Sony's Costly Mistake: Confidential PlayStation Budgets Accidentally Exposed

Court documents from Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed that the development costs for Horizon Forbidden West and The Last of Us Part 2 were $212 million and $220 million respectively. These figures do not include marketing or outsourcing costs, suggesting that the actual expenses were likely higher. The rising costs of game development, with some games now exceeding $200 million, may discourage companies from taking risks and instead rely on established franchises. The disclosure came as part of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard's ongoing legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission, which is seeking to temporarily block their merger.