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The Potent, Widespread Impact of Handheld Gaming

Handheld gaming is one of the biggest gaming evolutions there is. Today, we just accept that handheld gaming is one typical way to play video games. But it was not always this way. There was a point in time where handheld gaming felt so futuristic that it seemed almost unfeasible.

But here we are today, gaming away on handheld devices far away from our super consoles.

How did we arrive here?

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Ranking Gaming’s Most Impactful Protagonists

As gaming developers continue to leverage more advanced technology to create more potent games, so to do writers craft more exciting and riveting characters. The protagonist in a video game helps drive the storyline. These days, gaming storylines are more intricate and intriguing than ever. And in some ways, gaming characters are beginning to rival Hollywood TV and movie characters.

Let’s explore the concept of the video game protagonist and look at some of the coolest we’ve known.

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GTA Database Leak Inspires New Theories on GTA 6 Experience

GTA 6 feature image

We’re waiting – with angst and excitement and a bit of frustration – but, we’re waiting, for launch of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6. And to the best of our knowledge, that should happen in early December.

But now there’s even more to potentially be excited about if a leaked database line of code means anything.

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It Ain’t Cheap: The Most Expensive Game Developments Ever

GTA v

With GTA 6’s launch upon us next month, it’s a good time to talk about gaming and development budgets. Given that GTA 6 will potentially break an all-time development cost record, we feel it’s a great time to look over some of the most expensive games ever made.

So which games are the most expensive ever and how much paper did companies lay out to bring you hair raising experiences?

Grand Theft Auto V

At a budget of over $265 million, it will only be dethroned by GTA’s incoming 6th installment. Rockstar North used a significant portion of the budget to creating the expansive open-world design that we all recognized today. And that’s what is hogging up so much of the budget in the 6th version as they recreate the infamous Vice City.

But it wasn’t only the open-world, but also the voice acting and the massive marketing campaigns that depleted funds.

But not to worry, GTA is one of the most successful games ever. Rockstar North made their money back and then some.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

This encore release consumed around 250$ million in development costs. Infinity Ward’s numbers include both development as well as marketing totals. This was a highly anticipated follow up to the original game, so Infinity Ward pulled out all the stops for advertising.

I mean, anyone remember this? It may well be the best gaming commercial of all time.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

At around $200 million, BioWare’s massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) utilized extensive voice acting, world creating, and content development. Even as it lives off one of the world’s most popular brand names, BioWare still put the gas pedal to the floor in promoting it. The trailer is essentially a movie trailer.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Somewhere between $100 and $200 million got used by Rockstar Games to create a meticulous attention to detail in a vast, open world and immersive narrative. But the development took several years which likely ate away at profits, a situation GTA 6 has notoriously fought in recent months.

Many consider Red Dead Redemption 2 as the greatest open world gaming has ever experienced.

What Factors Contribute Most to Gaming Development Costs?

Well, there’s a lot.

Staffing and labor is a big one. Game developers, artists, designers, and programmers need to be paid. And if you want high-quality ones, you’ll pay more.

The technology that supports the games and associated software licenses are another big factor. Things like Unreal Engine, 3D modeling, and animation tools cost cold hard cash. Licensing fees for proprietary technology or software also contribute to the expenses.

There’s also those potent graphics that we’ve come to expect in modern gaming. Creating high-quality graphics, textures, character models, and animations can be resource-intensive.


Hiring voice actors, especially well-known ones, can be expensive.

So yes, gaming makes a ton of money, but it also takes a lot of money to create a popular game. Its a high risk game because if you spend all that money on a game and it flops, you’re truly upside down financially.