Halo 4 - "nothing's even close" to sequel's development cost

Halo 4 is the most expensive game Microsoft has ever produced.

Speaking with Polygon, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer said Halo is a $3 billion franchise.

He described it as the "most important entertainment product in the company" and when asked whether it was also the most expensive, answered: "Absolutely. Nothing's even close."

Although Spender didn't give any indication of how much halo 4 has cost, Joystiq reports Halo 3 cost in the ballpark of $60 million, including marketing. The 2007 release became what was, to date, the fastest-selling game, with $300 million global sales in its first week.

Halo 4, apparently more expensive than this behemoth, is due on November 6, exclusively - of course - for Xbox 360.

Thanks, GameInformer.