Don’t worry about GTA 6's apparent record-breaking budget
New rumours claim to have found GTA 6's record-breaking budget, making it the most expensive video game ever made. But with Rockstar's game expected to break sales records, we're not worried about it making back its production costs.
13th Aug 2024 15:19
Images via Rockstar Games
Don’t worry about GTA 6's apparent record-breaking budget
New rumours claim to have found GTA 6's record-breaking budget, making it the most expensive video game ever made. But with Rockstar's game expected to break sales records, we're not worried about it making back its production costs.
13th Aug 2024 15:19
Images via Rockstar Games
How do you top Grand Theft Auto V being the most profitable entertainment product of all time. If you're Rockstar Games, it looks like the idea of bigger equals better will be in full force. GTA V has earned its record-breaking success thanks in part to GTA Online, and while its future remains unclear, GTA 6 heralds the dawn of a new era.
While it took until December 2023 for Rockstar to officially announce the next chapter in the supersized GTA family, leaks had beaten the developer to the punch long before. From the first playable female lead to a return to Vice City, some major plot elements were leaked ahead of time. It all looks suitably grand, but just how much will it set you back?
GTA 6's rumoured price tag is jaw-dropping
Known leak account @GTAVI_Countdown gave us an update on the game's progress, saying that it has apparently been in development since 2014, the PC port will (unsurprisingly) arrive later, and a second trailer will be available before the end of the year. The big takeaway is a rumoured $2 billion price tag.
We always knew GTA 6 would cost a pretty penny, but the idea of it boasting $2 billion before it's even left the factory is a jaw-dropping one. Putting this into context, it's even more shocking when you remember GTA V's total budget was thought to be around $265 million.
Even though we've waited a long time between games, the prospect that GTA 6 will cost eight times more than its predecessor is quite something. In addition, GTA 6 would easily be the most expensive video game of all time. Still, remember that GTA V made over $1 billion in its first three days, GTA 6 is hoping to up the ante.
Star Citizen is thought to have cost upwards of $630 million, while Cyberpunk 2077 is said to be around the $440 million mark and The Last of Us Part II potentially reaching $220 million. Publishers rarely reveal exact financials, but if GTA 6 is anywhere near the rumoured $2 billion, it's clear of the competition.
Having such a high production and marketing cost might leave alarm bells ringing that Rockstar will struggle to make its money back, but in what world is GTA 6 not going to be a certified banger? 12 years of waiting between games has only hyped it more, while analysts are already calling it potentially the most important game release of all time.
Even from what little we've seen so far, GTA 6 has been breaking records with social media chatter and trailers, so there's no way this trend won't continue. We're not even convinced it'll cost $2 billion to get the game out the door, but even if it does, the next entry in the automotive adventure will surely be laughing all the way to the bank.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
