
Price of Games
Price of Games
By: Sitara Nair
Why Do Games Cost So Much?
Have you ever wondered why video games cost so much? Just like ancient civilizations or modern-day cultures, games have their own unique story behind them. Let’s explore more together!
A Little Bit About How Games are Made
Video games take a long time to create and involve many talented people. Artists design vibrant worlds and many characters, programmers carefully code every action, and writers create really interesting stories. According to the Entertainment Software Association, a single game can involve hundreds of people working together for many many years!
Creating games requires special equipment and technology, like powerful computers and advanced software. For instance, the popular game "Grand Theft Auto V" reportedly cost around $265 million to develop and market, making it one of the most expensive games ever produced!
Why Do Some Games Cost More?
Big games with incredible graphics, detailed stories, and vast worlds usually cost more because they require more people, resources, and time. Games like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" took approximately five years to develop due to their complexity and detail. Smaller games, often made by independent creators or smaller teams, might cost less because they are simpler and require fewer resources.
YOUR impact on games
Every game you buy supports the hardworking people who created it, allowing them to continue making amazing adventures. The next time you’re excited about a new game, remember all the effort, creativity, and teamwork that made it possible!
What games do you like to play??
Quick Facts:
"Cyberpunk 2077" took roughly 8 years and around $316 million to produce.
Independent games like "Stardew Valley" were developed by just one person!
Games can take anywhere from a few months to several years to develop.
Games come in all prices; there’s something fun for every budget!
References
ESA. “Entertainment Software Association | We Are the Video Game Industry.” Entertainment Software Association, 2019, www.theesa.com/.
Perkel, Sarah. “Nintendo Says Tariffs Not Factored into Switch 2 Price.” Business Insider, 7 Apr. 2025, www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-president-trump-tariffs-challenge-switch-2-2025-4. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Yin-Poole, Wesley. “Switch 2 Exclusive Mario Kart World Justifies Its $80 Price Tag, Nintendo Insists in First Comments Addressing Cost Controversy - IGN.” IGN, 7 Apr. 2025, www.ign.com/articles/switch-2-exclusive-mario-kart-world-justifies-its-80-price-tag-nintendo-insists-in-first-comments-addressing-cost-controversy.