Video games are getting more and more expensive to make, far more expensive than they were in the past. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is yet another example of an expensive video game. Though, considering the franchise’s rich history, it’s no surprise how much was spent by Square Enix to create the newest adventure of Lara Croft.
In a recent interview with GameIndustry.biz, David Anfossi, the boss of Eidos Montreal, shared how much the game cost to create. “Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and other different AAA single-player games, cost $75 million to $100 million,” he said. “And that’s production only; it’s close to $35 million on the promotion.”
If you doubted how much money was being put into Shadow of the Tomb Raider, well, now you know differently. But, from what else we’ve seen of video game production, it isn’t too surprising that it costs so much to make. It would also be wise to consider the $60 players are willing to spend on a brand new, physical edition of the game and how publishers may only see around half of that.
However, unlike the previous Tomb Raider games, Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s development is not happening in San Francisco, but Montreal. Eidos Montreal is fortunate to benefit from tax credits from the Quebec government, which no doubt helps with supporting over 500 employees (a stat Anfossi shared with GI).
We confess we’re not completely sure how the studio has managed to sustain so many projects, especially considering it’s already planning to help work on The Avengers video game, but we’re intrigued nonetheless on where the studio will go from here on out.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Shadow of the Tomb Raider, such as what it’s writer thinks should be the future of Lara, how long the game will take to complete and more, then be sure to check out the game page for yourselves.
