In the world of video games, the pursuit of perfectionism and realism has led to an obsessive focus on innovation and expansion. However, this constant drive for bigger and better games comes at a high price. According to the latest report from the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority), the development of video game blockbusters has lost all inhibitory brakes, resulting in staggering budgets.
The Rise of Complex and Graphically Advanced Games
Advancements in technology have enabled the creation of increasingly complex and graphically advanced video games, which in turn has led to a significant increase in development costs. This trend is highlighted in the CMA report, which paints a troubling picture of the situation.
A Troubling Picture
The CMA report reveals that creating and promoting a triple-A video game can require up to a billion dollars in investment. This investment is necessary to meet the expectations of gamers who demand realistic and immersive experiences.
The report also highlights the production costs of the top publishers. The fourth publisher on the list reported budgets ranging from 90 million to 180 million dollars for development, with up to 150 million dollars reserved for marketing.
CD Projekt’s Recent Statements
Interestingly, this CMA report comes shortly after controversial statements made by CD Projekt. The company acknowledged that it had underestimated the development costs of its latest game, Cyberpunk 2077. The game was initially scheduled to be released in April 2020, but due to numerous delays, it was eventually released in December of the same year.
Final Thoughts
Creating a triple-A video game requires a massive investment of time, effort, and money. While gamers demand ever-increasing levels of realism and immersion, the cost of meeting these demands is significant. Developers must carefully balance their budgets to create the best possible game while also ensuring that it is profitable. In the end, the success of a triple-A video game depends on both the quality of the game and its commercial success.