Recent research in cost optimization using game theory in cloud computing explores how strategic decision-making models can minimize operational expenses while maintaining performance and service quality. Game-theoretic approaches such as cooperative, non-cooperative, and Stackelberg games are widely used to balance cost-sharing among users, optimize resource allocation, and enhance energy efficiency. These models enable cloud providers and users to act as rational players aiming to achieve equilibrium where overall system cost is minimized without compromising service-level agreements. By modeling competition and collaboration in resource utilization, game-theoretic cost optimization helps in achieving fair pricing, efficient workload distribution, and sustainable cloud operations.