Thanks to the continuous developments made in the fields of science and technology, online games are always evolving to become a better version of their previous models. Innovation, creativity, and imagination are some of the key factors that trigger the development of these games.
From online mobile games to video games and even online streaming games, the world is perpetually bringing in versatile options for gamers to choose from. However, even though online games may sound so interesting, they continue to remain a relatively high-budget affair. Most online game developers are known to spend a fortune on designing a single game.
Especially during the pandemic era, the world saw the immense growth and development that the online gaming industry experienced. Today, the market for virtual games is high and continues to increase with time. So, in this article, we bring you the top 5 most expensive online games in the world.
Top 5 Most Expensive Online Games in the World
1. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is by far the most expensive online game that came out in this decade. This costly treat for gamers and game addicts across the world was developed with a budget of approximately $265 million. Millions were spent on the development and marketing of this online game, only to be overwhelmed with the response that it received from across the world!
Anyone who has ever played this game in their lives fails to move away from playing it. From the quality of graphics to the highly immersive gaming experiences, the Grand Theft Auto V is a power-packed game! Despite being expensive, Grand Theft Auto V continues to harbor a large fan base globally.
The plot of the game: The storyline of the game is based in the fictional city of San Andreas, Southern California. It is a single-player game that follows three different protagonists, including the bank robber Michael De Santa, the street gangster Franklin Clinton and the drug dealer and gunrunner Trevor Philips. The three protagonists are always on their way to committing heists while they remain crushed by a corrupt government agency and criminals.
Played from a third-person or first-person perspective, players need to navigate themselves in the game either on foot or by vehicle. The game is largely based on the heists and missions that provide an immensely thrilling chase throughout the game!
2. Black Noir Murder Escape
Escape rooms have nowadays occupied the centre stage in the gaming industry in terms of being one of the most unique and adventurous games on the plate. Black Noir Murder Escape is an online escape game that is both challenging and fun at the same time. Over time, this virtual escape room has received great reviews from players across the world.
The immersive plot of the game is enough to keep you always on the edge of your seat, gripping on for what you may encounter next. With every room decked in a different theme and sprinkled with unique puzzles, Black Noir Murder Escape is a great game for both small and big groups.
The plot of the game: The game is set in a time when the streets are looming with the presence of gangsters. Inside the escape room, you and your team are in the shoes of the private investigator, Mr. Jones. You receive a mystery letter that takes you through a line of crime scenes filled with puzzles that you need to solve.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Amongst all the different games in the entire Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remains one of the most popular games. The approximate budget that developers and marketers have spent in curating this amazingly popular game is around $250 million. However, it is said that much of the money was largely spent on marketing this product.
Even today, this first-person shooter game is loved and enjoyed by players across the globe. Developed extensively by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, this game is the sixth instalment in the Call of Duty series.
The game plot: The storyline of the game follows Task Force 141, a multinational special forces unit on their way to hunt Vladimir Makarov. Makarov is the leader of the Russian Ultranationalist party. The U.S. Army Rangers from the 1st battalion have been defending the Washington D.C. area from the invading Russians. The only playable characters in the game are Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson of 141 and Private James Ramirez of the Army Rangers.
4. Star Wars: The Old Republic
First announced in 2008, Star Wars: The Old Republic has a bright and shining future lying ahead of it. The development of this game alone incurred a cost of approximately $200 million, alongside a significant expenditure in the name of marketing. However, the expenditure has been worth every penny.
The immersive nature of the game has perpetually been enough for players to want to become Jedi themselves! Ever since its release in the global markets, the game promised and provided several exciting features to players.
The game plot: This multiplayer online game is based in the Star Wars universe. The game starts shortly following the establishment of the tenuous peace between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. Players can join either of these two groups as they play the game. There are eight different classes in the game, with each favouring its style of gameplay. Packed with customizations, fully voiced dialogues, and so much more, this game is immensely exciting!
5. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII was yet another high-budget online game that had an approximate online budget of $100 million. The production budget was lower than the amount spent on marketing. Even today, this remains the best-selling game of the entire series.
The Final Fantasy VII was the first game of the series that opened the franchise to European players. With expert use of graphics, cinematics, and game mechanics, it is surely a must-try for every game addict.
The game plot: The storyline of the game follows the mercenary Cloud Strife on his way to join the eco-terrorist organization. He does it to stop a megacorporation that aims to control the entire world. On his journey to save the world, Cloud makes friends with his party members, including Aerith, who is known to hide the secret to save the world.
With that, we come to the end of our list of the top 5 most expensive online games across the world. Being a game addict yourself, make sure to try out these games today, and unearth the secret that makes them the best in the world!
Author Bio: Charlotte Lin is a content creator at escaperoom.com. She’s a passionate young woman, mother to an amazing nine-year-old, and an avid reader. Over the years, writing has helped her explore and understand the world as well as her own self. She loves to travel, meet new people, and spend quality time with her daughter. You can find her on LinkedIn.