Video games aren’t cheap to make, and that was the case when Grand Theft Auto 5 released in 2013. With GTA 6 on the horizon, analysts have revealed just how much Rockstar is spending on it, and the figure will truly blow your mind.
GTA 6 is perhaps the most anticipated game of all time. Ever since the first trailer dropped in December 2023, gamers have been eager to learn more about it. One of the most interesting aspects of game development is the money companies invest in creating them. With GTA V setting new records for map size in the series and the next game set to eclipse them, it’s fascinating to know how much it costs to create these massive experiences.
Unfortunately, Rockstar won’t reveal how much they spent, but analysts have used their expertise to give us a good idea of just how much money is being invested in the world’s most famous gaming franchise – and it will make you cry.
RockstarRockstar is spending a lot of money on GTA 6.
How much did GTA 5 cost to make?
Financial services firm Sterne Agee estimates that Rockstar spent $137.5 million developing GTA 5. Including an estimated marketing cost of between $69 million and $109.3 million, the total cost of Grand Theft Auto 5 would have brought the company to a total of $246.8 million.
What is the budget of GTA 6?
If you thought Grand Theft Auto 5’s budget was big, well, buckle up. Analysts predict that GTA 6 costs will be around 2 billion dollarsThis includes development, marketing, and other expenses related to the production and release of the game.
If you need visualization, the graph below shows how much GTA 6’s budget exceeded that of its predecessor.
Jugo MobileTimes GTA 5 budget increases eightfold.
To put things into perspective, let’s look at the three most expensive games of all time. Modern Warfare 3 reportedly cost $1 billion, Red Dead Redemption 2 cost $540 million, and Cyberpunk 2077 is estimated to have budgeted at $436 million. Combine all three games to get the amount Rockstar is expected to spend on Grand Theft Auto 6.
Rockstar is hoping that this significant investment in the game will pay off when GTA 6 releases in 2025. That seems likely, however, with GTA 5 having generated nearly $8 billion in revenue in the 11 years since its launch.
With in-app purchases and subscriptions like GTA+ contributing to 78% of Take-Two Interactive’s (Rockstar’s parent company) revenue in 2023, the developer is expected to double down on this model, meaning Grand Theft Auto 6 could surpass GTA 5’s impressive revenue.
