Rockstar’s next big game is shaping up to be the most expensive in history. The gta 6 cost to make has already passed $1 billion, and some reports say it could hit $2 billion. That’s more than the burj khalifa cost, which came in around $1.5 billion. As of March 31, 2025, financial data suggests GTA 6 development costs could be approaching $1.97 billion, based on industry analysis.
That amount easily beats what it took to build the world’s tallest skyscraper in Dubai. The burj khalifa cost was officially recorded at $1.5 billion, with construction running from 2004 to 2010. In comparison, Rockstar started full development on GTA 6 around 2020 and still isn’t done.
The gta 6 cost to make is widely estimated to fall between $1 billion and $2 billion, according to multiple reports and financial breakdowns. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed that exact figure, but multiple reports back it up. The long production cycle is also a big reason why costs are rising.
Why the GTA 6 Cost to Make Keeps Climbing
The GTA 6 delay has pushed the release date to May 26, 2026. Rockstar says they need more time to polish the game and finish key parts. That means the game will take over five years of active development—much longer than past Rockstar projects.
All that extra time means bigger bills. Costs include salaries for a massive global team, tech upgrades, and creative development. Including marketing and ongoing support, some projections place the total investment close to $2 billion, depending on how future costs evolve. So, how much is GTA 6 going to cost overall? If all pieces are included, it is likely a lot more than anyone expected.
It’s a massive bet by Rockstar, but it might just pay off. For comparison, GTA V cost around $265 million, while Red Dead Redemption 2 reached about $540 million. Yet projections for GTA 6 suggest it could earn $3.2 billion in its first year—and possibly $7.6 billion within just 60 days.
Ultimately, the GTA 6 cost to make is already higher than the burj khalifa cost, and the ongoing GTA 6 delay means that number could still climb. But if the forecasts are right, Rockstar’s gamble might turn into gaming’s biggest win yet.
