As the digital storefronts for video games have grown exponentially over the past decade, we see fewer and fewer games being available with a physical copy. The big upcoming releases, such as the Alan Wake 2, will only be available digitally. But, Ubisoft is looking at this situation differently.
According to Ubisoft, the physical game market may (and probably will) continue to decline, but it’s here to stay. Chris Early, Ubisoft’s SVP, Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, says:
“There’s a collector edition market. There’s the aspect of gifting physical items and allowing access for people to be able to easily purchase a game in a store and gift them to their friends or family. Some people will always want to own the physical disc. I just don’t think it’s going away. Do I think physical sales might get lower over time? Sure, but will it ever completely go away? I don’t think so.”
The mention of the ‘collector edition market’ is in resonance with Ubisoft’s recent plans. The very recent big hit from them, Assassin’s Creed Mirage also featured a collector’s case. Not to mention, there is a $230 collector’s edition for the upcoming Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
What’s There To “Collect”?
Any edition is only truly a collectible-worthy item when it offers any article or a thing that is physically present. And of course, only a physical copy of the game doesn’t cut it. Since a major reason Ubisoft is continuing with physical copies is for the collector market, they do add a number of bonuses along with souvenirs and showpieces for the fans.
For example, the Assassin’s Creed Mirage collector’s case featured the following things:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage Deluxe Edition
- Selected Game Soundtrack on CD
- Exclusive Steelbook (final design to be selected by fans)
- 32cm Basim figure
- Baghdad map
- Mini Artbook
- Basim’s Brooch
- Downloadable Content
- Deluxe Pack (in-game Basim outfit, eagle + mount + weapon skins all inspired by Prince of Persia)
- Digital artbook
- Digital soundtrack
Isn’t a Baghdad map a cool thing to have? A Basim figure is something to be kept as a souvenir, while something like a mini artbook is a fun little activity to enjoy away from your screens.
It seems that Ubisoft is keen to connect with their hardcore fans, and we are all up for it!
