(Image credit: Sucker Punch)
Ghost of Yotei pre-orders launched today, and, in familiar fashion, they brought along a Collector’s Edition that, as has become a vexing trend with PlayStation, lacks a physical game copy. Instead, this $250 edition includes just a digital code, leaving collectors to wonder if anyone truly comprehends their desires.
These editions typically offer a collection of trinkets surrounding one significant centerpiece, like the impressive standing model of the Ghost Mask. Still, if I’m investing $250, I expect a physical copy to display proudly on my shelf alongside it.
As a video game collector, my passion lies in amassing a tangible library of physical games. While the extras in these editions are appreciated, my primary interest is the video game itself. If I wanted everything, I’d end up purchasing both the CE and then the disc version for an additional $70.
This digital-only trend isn’t exclusive to Ghost of Yotei. Sony has repeated this with releases like Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and even the forthcoming Death Stranding 2. Square Enix has also embraced similar practices. Perhaps the most notorious was last year’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard Collector’s Edition, which offered neither a digital nor physical game copy. Ironically, this might be more appealing as it spares collectors the expense of buying the game twice to secure a physical version.
Meanwhile, a retro remake developer expressed disappointment over Switch 2 game-key cards, remarking that you’d hope a giant like Nintendo would prioritize preservation more earnestly.
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