Some of us have a weakness for special edition video game releases–whether it’s called the deluxe, special, or collector’s edition, these costly items come with a promise of goodies that are sure to delight. However, I’ve found that some collector’s editions come with everything but a physical copy of the game, and I’m here to dissect why that makes no sense.
Digital copies of video games are rising in popularity. That is an obvious statement that has become more common in recent years. Digital copies have a lot to offer to the modern gamer such as convenience and space (no disc or cartridge to worry about). While I personally cherish physical games, I would never poo-poo anyone who has gone digital.
The head-scratcher I’m here to discuss is not whether digital games make sense, but rather, why a collector’s edition with no physical copy of the game is an oxymoron of sorts. This topic came up because pre-orders of Death Stranding 2 went live Monday, March 17th for both a standard and collector’s edition. If Kojima’s name didn’t already convince you to want to play it, perhaps that 10-minute (!) cinematic trailer did. Regardless, the Death Stranding 2 Collector’s Edition costs a hefty $229.99 USD. For reference, the MSRP for a Nintendo Switch Lite is $199.99 USD… So, what’s in this collector’s edition? See below, as listed in the PlayStation Direct site:
- Full Game Digital Download
- Collector’s Box
- 15” Magellan Man Statue
- 3” Dollman figurine
- Art cards
- Letter from Hideo Kojima
- In-game items:
- Machine Gun (MP Bullets) LV1 early unlock
- Quokka Patch
- Chiral Feline Patch
- Why Me? Patch
Hey, the statue is pretty impressive, but the glaring item aside from that is the digital download of the game. If you were to rationalize why someone would fork up over hundreds of dollars for a collector’s edition of a game, it would be that 1) the individual is a major fan of the franchise (OR wants to scalp the product off to that major fan) and 2) likes to, well, collect things. A person who cherishes a collector’s edition, by its own name, is a collector. What does a collector value? This is where I argue a digital copy of a video game contradicts the point of a collector’s edition.
I argue that someone who purchases a collector’s edition cherishes the physical aspects of video games, and that includes the game itself. Of course, I don’t mean to pick on only Death Stranding 2; this open conversation applies to any special edition that only provides a digital copy of a video game.
Do you think the Death Stranding 2 Collector’s Edition should include a physical disc? How about collector’s editions in general? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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