Collectors Editions For Downloadable Games: Good Or Bad?

Two things seem to have exploded this generation: downloadable content and special editions of big games. ...so wouldn't it be logical to combine the two?

Okay, maybe not, but it might just be happening. Koku Gamer talks about a Collectors Edition of the downloadable game, Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, and the first bonus one receives for buying the more expensive version is this- they're getting it early. That's right, even though the game isn't technically released until next month, if you're willing to spring for the $19.95 Collectors Edition, you can play it now. Other bonuses include additional gameplay and levels, behind-the-scenes footage and a strategy guide. Big Fish Games will be selling the standard edition soon for the much cheaper price of $6.99. This may be the first example of a downloadable special edition but in all reality, it very likely won't be the last. We've seen some fantastic digital titles so far and there are a few that I would've considered paying more for a Collectors Edition (Wipeout HD and Flower come to mind), provided the extra stuff was worth it.

But I see two problems with this: firstly, one of the biggest appeals of special editions is the packaging. You know how the Collectors set for God of War III comes in a pretty Pandora's Box? Or just look at the White and Black Collectors Editions for Assassin's Creed II. All that extra physical loot is why many people lay down the extra cash; simply having a few more electronic files on your machine might not have that "must-have" quality for fans. Secondly, I've seen people complain about having to pay $10 for a digital game so they most certainly won't spring for double that price tag. However, if certain downloadable games become franchises that people continue to follow, and because we should - by all rights - value gameplay additions over cosmetic stuff, this might not be a bad idea. What say you?

11/28/2009 10:50:04 AM Ben Dutka

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Comments (45 posts)

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A2K78
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:10:29 AM
Reply

collectors editions, downloadable content, etc are nothing but an attempt by developers to fleece more money out of gamers.

10 up, 0 down

fundando
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:10:14 PM

Exactly. You can't really say information on your ps3 hard drive is a collectible.

7 up, 1 down

JAMES M
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:13:30 AM
Reply

not if youve already bought evrything then it comes out loads cheaper than what u just payed

2 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:21:08 AM
Reply

When it comes to collecters editions, most of them are not worth my money.

When it comes to DLC, if I enjoy the game, why not support the developer and publisher?

6 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:49:00 AM

I agree. I'm willing to purchase DLC if I like a game, but this would be like pre-purchasing additional content before you even get to check the game out.

7 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:31:49 AM
Reply

I don't buy collectors editions mainly because I have plenty of stuff already that just sits around with no purpose other than taking up space. One thing I find strange about MCF:Dire Grove collectors edition is the difference in the price from the standard edition. Almost triple the price for extra levels basically. Behind-the-scenes footage and a strategy guide is hardly what I would consider collectable. I won't use a strategy guide because I feel it takes away from the challenge. It almost seems like developers would withhold part of the game just to be able to tack on a premium price.

7 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:55:25 PM

Good point. Plus, since I frequently trade in my games, collectors editions are not worth it for that alone in my book.

3 up, 0 down

mustang750r
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:38:07 AM
Reply

I remember when a SE or CE or whatever you call it would come in a pretty slip cover or different box art and it would have extra content for gameplay and some behind the scenes stuff, but now you'll still get that pretty case and behind the scenes stuff but not much added to the game except for maybe a different costume or character skin.
It's nice to have a action figure but can't I get a little more in my game like it used to be.

0 up, 0 down

Zorigo
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:48:17 AM
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Not a bad idea, but the tangibility is part of CEs

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:53:59 AM
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It's not bad, as long as all the game's content there with the regular version

0 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:00:32 PM
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No sir I don't like it. I think you have to look at what you're actually getting in CE's, The only CE i've bought and been satisfied with is the GTA4 one, because they gave you a ton of stuff. The RE5 one sucked and the game followed suit. I got the Ghostbusters' one because I thought the shirt was going to be way more awesome but it was ok. As for DLC CE's in a word NO! they can't give me anything physically, they need to take that extra crap and put it in the game where it belongs.

Last edited by Naztycuts on 11/28/2009 12:01:44 PM

2 up, 1 down

therabbitkinge
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:08:34 PM
Reply

I have trouble getting special editions as it stands because of the price and then judging if the content is even worth the extra cost...

Ben makes a mighty point as well, I don't want to read the words "special edition" when I look at the gameon PSN I want to hold the special edition strategy guide, and download the special edition weapon/level/character skin, and finally hold that special edition packaging...

Now of they offer something like say codes for Beta from the company that makes the game or even advanced demos from their next title then maybe I'd pay an additional 5 bucks but until we hear more I can't honestly say I think its a good idea just yet...

