VGCulture - Collector's Edition Galore

When I see the label "Collector's Edition" for any game about to release, I see it as "the more expensive version".  Sure, there are some games that follow a long series that some fans would be glad to get extra stuff for.  Some of them are great, others seem rather superfluous.  I will discuss a little today on Guild Wars 2's Collector's Edition.

Source: Youtube Channel guildwars2

Let's take a closer look at some of the items:
[Collectible metal box]
So instead of a flimsy cardboard cover with a regular plastic box to hold the game, you get a fancy metal box that's sure to last longer.  This is something that can be praised or looked down upon in a collection of games.  Sometimes having such a resilient box is nice, especially if it has a nice cover art and is a game the purchaser really likes or is incredibly rare.  Other times though, they're clunky, takes up more space, doesn't line up with all the other boxes in one's collection, or is pretty plain compared to the standard edition's cover art.  Having a nicer box does look fancy, but does it really warrant a higher cost because of it?  For Guild Wars 2, I don't think it's entirely necessary.

[10-inch Rytlock figurine]
Okay, I've got to admit that's quite an amazing work of handiwork; however, not everyone wants a 10" figurine that they might not have space to place.  It's just too much when a game comes with such a large object.  They should make these figurines available for those who truly want it.

[Custom art frame, portfolio, and five art prints]
This is a nice addition to a game's collector's edition as it fits nicely into a box, has fan service value, can easily stored away or put up on display and is worthy for collection.

[Best of Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack CD and Guild Wars 2 Game]
I personally think that a soundtrack of a game should be available to all who buys the game itself, but that's just me.  It's one of the most common and easiest product to produce and add to a game and sometimes it's one of the best perks about getting a collector's edition of any game.

[112 - page Making of Guild Wars 2 hardback book]

This is also something very worthy of collection and quite an addition for any fan of a game.  Hardback books such as these can sell for $40-$100 retail depending on how much the publisher wants to charge you.

[In-game items and spells]
It's rather unfair to give an advantage within a game despite the fact that the player who paid for the collector's edition put in a lot more money for it.  It's unique and unobtainable, so if none of the physical junk/treasure does it for the customers, the in-game items and spells would be an incentive to buy the collector's edition.

I think it's mainly the figurine that made the collector's edition of Guild Wars 2 so expensive at a price of $150.  I'd really like that book, but not enough to pay an extra $90 just to get it when I mainly want the game.

Here are some other up coming games with their collector's edition:
-Assassin's Creed: Freedom Edition
-Darksiders 2: Collector's Edition
-Diablo 3: Collector's Edition