The average triple-A video game reportedly costs more than most movies to make, although this seems to be more of a Western problem.

Unlike movies, you almost never hear about the budgets for video games. They’re never confirmed officially and even leaks are rare, and usually due to a mistake on the part of the publisher.

Even so, it’s never been more obvious that games, especially the big triple-A ones from the likes of Sony and Activision, are more expensive to make than ever.

In fact, it’s estimated that high-end games now routinely cost more than $300 million to make, which is roughly £225 million.

This comes from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, one of the industry’s most trusted sources of insider information, who shared the information in the wake of Epic Games’ mass layoffs and Sony’s closure of Dark Outlaw Games.

‘Exact budgets of video game productions can be tough to corroborate,’ wrote Schreier on Bluesky, ‘but the numbers I’ve heard floating around AAA game dev these days are $300 million or more — sometimes much more! — which I think helps explain the current state of the industry.’

While some major blockbuster movies like James Cameron’s Avatar series are even more expensive to make, this means AAA games have higher budgets than most movies, including the entire Harry Potter franchise, DC’s most recent Superman movie, and the majority of Marvel’s cinematic output (when not adjusting for inflation).

Schreier adds that this applies to games primarily made in the US and Canada, and that these large budgets are ‘almost entirely’ spent on developer salaries.

When asked if such budgets are considered too low or too high, Schreier breaks down the maths and explains, ‘If you sell a game at $70 and pocket $49 on every sale… you’d need to sell more than six million copies just to break even on a $300 million budget, and that’s before marketing.’

As shocking as this sounds at first, it does make sense and not just when you consider inflation. Thanks to the Insomniac Games hack in 2023, it was discovered that Sony’s Spider-Man 2 game had a budget of $300 million.

This was a noticeable jump from the leaked budgets for two other first party PlayStation games – The Last Of Us Part 2 ($220 million) and Horizon Forbidden West ($212 million) – and considered surprising at the time, but now it seems to have become the norm in Western development.

What’s especially depressing is that these inflated budgets are wholly unnecessary even within the triple-A space. While no exact figure was given, the most recent Assassin’s Creed game – Assassin’s Creed Shadows – is said to have only cost somewhere over €100 million according to Ubisoft, which is about £86 million for one of the best looking games of last year.

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Japanese games are never that expensive either. There are no official figures, but the budget for Resident Evil Requiem – again, one of the best-looking titles of the year – is rumoured to be less than $100 million. Meanwhile, the famously frugal Nintendo is believed to have spent just north of $100 million on the two most recent Zelda games, which they apparently regard as an unusually high figure.

And of course, there’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a visually gorgeous game that was made for less than $10 million (per The New York Times), which comes out as just £7.5 million. Combined with the game being priced at £45 instead of £70, and selling over five million copies, it’s certainly made its money back.

Bigger American companies, however, seem unwilling to learn anything from Clair Obscur’s success and rather than reducing budgets their only answers to the problem seem to be laying off staff and thinking up more unpopular methods of squeezing extra money out of customers.

For example, earlier this month, it was reported that Sony was experimenting with dynamic pricing in the UK, where it would make games cheaper or more expensive depending on the customer.

Now, it’s reported that the scheme has made its way to the US, with people seeing different prices for Astro Bot as part of the PlayStation Store’s spring sale.

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The Netflix couples are set to reunite one last time, with the reunion trailer showing potential breakups between fan favourites

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Netflix’s Age of Attraction is set to release an unexpected final episode in just a few days. The fresh reality show debuted on the streaming platform earlier this month, inviting 40 singles aged between 22 and 60 to a romantic retreat.

The contestants proceeded to date without ever knowing each other’s ages. The hidden number would only be disclosed once they decided to commit to one person. One of the largest age gaps was between Vanelle, 27, and Jorge, 60, whose relationship didn’t endure.

Each couple went on to cohabit and meet each other’s loved ones, before ultimately deciding whether to stay together during a final commitment ceremony. We discovered which couples said ‘yes’ on Wednesday (March 25), and it has now been confirmed that they are returning for one final reunion.

