What is a AAA game?
The term "AAA game," also known as a "triple-A game," is an informal term used to describe video games with high development costs, large scale, and top-tier quality. This concept originated in the United States, and the term "AAA" itself is derived from the credit rating industry, where it represents highly secure bonds. AAA games typically exhibit the following characteristics:
High Cost: The development costs usually exceed $50 million. Games with budgets below this threshold are generally not considered AAA.
Large Scale: These games feature expansive world-building and rich content. Even if a side-scrolling game is meticulously crafted, it might not be classified as AAA if it lacks this level of scope.
High Quality: AAA games deliver high-quality experiences across various aspects such as graphics, sound, narrative, and gameplay, aiming to provide a satisfying gaming experience.
Additionally, the development cycle for AAA games is typically lengthy, requiring substantial investments of time, labor, and resources, which also entails a significant level of risk.
In summary, AAA games represent the pinnacle of game development standards and expectations, aiming to deliver a top-quality gaming experience to players. Although there is no official classification system, the concept of AAA games is widely recognized within the gaming industry and among player communities.