I dunno if Control Resonant is a true "AAA" when it comes to its development costs which was approximately at around 50 million USD. I would say AA+ but not entirely AAA, which usually tends to rather move into the 100 million+ range. There is no clear "line" of course, those are simply the in general accepted "rules" of its classification. So far Control Resonant was able to get above 1 million sales but they seem to need around 3-5 million sales in order to "get sufficient revenue" for the investors; so, every bit clearly is useful to them. The first Control was able to reach this "mark", but the second one... with a so far bold price... still will have to stand its test of time.
Sure "AAA" does not automatically mean better. Dragon Age The Veilguard had a estimated cost of over 100 million but in the end it "failed hard"... leading to the demise of this studio. While Clair Obscure was apparently not even 10 million... yet it was very successful AND a great game (success does not automatically mean "great game").
Still, in general, for GOG "AAA" means "either it is already very retro" or they have almost zero chance for having it released "on time" = as close to the launch-period as possible.
As well, Nier Automata, with a apparently big GOG-demand, was "only" about 20 million (rough estimation, Square Enix never was disclosing its costs), up to 30 million "at best" considering all the "fixing" they made over the years... on PC. So, this budget as well was "only" in the AA or AA+ category... yet so far we still are missing it on GOG.
So, yes, Control Resonant was probably one of the "priciest" titles by GOGs standard, in a long time-frame... and still not fully AAA, if we compare it to the "priciest games". Elden Ring for example was probably in the 100+ million range, so far... which is not the priciest AAA but it is in general considered to be a "true AAA", and of course... so far still not a GOG game.
Regarding Nioh 3, another game we miss on GOG (well, any Nioh...) it was probably up to 40 million USD, they say... so, probably lesser than the cost of Control Resonant or clearly not higher than that. Gamers still consider the Nioh-series a "AAA" in general... even if the costs are rather AA or AA+ standards; so it is difficult on "where to draw the line". In general it is set to be between 50 and 100 million... and in general "not really rising", as the industry kinda have found out very well on "how to save up on costs" and how to still make it appear "AAA", which as well means, no... we do not need even pricier games.
Sure, even "Blood of Dawnwalker" was not more than 50 million, yet, as usual... it very rarely is officially disclosed, so it have to be taken with a grain of salt.
I hope there will be a "final revealing" for this event at least the caliber of "Control Resonant"... else i would find it, still... rather lack luster, i have to admit. At least it would fit my money bag, which is in need of "some rest". So, either way... i can not really lose.
Post edited 15 hours ago by Xeshra