Hosts Nick Viall and Natalie Joy will release the episode on their The Viall Files podcast next Wednesday, April 1st, reports the Mirror.

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The reunion will be available to stream exclusively on the official Viall Files YouTube channel at 4pm PT/7pm ET, which translates to 11pm for UK-based viewers. A trailer for the episode has provided fans with a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Just seconds into the teaser, host Nick can be heard asking “Does anyone know where Pfeifer is?”. This could suggest that her relationship with Derrick, who is seen in the trailer, didn’t survive after the show.

Fan favourites Theresa and John also appear to be at odds, with John sharing a heart-wrenching revelation about their off-screen relationship. He disclosed: “I don’t deserve to date someone who texts me ‘I feel disgusting with you.’”

Meanwhile, the trailer confirms there is one engaged couple among the group – likely Vanessa and Logan who got engaged at the end of the series. Fans have expressed their anticipation for the reunion, with one remarking on social media: “Oh this is gonna be guyuuuud.”

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A second chimed in: “Messy messy messy, I’ll be there,” with a third posting: “Ooo I was wondering why it didn’t show an upcoming reunion and assumed we weren’t getting one so this is great lol.” However, others are not looking forward to watching their favourite couples argue.

“No way John and Theresa broke up they were literally my favourite couple on the show,” wrote one viewer. A second concurred: “You couldn’t give me a dayyyy to be excited for Theresa and John well d**n.”

With another stating: “Bruh. Y’all couldn’t wait a few days and let us be happy about the commitments? Now idk who’s together or not anymore.”

Age of Attraction is streaming now on Netflix. The reunion will stream on The Viall Files’ YouTube channel from April 1st.

Andrew’s dramatic fall from grace could reach a striking new low thanks to protocol rules.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to be confronting yet another humiliating chapter in his public life, as he may be forced to bow down to his own daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have been allowed to retain their royal titles.

His military roles and honorary titles were among the first casualties of the royal fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Once his association with the convicted sex offender became impossible to justify, those titles were quickly stripped away.

From that moment on, scrutiny surrounding the 66-year-old has only intensified. King Charles relocated his disgraced brother from Royal Lodge to his private Sandringham estate, but that only signalled a further distancing from royal privilege.

Arrested there on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office – allegations which Andrew strongly denies – has added yet another level of shame and controversy to the former prince. Now, royal writer Andrew Lownie has weighed in on the situation, outlining that the current arrangement regarding titles is likely to be a source of irritations for Andrew.

Writing in his Substack, The Lownie Report, Lownie said: “Andrew, of course, stands on ceremony, titles and all these things are very, very important to him, and the pecking order and people bowing and curtseying.”

He continued: “I think this is what is going to upset him now, his own daughters; he will have to bow to them.” According to Sky News, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, have kept their princess titles despite their parents downfall, creating a protocol situation that royal experts say is without modern precedent.

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Royal biographer Robert Hardman echoed that view during an appearance on the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential, agreeing that such a scenario is entirely likely – albeit with one important condition, the Mirror reports.

“He will have to bow to everybody – that’s assuming he’s in the room with the rest of the family,” Hardman said. When asked whether Andrew would handle that situation well, his response was blunt: “No, I don’t.”

However, behind the scenes a different picture is emerging. Crates labeled HRH were reportedly spotted being unloaded at Marsh Farm, the Sandringham property that King Charles has assigned to his brother.

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Andrew is currently staying at Wood Farm nearby while renovation work at Marsh Farm is complete. Staff who will attend to the father-of-two at his new residence have also been given clear instructions on how to address Andrew.

Speaking to The Sun, a source stated: “He’s lost his HRH, prince and duke titles and so staff, who didn’t know how to correctly address him, have been instructed that he is still to be called ‘Sir’.”

“He will be given his own chef and valet at Marsh Farm which is a climbdown to the luxury he was previously afforded.”

Despite the reduced circumstances, the arrangement remains a comfortable one.

