WIRED: the industry can't afford another game the size of GTA VI

WIRED argues that the AAA arms race toward ever-larger games like GTA VI is unsustainable, pointing to mass layoffs at studios even after successful launches. It calls for a return to smaller AA-scale productions instead of ever-growing budgets and scope.

• GTA VI launches in November at $80, with a $100 Ultimate Edition
• Preorder revenue for GTA VI is estimated at $1–4 billion
• Battlefield 6 sold 7 million copies in three days on a $400 million budget, yet EA cut staff
• Gaming revenue hit $200 billion in 2025 versus $32.8 billion for film