Okay I'm feeling nerdy today...
The 3-4 times budget increase is nonsense. We don't have a comprehensive list of budgets for the last two generations. It's doubtful that development costs increased more than 50% gen on gen between any two similar games. If some of Sony's own games' budget increased more than twice, then this would down to factors like content, scale/length, licensing fees, bloat, and inefficiency. It isn't an inherent industry challenge whatsoever. Budgets are generally increasing yes, but not by the insane and universal rates some people like to throw around. And no, games wouldn't need to sell 3-4 times more to offset a 3-4 times rise in budget.
Assuming God of War (2018) cost $80 million and Ragnarok $200 million:
God of War (2018) sold 22 million~ in over 5 years at an estimated average price of $30 (confirmed average digital price is $28~ as of June 2023)
Ragnarok sold 15 million in 1 year at an estimated average price of $65 (confirmed average digital price is $66~ as of June 2023)
22 x $30 = $660M - $80M (budget) = $580M. Physical sales = $365M~ (63%~ physical ratio) x 0.7 (retailer fees) = $255M + $215M (digital sales) = $470M~
15 x $65 = $975M - $200M (budget) = $775M. Physical sales = $426M~ (55%~ physical ratio) x 0.7 (retailer fees) = $298M + $349M (digital sales) = $647M~
Meaning, Ragnarok made MUCH more profit in a year than God of War 2018 did in over 5 years.
In digital sales alone, we have hard data showing Ragnarok generating more money ($279 million at 4.24 million copies sold) in a few months than God of War 2018 did in 5 years ($229 million at 8.14 million copies sold).
Another interesting case study is Assetto Corsa vs GT Sport vs GT7.
Assetto Corsa sold over 30 million across two games. GT Sport sold over 13 million. And GT7 has 15 million+ on lock with the potential to exceed 20 million. On paper, it sounds like Assetto Corsa has Gran Turismo beaten in popularity, it likely cost less to make and sold more than at least GT Sport! But the elephant in the room is price: IIRC, Assetto Corsa's copy sold averaged at a minuscule $3.5~, GT Sport at $25~, and GT7 is likely still at $55 or $60+. Once you put price into consideration, GT7 is several times more successful than Assetto Corsa. Development cost isn't even worth glancing at when the revenue is an order of magnitude higher.
The short of it is this: As long as demand exists, rising game prices and digital ratios dwarf the rising development costs. The little money Sony makes on PC from singleplayer games isn't going to offset the long term damage done on their consoles.
Last edited by Kyuu - on 29 July 2025
