This is how much The Last of Us Part 2 and Horizon Forbidden West cost Sony

Interestingly, both of these games belong to franchises that have since spawned spin-offs in other forms of media. The Last of Us Part 2, in particular, will serve as the basis for the subsequent seasons of HBO's live-action adaptation of The Last of Us, which put up monster numbers in its debut season.

Unfortunately, for every Horizon and The Last of Us, there exists a handful of other exclusive projects that cost Sony just as much but didn't pan out so well.

These numbers contribute to an alarming trend in video game development that has seen budgets balloon to as much as $1 billion in recent years.

While these figures reflect the ambition and scope of AAA games, they also expose a potentially precarious situation. As development costs continue to escalate, the industry's risk tolerance could decline, with companies becoming increasingly reliant on established franchises with guaranteed audiences.

This development model, characterized by a heavy emphasis on sequels and reboots, might stifle creativity and risk-taking, which results in ambitious undertakings like Starfield happening less often as companies prioritize a sure thing. However, it's important to note that some companies are aware that even proven franchises can stagnate, becoming more open to experimentation. Case in point, Square Enix released a divisive title in Final Fantasy 16, which proved well worth it commercially and is arguably one of the best Final Fantasy games in years if not of all time.

Looking at these costs, the question isn't whether AAA games are worth the investment - the critical acclaim and the player enthusiasm that Horizon Forbidden West and The Last of Us Part 2 have garnered answer that. The question, instead, is can the industry can continue on this financial trajectory. Is there a ceiling to development costs, and if so, how close are we to hitting it?

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the increasing financial burden of AAA game development is a crucial issue that the industry must grapple with to sustain innovation, creativity, and profitability. And as development costs continue to rise, companies might need to explore new ways of delivering high-quality experiences without the need for bloated budgets and ever-increasing team sizes.