The costs are being covered personally by the King, who has taken on the responsibility for his brother’s finances to ensure the disgraced former prince does not become reliant on an outside source for support.

The road remains closed this morning (Thursday, March 26)

Two people have been taken to hospital after a crash in Cambridge. Emergency services were called to Newmarket Road, Cambridge at around 12.20am today (Thursday, March 26).

The crash involved a car and e-bike. The East of England Ambulance Service took two people to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further treatment.

An ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called just before 12.20am this morning with reports of a road traffic collision on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, involving a car and an e-bike.

“Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and a response car from East Anglian Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. Two patients were transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further care.”

Cambridgeshire Police remain at the scene this morning, as Newmarket Road remains closed. Officers have warned people to avoid the area.

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Bolton-based Boot Out Breast Cancer staged their annual glittering ball themed on the Shakespearian tale to make for an unforgettable evening of glamour, generosity and entertainment at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, which was transformed into a dreamlike woodland where music, performers and beautifully dressed guests brought the theme to life.

The evening’s programme featured entertainment, speeches, auctions and live performances that captivated the room throughout the night.

Boot out Breast Cancer ball 2026. Pictures by Linda Mulvey Photography and Select Digital Media (SDM).

Aventive Group delivered one of the evening’s most spectacular visual experiences.

Through dramatic lighting and stunning screen displays they transformed the ballroom, transporting guests deep into the enchanted world of the event and perfectly setting the scene for the night’s performances and celebrations.

The evening was expertly compered by Hugh Ferris, who guided guests through the programme with warmth, humour and energy, helping create an atmosphere that was described as both celebratory and inspiring.

Boot out Breast Cancer ball 2026. Pictures by Linda Mulvey Photography and Select Digital Media (SDM).

The night’s main sponsor was Ian Wilkinson of DJH Perspective Wealth Management, whose generous support was said to have helped make the event possible.

Ian also took to the stage during the evening to deliver a speech that was both informative and full of humour, warmly engaging the audience while highlighting the importance of the charity’s work.

Guests also heard directly from the hospitals that will benefit from the funds raised.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit shared moving video messages explaining how the vital equipment funded by the evening will support earlier detection and improved patient care. The audience was touched by a heartfelt message of support from Dame Sarah Storey, the charity’s Founder Patron, who spoke passionately about the importance of the charity’s work and the difference the fundraising will make to patients and their families.

Entertainment throughout the night was delivered by Carmina Entertainment, whose extraordinary performances blended extravagant costumes, dance, singing and breathtaking acrobatics. Their theatrical sets brought the enchanted theme to life and left the audience mesmerised and cheering for more.

Actress, singer and vocal coach Liz Long delivered a dramatic monologue followed by a beautiful singing performance.

Liz has recently been through her own cervical cancer journey.

Guests were also treated to an exceptional three-course dining experience complemented by delicious wines, specifically paired by Milestone Wines.

The ballroom sparkled as guests embraced the theme in stunning gowns and formal attire, creating a truly magical setting for the charity’s flagship event.

A special artistic moment came from Ben Mosley, the Official Artist to Team GB, who generously donated an original painting to be auctioned during the evening.

Although he was unable to attend in person due to family commitments, he created a speed-paint video showing the artwork being brought to life, which was shown to guests during the live auction. The striking gold-leaf piece captured the spirit of the evening and helped raise further funds for the charity.

Guests also had the opportunity to take part in a raffle featuring two exceptional prizes generously donated by supporters of the charity. Shelley Raja from Scan Computers donated a MacBook Air, while Sue Hart from Slack and Andrews provided a stunning diamond pendant valued at £6,000, helping to raise an incredible £8,000 through the raffle alone.

The night concluded with the announcement that £116,062 had been raised through generous donations, auctions and fundraising activities. Funds raised from the evening will go directly towards vital breast screening equipment for Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit and Leeds Teaching Hospitals, helping to support earlier detection and improved care for patients.

