What’s behind ballooning video game budgets?

Video game development costs have skyrocketed, with some titles now costing hundreds of millions of dollars. While improved graphics play a role, the main factors are larger teams working for longer periods and expanding game scopes. Mismanagement, such as feature cancellations based on personal preferences or prolonged pre-production phases, also contributes to ballooning budgets. Industry expert Jason Schreier suggests companies should focus on addressing these management issues to control costs, rather than solely blaming the pursuit of photorealism.