What is the richest video game?

The term "richest video game" can refer to a few different things, including the game with the highest revenue, the biggest franchise value, or the most expensive game to develop. Here’s a breakdown of different categories:

1. Highest Revenue-Earning Video Game (Ongoing)

• Fortnite is often considered the highest-earning game in terms of revenue from microtransactions. With its free-to-play model and in-game purchases like skins, battle passes, and cosmetics, Fortnite consistently earns billions of dollars annually. It has crossed the $9 billion mark in revenue since its release in 2017.

2. Most Expensive Game to Develop

• Star Citizen holds the title for the most expensive video game ever developed, with a development budget that has surpassed $500 million. Although the game has yet to be fully released, its development has been ongoing for years, with funding coming primarily through crowdfunding and backers.

3. Biggest Video Game Franchise (Overall Revenue)

• Mario is the richest and most successful video game franchise of all time. As part of the Super Mario series, which includes various titles, spinoffs, and merchandise, the franchise has generated over $50 billion in revenue, making it the highest-grossing game franchise in history.

• Pokémon follows closely, with $100 billion in total revenue. This franchise includes games, trading cards, movies, TV shows, merchandise, and more, cementing Pokémon as a global cultural phenomenon.

4. Highest-Earning Game in Terms of Microtransactions

• League of Legends is another game that has earned billions through microtransactions. With its free-to-play model and revenue from skins, loot boxes, and in-game items, League of Legends has earned over $12 billion since its release in 2009.

5. Richest Game in Terms of Single Purchase Revenue

• Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is one of the highest-earning games in terms of single-purchase sales. Its initial release in 2013, combined with continued revenue from its online component (GTA Online), has generated over $7 billion.

Summary:

• Star Citizen holds the title for the most expensive to develop, while Fortnite is the ongoing highest earner in terms of revenue.
• Super Mario and Pokémon stand as the biggest franchises in terms of overall revenue.
• League of Legends and GTA V have earned impressive amounts from ongoing content and sales.

Each of these games and franchises has achieved incredible success, but in different ways. Whether in terms of direct sales, long-term microtransactions, or franchise expansion, these games have shaped the video game industry in major ways.