Final Fantasy VII

Squares initial foray into 3D technology with the Final Fantasy Franchise required 120 programmers and artists to develop, making it the most expensive video game ever developed at the time. However, Final Fantasy VIIs development costs were considerably small in comparison to the amount spent on the games huge advertising campaign. This included a promotion with Pepsi ads and big magazines such as Rolling Stone and Playboy as well as Marvel and DC comics and multiple TV advertisements. The game finally released in 1997 after its three month long marketing streak. Adjusted for inflation Square spent around $213 Million on Final Fantasy VIIs development and marketing.