High Cost of Video Game Development

Game “X” didn't sell poorly because it sucked. In fact, it probably sold well. The problem arises when so much capital is required to develop and publish a game, forcing companies to move obscene numbers just to turn a profit. That's the reality of modern top-tier games. Creating assets that utilize hardware potential or at least rival what other companies output, corners developers to create AAA games, from day one. That’s just not practical. Call of Duty may sell 20 million units, but it's a rare phenomena. There's simply not enough gamers out there, with enough cash to buy every decently crafted, AAA game.

[sdozzo]

Good read and points.

[Ares84HU]

Developers make their money, don't worry about them. As the cost to develop rises so does the cost of games for us. But the truth is, more people play games than ever before so the video game market is huge right now compared to 10-15 years ago. If developers create something fun and unique than it will sell if it's good. It's not that they are scared to do it, they just don't want to when they know that a shooter will sell millions for sure. But look at Heavy Rain, it sold very well yet it was extreamly different from other games but the reason why it sold was is because it was good.

Also, to the author; you dare us to buy a brand new game on day one below $60?? Yeah?? Sly Cooper Thieves In Time is my answer to you or ANY game on PC.

[isarai]

While it may cost a lot for most big teams, high cost isn't nearly necessary. Most cost goes into marketing for big titles, seriously, it outweighs development costs in just about every AAA title. The other two major costs are research and development and third party software licenses. If you aren't trying to break new ground technologically, and you're focusing more on creating something fun rather than something riddled with third party features, then development cost is actually pretty low in comparison. If you're capable of art, modeling, and programing yourself then it could technically be free to create if you're going the indie route.