Funds raised from the evening will go directly towards vital diagnostic breast screening equipment, including £100,000 worth of equipment for Leeds Teaching Hospitals and £150,000 for New Alderley House at Macclesfield NHS Breast Unit, helping to support earlier detection and improved care for patients.

Debbie Dowie, Founder and Volunteer Chair of BOBC, said: “The Midsummer Night’s Dream ball was truly magical. I was completely blown away by the generosity in the room and by the incredible support from our guests, sponsors and volunteers. Every pound raised will help us continue our vital work supporting breast screening services. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made the evening so special.”

Next on the charity’s calendar is the Enchanted Ladies Lunch, taking place at Rivington Barn on 30 April, which promises another wonderful afternoon of fundraising, community and celebration.

For more information about BOBC events and fundraising initiatives visit https://bootoutbreastcancer.org.uk.

Marcus Rashford’s future is still up in the air but he has no shortage of suitors, with interest in the England forward from the Premier League and abroad.

The 28-year-old is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United this season, having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford under former manager Ruben Amorim.

Rashford has made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals, in what could be a superb season for Barca as they sit top of La Liga and are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they meet Atletico Madrid.

The forward is in the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan and looks set to be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this summer’s World Cup.

However, he has not been a regular starter for his club in recent times, with four of his last five appearances coming off the bench.

He has not scored for Barcelona since January, with his last goal coming in a win at Elche nearly two months ago.

Rashford is reportedly keen to stay at Barcelona and the club has the opportunity to make his move permanent for just €30 million (£25.9m), which seems very reasonable.

However, rumours abound about the Catalans looking to negotiate a lower price with Manchester United or defer the payment by securing another season on loan for Rashford.

ESPN report that the Red Devils are unfazed by this possibility because, rather than Barcelona looking to drive down the price, they could get more money for Rashford elsewhere.

His form in Spain has been good enough that other clubs are interested in beating Barcelona to a permanent deal for the England star.

The ESPN report states that ‘a number of clubs in England and Europe’ have inquired about Rashford’s availability.

Barcelona still have the situation in their hands, but if they do not pay the agreed price, there will be options for Rashford, and Manchester United, elsewhere.

There remains the possibility that he could return to Old Trafford, given Amorim has now departed and Michael Carrick is in interim charge.

Carrick was a coach at Manchester United under previous regimes and worked with Rashford, but whether he will still be in charge next season is yet to become clear.

The former England midfielder has done an excellent job so far during his interim stint in charge, with the Red Devils climbing to third in the Premier League table and looking very likely to return to Champions League action next season.

The identity of the next permanent manager at Old Trafford could have an impact on Rashford’s future, if Barcelona do not make his move permanent.

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UK tourists have been warned to expect “chaos” at a popular airport as it’s experiencing what’s been described as the “world’s longest queues”. Travellers have been told to be vigilant

Lots of people are starting to think about jetting off on holiday at the moment, but tourists have been warned about alleged hellish queues at a popular airport. As much as we all want our travel experiences to be as easy and stress-free as possible, sometimes this just isn’t always the case.

For anyone heading to Spain soon, there’s some information you need to know due to alleged queues at a popular airport. Scenes at the venue have been described as “chaotic” with the amount of people waiting in line to be seen leaving people in complete shock and confusion.

Videos have gone viral showing the scenes at Tenerife South Airport in recent weeks, with the experience being deemed chaotic. It comes as it was confirmed a simple passport mistake could lead to you being stuck in lengthy queues too.

A TikTok user, known as Homer, wrote: “Tenerife Airport right now is absolute CHAOS. This might genuinely be the world’s biggest queue, and it just keeps growing.

“Flights looming. Tempers rising. All because of the new security procedures, and no one was ready for it. People have been waiting for HOURS.

“If you’re flying from Tenerife anytime soon, get there EARLY. Like, really early.”

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The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared. Several people were quick to comment too.

One said: “I absolutely love Tenerife, but this is depressing.” Another added: “That would be enough for me. I would never go back, and I’ve been six times.”

A third replied: “It’s absolutely ridiculous.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “That is hell.”

