The amount of money the publisher/developer earns per copy sold?

[shams]

Done this a few times before:

 - production cost (for a publisher) has NOTHING to do with pressing costs. Its basically the license fee the hardware manufacturer makes off the software. A ballpark figure is $7US. Its higher on the PS3, could be $10-$12US.

 - shipping costs are usually $2-$3 per unit. Not so sure if the software is pressed in the US, for a US publisher.

 - retailers typically buy product for "around" half the retail price. A $49 title would be purchased (in bulk) for around $23-$25 - but sometimes a lot lower ($15-$17) US per unit. This is typically done in bulk (by a chain HQ, which then distributes to stores as needed). The units are usually non-refundable as well. A $60 title could be a bit more, edging $27-$30US. $30 purchased by stores would be rare.

Developers get NOTHING. Its rare that external developers get a royalty deal, and when it is - its usually done such that the royalties on the first "XXX" units pay for the development (i.e. 250k, or 500k units). Development costs are usually negotiated upfront, then paid on a "per-milestone" basis. Once a game is delivered, the developer usually get nothing more (except for a final gold payment).

Publishers also have *other* costs to pay:

 - shipping to retailers

 - various types of insurance

 - some marketing levys

...etc...