Bitmob_vb_ Bitmob is now a part of VentureBeat
Separator

Are collector's editions a waste of time?

Default_picture
Thursday, March 15, 2012

It seems like every game these days gets a limited-edition version at launch. Sometimes the extra goodies are nothing more than a download code, but no matter how big or small the set is, getting one means paying $10-50 more than the standard MSRP.

Internet comedian Stuart Ashen takes a number of silly to down-right pointless "special" versions of games to task in this video:
 
I'm actually a sucker for things like this. If a game I'm even mildly interested in has a limited edition, I'm likely going to buy it. That's why I have mountains of collectible figures, messenger bags, and necklaces I'm never going to use. 
 
Problem? Report this post
JASMINE MALEFICENT REA'S SPONSOR
Related Stories
 
Comments (6)
Add a new comment
Default_picture
Fox Mulder
March 15, 2012

"Are collector's editions a waste of time?"

Some are, yes. For example, some of the ones you bought are probably a waste of time and money. Thank you for your cautionary tale; I will make sure to not be as impulsive with my purchases.

Default_picture
Jonathan Oyama
March 17, 2012

I didn't even think Driver was popular enough to have a collector's edition. I'm pretty sure that there's not much to draw people in. Aside from the car.

(Seriously, a car? Gads, it's like a $60 Micro Machine package.)

Captgoodnight_1a
Reggie Carolipio
March 17, 2012

For me, it depends. I'm a sucker for art books and free DLC, especially if it's for a property that I support. But some can get pretty ambitious. I still see a few of the PC versions of Bioshock 2 on shelves, the one with the vinyl record and posters, lying around.

I've seen stacks of Killzone 3 CEs...the ones with the Helghan cat helmet...piled on the floor months later and marked way down. The new Lord of the Rings game, War in the North, comes with a faux quiver. I still see a few of those on shelves. Not sure what I'd do with a fake quiver. Maybe I'll use it to fight fake ogres.

Default_picture
Jonathan Oyama
March 17, 2012

I'd buy it after the store sells it to some mom-and-pops enttertainment store. Well, if the package costs only $10 or so. Haha.

Default_picture
Jonathan Oyama
March 17, 2012

I actually enjoy some of the collector's editions. Some of them. Many of these packages are strange, to say the least.

I actually like some art books, like the one in the Catherine box. I love the artwork in that particular game. The others are puzzling. That Blazblue one with the gooey creature is bizarre. Haha.

And I have no clue why anyone would want such a big package for a statue/action figure. Or some car thing-a-ma-jig for a game called Driver. I'm just glad that he didn't bother with the big Halo helmet thingie.

I'm also glad that i wasn't crazy enough to buy the giant Mass Effect 3 pre-order. I have no idea what I would do with such a humongous box. Lol.

Default_picture
Glenn Hoek
March 21, 2012

Collectors editions are overwhelmingly a huge waste.  Their contents are usually completely useless garbage, and on the rare occasion they include an in-game boon or extra content, its usually something absurdly disappointing or available elsewhere (or both).  I rarely ever even consider getting one, and its usually because of an in-game bonus that I really want, which is rarely worth the higher pricetag.  

You must log in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.