Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to become the most expensive video game ever produced, with experts estimating its total development cost to exceed the whopping $2 billion mark, doubling the record set by Genshin Impact.
Reports suggest that the development kicked off more than a decade ago in 2014, and Rockstar has invested close to $2 billion as of October 2026. The staggering numbers not only speak to how much Rockstar is banking on the success of the highly anticipated sequel, but they also speak to the sheer scale of how modern AAA game development economics is shaping up.
Compared to GTA V, which set the standard of open-world titles and broke several sales records during launch, GTA VI will cost close to 7.5 times the money. Developed with a budget of $265 million, GTA V was a massive success back in 2013 and roped in $800 million from its opening day sales alone. As bizarre as GTA VI’s development cost looks, its historical performance suggests that opening day sales can be enough for Rockstar to recover the amount they invested over the past decade.
Most expensive video games ever produced
- GTA 6 – $2 billion (estimated)
- Genshin Impact – $900 million
- Star Citizen & Squadron 42 – $793 million
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $700 million
The reported investments are not dedicated only to engineers, developers, and designers. Still, a significant portion is estimated to go towards the extraordinary marketing approach Rockstar has been pursuing, including, but not limited to, the $1 million spent on the “Welcome to Vice City” rooftop sign at the Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat.
If the $2 billion is an accurate figure, Grand Theft Auto VI might be an important turning point for video game economics, not only for consumers but also for the studios, and at the same time, it sets expectations for what gamers will desire from video games moving forward.