However, some admitted they’ve travelled through the airport without experiencing any issues. It seems people have had mixed experiences.

Another wrote: “Here now, and got through in 10 mins max. No issues.” Someone else replied: “We left yesterday with no problem. Got through in 10 minutes.”

One more also said: “Here now. No queue whatsoever.” It seems not everyone was hit by the lengthy queue times.

It’s reported the queues were linked to new travel rules that have come into place. From October 2025, the EU implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU citizens (including UK citizens) to provide fingerprint scans and facial images upon entering the Schengen Area.

This digital process replaces passport stamping, aiming for full implementation this year. It’s claimed the process could cause initial airport delays, so it’s best to be prepared.

Tenerife Airport was contacted to respond to the size of the queues witnessed by some travellers. It noted the airport has provided the necessary infrastructure, but the authority over the management of the border control depends on the Ministry of the Interior.

Andrew Garnett, who was 52, died in the crash on the A1035 near Tickton on Tuesday.

His family said: “Andrew was the kindest, most gentle and loving son, dad, brother, uncle and fiancé anyone could ever wish for.

“Adored and cherished by everyone who knew him, a huge void has forever been left in our hearts.”

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances around the collision.

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At approximately 6.50am, it was reported that a silver Nissan Micra was travelling westbound along the A1035 when it is believed to have been involved in a collision with a blue DAF heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The HGV is then believed to have collided with a grey BMW 330e and a grey Volkswagen Polo.

Emergency services attended, and the driver of the BMW, a 52-year-old man, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The drivers of the Nissan, the DAF HGV, and the Volkswagen Polo were taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. 

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, including dashcam footage, to please contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting log 58 of 24 March.

The DWP has confirmed early payment dates for benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend in April 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the early date when certain claimants will receive payments ahead of the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5 this year, any payments due on Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 will instead be brought forward to Thursday, April 2.

The DWP has additionally confirmed Jobcentre Plus offices and telephone services will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday,April 7. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed the same with payments scheduled for Good Friday or Easter Monday being issued on the Thursday.

It’s important to remember that if your next payment isn’t due on either of the Easter bank holiday dates, it will be paid as normal.

Below is a full list of all DWP and HMRC payments that could be affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend. If your benefit or payment doesn’t appear on the list, it won’t be impacted by the Easter bank holiday weekend, reports MyLondon.

DWP payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will all be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension
• Universal Credit

HMRC payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will also be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

The footballer has been convicted of speeding after a camera caught him in an Audi RS3

Former Manchester United footballer Alejandro Garnacho was caught speeding away from the training ground just days before he left the club.

The 21-year-old winger, who moved to Chelsea for £40 million, was caught driving an Audi RS3 at 50mph in a 40mph zone as he left United’s training ground in Carrington. A speed camera was triggered amid the incident on August 26, just four days before he left the club.

Garnacho has since admitted, through his lawyers, to speeding. At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court he issued an apology and confessed he was ’embarrassed’ by it, the Mirror reports.

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He was handed a £660 fine, with an order to pay £120 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge. Magistrate Jane Haynes also handed down three points on his licence.

His lawyers at JMW Solicitors said: “Mr Garnacho accepts that he committed the offence of exceeding the speed limit and has pleaded guilty to the offence. Mr Garnacho explains this was an oversight on his part and apologises for the offence.

“Our client is embarrassed that he is currently in this position and apologises to the Court for the excess speed offence.”

Garnacho was also charged with failing to respond to a Greater Manchester Police letter about the offence when he was asked to identify the driver of his car in October last year, but that was withdrawn after his guilty plea. The Chelsea star was convicted and sentenced in a hearing conducted last week behind closed doors under the Single Justice Procedure.

The date of the speeding offence came four days before he quit United. His exit had been expected after he fell out of favour with then head coach Ruben Amorim.

Since moving to Chelsea the Argentine has made 36 appearances scoring seven goals. 21 of his appearances have come as a starter with the rest off the bench.