The 7 Most Expensive Open World Games Ever Made

With video games having budgets like some blockbuster movies, that begs the question: What are the most expensive open world games ever made? With that in mind, let’s dive into the wild world of gaming budgets! Ever wonder which open-world games broke the bank? These games are more than just pixels and code – they come with a hefty price tag.

Here’s our list of the 7 most expensive open world games ever made

1. Grand Theft Auto V – $265 million:

Back in 2013, GTA V made history as the most expensive game ever. Rockstar North poured cash into top-notch graphics, killer voice acting, and an ad blitz across Los Santos and Blaine County.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – $300 million:

Rockstar strikes again! This Wild West masterpiece took years to craft, with a chunk of change going into tech, voice acting, and motion capture. Saddle up for a pricey adventure!

3. Star Citizen – $350 million and counting:

Star Citizen’s been in the making since 2011, and they’re still raising funds like there’s no tomorrow. This multiplayer space extravaganza aims to be the ultimate, and the budget keeps on growing.

4. Cyberpunk 2077 – $316 million:

CD Projekt Red brought Keanu Reeves and a dystopian Night City to life. The cash flowed into crafting a world, graphics, and, of course, Keanu’s star power.

5. Destiny – $500 million:

Bungie’s Destiny blends shooters and RPG elements in a massive online world. The budget covers development, marketing, and endless post-launch goodies. Looks like it paid off!

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – $85 million:

Skyrim might not have the flashiest budget, but this fantasy masterpiece stole hearts with its detailed world and epic lore. Who needs a massive budget when you’ve got dragons?

7. Watch Dogs – $68 million:

Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs lets you hack Chicago’s brains out. The budget was mostly pumped into creating a realistic open-world city, rain, shine, and all.

Now, does being one of the most expensive open world games ever made actually mean anything?

That’s the “millions of dollars” question, right? The short answer is, no not necessarily. On the positive side, GTV V is Rockstar’s money-making machine! With a colossal budget, GTA V not only set the gaming world on fire but also ignited cash registers. The game’s immense financial success turned the $265 million investment into a lucrative empire and was the fastest grossing entertainment product in history. Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 paid off big time. The $300 million investment in Red Dead 2 resulted in critical acclaim and massive sales, proving that a hefty budget can be a wise investment in the gaming frontier.

On the flip side, Star Citizen embarked on an ambitious space odyssey, but the financial journey has been turbulent. While crowdfunding keeps the coffers filled, the game’s prolonged development raises questions about whether the astronomical budget will ever translate into a satisfying return for investors. CD Projekt Red rolled the dice with Cyberpunk 2077’s budget, but the post-launch scenario wasn’t all rainbows. Despite the massive investment, financial returns might not have matched expectations, leaving both investors and players in the dark about the true value of the game. Hopefully, with Patch 2.0 and the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion turn things around for the game.

A hefty budget can pave the way to success, but it doesn’t guarantee a golden ticket. Some games strike gold, while others face financial challenges. It’s a game of risk and reward, where the bottom line depends on a mix of quality, marketing, and post-launch support. As the industry evolves, the saga of whether blowing the budget leads to financial triumph continues.