with sales topping 30 million. Its financial success set a high bar for future entries in the franchise. 

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

With a staggering $700 million budget, ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’ built on its predecessor’s success. The game blended a Cold War-era story with expansive multiplayer modes. 

Costs soared due to its large development team and global marketing campaigns. Despite mixed reviews, its strong sales showed the franchise’s enduring appeal in the gaming world. 

2. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

CD Projekt Red’s ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ cost $441 million, including $316 million for initial development and $125 million for post-launch fixes. Its futuristic open world promised unmatched ambition. 

Technical issues at launch led to costly patches, but the game eventually won players back with updates like Phantom Liberty. It sold over 20 million copies, proving its long-term value. 

1. Grand Theft Auto VI (2024)

Topping the list, ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ reportedly cost $1–2 billion, making it the most expensive game ever. Rockstar Games invested in a sprawling open world set in a fictional Florida. 

Years of development, cutting-edge tech, and massive marketing drove the budget sky-high. With sky-high expectations, its 2025 release is set to redefine gaming’s financial and creative limits. 

Which high-budget game blew you away the most, or is there a costly gem I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!