As video game technology advances, it?s natural for their budget and development efforts to increase. This is especially true for well-known, prominent franchises, as loyal players have come to expect nothing short of excellence from these.
Take Shadow of the Tomb Raider as a prime example of just how expensive video games have gotten to develop. According to Eidos Montr̩al boss David Anfossi, the upcoming juggernaut has taken anywhere from $75-$100 million to develop Рand this doesn?t account for the game?s marketing budget, by the way.
Anfossi explained to GamesIndustry.biz: ?Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and other different AAA single-player games, cost $75 million to $100 million. And that?s production only; it?s close to $35 million on the promotion. So there?s definitely a pressure. We cannot avoid it. But, at the same time, for us to have these incubation projects and to try small things?that gives us the opportunity to test, prepare and secure some stuff, and remove some risk.? The new Tomb Raider?s costly development also involves the experimentation of new models, or game mechanics, in order to keep the experience fresh and highly rewarding.
This means game studios take a monumental risk with these games and, similarly to a popular Hollywood film, a single title can easily make or break the company behind it.
In fact, it wasn?t long ago that Eidos Montréal released Deus Ex: Mankind Divided to mediocre sales despite positive critical reception. Anfossi?s bes...