Yes, video game budgets are skyrocketing, but the reason goes beyond graphics

The video game industry faces a crisis of skyrocketing development costs, with major titles now costing hundreds of millions to produce. While realistic graphics contribute to rising expenses, factors like massive open worlds, labor costs, and resource mismanagement also play significant roles. Recent Call of Duty titles have cost up to $700 million to develop. As budgets balloon, some argue the industry's current path is unsustainable, with inefficient practices leading to wasted work and budget overruns.