Video games are getting to be as expensive to produce as Hollywood films.
In fact, some video games have ended up costing way more than even the most expensive feature films.
Unlike with movies, though, the amount of money it costs to make video games is a closely guarded secret. Most of the costs we see floating around are purely based on analyst estimates.
And when specific numbers are released, they take into account not just production, but things like marketing and packaging as well.
"Tomb Raider" - $100 million
"Tomb Raider" came out in 2013 to much hype — and much acclaim. It sold around 1 million copies within 48 hours of its release, and around 6.5 million as of last month.
Game industry analyst Billy Pidgeon estimated that the game cost $100 million to produce.
(Adjusted for inflation: $102 million)
"Red Dead Redemption" ~ $100 million
Set in the Old West, "Red Dead Redemption" was Rockstar Games' way to prove that it was more than just the company that made "Grand Theft Auto."
The game took more than six years to develop and was delayed several times. According to the New York Times, it cost between $80 million and $100 million to produce.
(Adjusted for inflation: $109 million)
"Grand Theft Auto IV" - $100 million
Speaking of Rockstar Games and "Grand Theft Auto," at the time it came out in 2008, "Grand Theft Auto IV" was the most expensive game ever produced. Its producer, Leslie Benzies, estimated it cost Rockstar around $100 million. Of course, he later said that was just a guess, so take it with a grain of salt.
Within 24 hours, "Grand Theft Auto IV" sold 3.6 million copies, shattering sales records.
(Adjusted for inflation: $110 million)
See the rest of the story at Business Insider