(if anything I think we've got to slow down on these advances and let the potential be realized before we bombard ourselves with all these changes ^_^)

3 up, 0 down

Wage SLAVES
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:13:31 PM
Reply

DL collectors is a FAIL. Only because I look forward to the tangible things outside of the digital realm of the game. It somehow brings the game to life for a collector. I've gotten 3 collectors editions so far and I think they were the best ones on the ps3. I have to admit the Halo 3 collectors was super cool.

3 up, 1 down

Buckeyestar
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:14:18 PM
Reply

I don't care for collector's editions unless they give me one of two things. Unlockable/downloadable content or something like a shirt or hat for me to wear. Otherwise they're just overpriced fluff.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 12:52:02 PM
Reply

I don't get downloadable titles, but man that is serious manipulation. So what's next, they will delay every game unless you are willing to pay extra to get it early?

4 up, 1 down

fatelementality
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:07:17 PM
Reply

You, know......they're really starting to milk this thing for all it's worth aren't they? Since there's no disc manufacturing cost with digital content, shouldn't we be seeing prices go down? Hmmmm? Speaking of digital content, here's a free GOWIII E3 demo code. Already got one due to my pre-order. This one came with the GOW Collection. First come, first serve I guess. RQPJ-GKBD-8FKF. Let me know which one of you snagged it :)

Last edited by fatelementality on 11/28/2009 1:08:31 PM

1 up, 0 down

johnld
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:13:08 PM
Reply

I think people here are missing a big point in this article, early game access. DLC i can possibly go with but just because you dont have to buy what you dont want. However, getting a game early is just messed up, especially if they have multiplayer involved. Talk about an unfair advantage. some games give/sell you dlc that wont really impact gameplay that much like golden guns or early access abilities because the game comes out the same time for everyone, plus minus timezone changes. when im talking about early access abilities, im talking about uncharted 2. sure you do have access to that ability, but you still had to earn the credits/money to use them. Early access for the game for more money = fail, why the hell do we have street dates now it devs are open to charging more for early access to play their game. I'm actually surprised that activision didnt capitalize on this idea with modern warfare 2.

1 up, 1 down

fatelementality
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:22:39 PM

Whoa....don't give them any damn ideas

1 up, 0 down

Banky A
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:38:44 PM
Reply

What the fudge.

1 up, 0 down

Banky A
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:42:54 PM

I guess it can't be catastrophic but I don't want it? ;)

Last edited by Banky A on 11/28/2009 2:43:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

www
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 3:14:36 PM

Lol Banky A, dats some cool design, so you're really asian.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 4:09:32 PM

lol @ www, yup a real live asian! haha

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/28/2009 4:09:42 PM

1 up, 0 down

Wage SLAVES
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 6:08:38 PM

An asian with a dirty Sanchez!

2 up, 1 down

Banky A
Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 12:22:53 AM

And an epic tongue!
lol dirty Sanchez my ass

Last edited by Banky A on 11/29/2009 12:36:28 AM

0 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 1:54:15 PM
Reply

I can only see this getting big if you can choose to upgrade the standard edition to collectors if you have already purchased it.

1 up, 0 down

Qwarktast1c
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:10:18 PM
Reply

the reason i buy collector's editions is for the gamer swag!!

i like that cool stuff

2 up, 1 down

Ultimadesires
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:42:41 PM
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Collectors Edition, thats absurd!

arent collectors spose to collect REAL it items.... Absurd!

8 up, 1 down

Larsperson
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 5:54:01 PM

Exactly what i was thinking!

0 up, 0 down

Zorigo
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:44:04 PM
Reply

just thought of another thing, i hate when we are paying more for what should be in the game. these CEs could all feel like an ultimate rip off. If they were gonna do it, giv it kl stuff like have it double xp for the first two hours or something. etc etc.
but a real CE is tangible. Fallout 3 brotherhood of steel figure anyone?
Uncharted 2 DAGGER FTW!!!
(on a side note, it took me ages to figure out that the brotherhood of steel were in anyway important to the game. Only until the mission with liberty prime did i think they were just some side thing to do with the game. like raiders. o_0 lol)

Last edited by Zorigo on 11/28/2009 2:46:20 PM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:48:37 PM
Reply

It kinda seems like if the collectors edition of a downloadable game includes more levels/characters/features, then it's really a case of charging a premium price for the game and charging a basic price for the demo, since the regular edition, without the extra content, isn't really the full game. Personally, I think that's a pretty despicable practice. If you sell me a collector's edition, I WANT something to show for it, that is kinda the point of being a collector of things. Otherwise it seems more like a way to charge for the demo and up-price the game itself.

5 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 5:44:04 PM

@Highlander,

AMEN TO THAT!!!
You're preaching to the choir!!!!

