Billion-Dollar Video Game: Could It Be the Priciest Entertainment Ever?

Astronomical Budgets in Gaming

Video game production costs have soared into the stratosphere—routinely reaching $100 million or more. Over time, blockbuster titles have rivaled or even eclipsed film budgets in scale and spending.

The Star Citizen Phenomenon

Star Citizen, a vast multiplayer space simulation launched via crowdfunding in 2012 by developer Chris Roberts, stands apart for financial transparency: its running budget is posted publicly and tracked in real-time. As of early 2025, it exceeded $777 million—and with ongoing development, it is poised to surpass the billion-dollar mark, placing it on track to become the costliest piece of entertainment ever made.

Record-High Costs Elsewhere

Among mainstream titles funded by publishers, some of the most expensive game releases have included those from the *Call of Duty* franchise. For example, *Black Ops Cold War* amassed lifecycle costs of about $700 million—putting it among the priciest AAA productions on record.

Beyond Games: Outspending Films

If it crosses the billion-dollar threshold, *Star Citizen* would outspend even the most lavish Hollywood blockbusters—its budget potentially doubling that of films like *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*.

Why It Matters

The case of *Star Citizen* illustrates how gaming budgets are shifting: fueled by passionate backer support and community-driven models. Its journey also reflects broader questions about the value, risk, and scale of modern game development.