From Software just release a note saying that Elden Ring sold 12 milion units worldwide (1 million in Japan only). 20 days after its release.

The game cost around U$60,00. Which makes it U$720M.

Platforms have a good cut from that. Steam and Sony normally ask for 30% while Microsoft a bit less. Let’s round to 25%. Which makes it U$540M.

Game development is expensive, according to Jason Schereier, it costs around U$10.000,00/month per developer (in USA) to develop a AAA game. Elden Ring had around 6 years of development. But probably not in full production. So let’s say 4 years in full production with 300 developers: 300 * 10.000 * 12 * 4 = U$144M.

Also, they used their proprietary game engine, so nothing to take from it.

We still have U$396M.

Now the marketing. Which usually mimics the same budget of development. So let’s say 100M. Which makes it U$296M.

Then we have taxes and many more other costs I have not idea.

Can we say the game paid itself already? Of course the game will continue selling for years to come.

Please, let me know what do you think.

Best