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 7:46:46 PM

i think for this game, you're paying mostly for early game access.

0 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 2:56:57 PM
Reply

the day the gaming world totaly turns to digital is the day for me to stop buying games, and just dwell on my existing physical game collection database.

2 up, 1 down

CrazyIrishBoy
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 3:06:14 PM
Reply

BAD, ANNOYING, GREEDY are only some of the words id use here. STUPID is one id use for people that splash out the extra cash for any special edition.

2 up, 1 down

johnld
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 7:49:12 PM

i wouldnt say for any special edition. i usually buy special edition when its a big game and actually worth it. bought one for MGS4, FFXII so far. if only killzone 2 and uncharted 2 came with one that were actually for sale.

0 up, 0 down

A2K78
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 4:13:02 PM
Reply

"I'm willing to purchase DLC if I like a game, but this would be like pre-purchasing additional content before you even get to check the game out."

I wouldn't have a problem paying for downloadable content if the game was priced in the area of $30 , but looking your stanc pretty much made P.T. Barnum right when he said "There's a sucker born every minute".

1 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 7:03:14 PM

I'm not quite sure I follow what you're saying. If you're insulting me, that's cool, I deserve it sometimes, although some people may argue that I deserve it all the time.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 6:16:34 PM
Reply

"A collector's edition for downloads"
Well....if this isn't a real oxymoron of an idea!!!!!!

Here's some useful terms for this developer...

OXYMORON :
A figure of speech in which contradictory terms are combined, as in falsely true.

COLLECT:
To accumulate, to gain control of.

COLLECTION:
The act of collecting, that which is collected.

COLLECTOR:
One who collects, keeper of the artifact.

JUST SAY NO"!!!!!!

e'nuf said!"

5 up, 0 down

just2skillf00l
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 7:11:54 PM
Reply

I can't see myself purchasing a collector's edition game. I mean extra content is nice and all but I got bills to pay. A $100 game by me is considered absurd and sometimes the prices are more than that. I love gaming but there are limits to my beloved hobby, and that's because of LIFE. Even if I was well off (rich) I don't think I would go for the premium content games unless it was a game I was utterly enticed by. Heavy Rain is shaping up into a nice game. Maybe...just maybe that would be the title I would go...Nah..unless Madison would give me a priceless experience...hehe.

Last edited by just2skillf00l on 11/28/2009 7:12:59 PM

3 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 9:18:28 PM
Reply

If anyone here buys a "Collector's Edition" of a DLC type game, let me know. I've got some Collector's Edition Pears to sell you. They're the ones still on the tree. The Regular Editions are taken from the ground. Limited time only, get 'em while they're hung!

4 up, 1 down

___________
Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 11:48:00 PM
Reply

now thats just BS.
no one should have to buy the more expensive version just to play the game.
when its ready release the fu***ng thing.
never liked the extra missions either because than you feel like it was something taken out of the game kinda like DLC.
DLC i dont mind paying for along as its the right price because its made after a game is released so you know its not something taken out of the game just so they can charge for it.
like the DLC for fallout 3 thats well worth the money.
the DLC for resi 5 is a different story tho.

0 up, 0 down

tridon
Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 8:36:08 AM
Reply

Wouldn't it be more logical to release the game and then release all the bonus features for extra cash? They could probably make more money in the end, no?

If this becomes more of a reality, than I really won't support it. The only game that I would buy a CE for is the next game from thatgamecompany because I love flOw and Flower.

0 up, 0 down

TheJackyl
Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 6:29:24 PM
Reply

I rarely ever buy collector's editions of games as I simply am not a collector. At least not of video game memorabilia.

I did however go for the Dragon Age Collector's Edition for the PC off of Steam which is just a digital copy. Which for the DLC, Warden's Peak & Stone Prisoner, it was cheaper to buy the Collector's Edition that included both plus a few extra in game items than to purchase the DLC separately.

0 up, 0 down

phade2blaq
Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 8:06:40 PM
Reply

It appears more and more like console gaming is taking on elements of PC gaming and I for one do not like that !

The main reason I enjoy console gaming is the fact that you can buy a game load it up and play without having to download patches, extra content etc like you do with PC games and now we've moved into that same arena with console gaming by adding HDDs !

Last edited by phade2blaq on 11/29/2009 8:08:16 PM

0 up, 0 down

Gabriel013
Monday, November 30, 2009 @ 1:04:57 AM
Reply

Throwing figurines and behind the scenes extras into collectors editions is one thing. If people want to pay more money for those then fine.

Putting extra levels or general in game goodies into the collectors editions is just plain wrong.

1 up, 0 down

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