I'm not overly thrilled at the fact that my age is beginning to increase against my will, but I am thankful that I'm old enough to appreciate physical media. It scares me somewhat that the kids growing up today may never know what it means to flick through the lyrics in a record sleeve or sniff the manual inside a brand new game. It's pleasing, then, to see CD Projekt Red stick a middle finger up at current trends.
It's a sign of the times that when I saw a photograph of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's outstanding retail package on Reddit this morning, I instantly assumed that it was a Collector's Edition of some kind. But it's not: the image that you see above is everything that comes in the game's standard physical set. And yes, I have double-checked my Amazon order just to make extra sure that I didn't accidentally order some special bundle. I didn't.
"You could argue that it's all additional guff, but compared to my PS4 library, this is incredible stuff"
So, let's rundown what you get: the traditional Blu-ray itself comes in a cardboard wrapper, which adds a bit of class to the whole product. Slipping it out reveals a manual, which may be printed in black and white, but is above and beyond what you get with most games these days. You also get a separate compendium insert, telling you about some of the game's major characters and plot beats, as well as a 'Thank You' note from the developer.
But that's not all: you get the game's full soundtrack on a standalone CD, as well as a high-quality map of the game's open world which has been printed on heavy-duty paper. And just to sweeten the deal, the studio's thrown in a couple of wolf stickers for you to attach to whatever takes your fancy. You could argue that it's all additional guff, but compared to the virtually empty cases elsewhere in my PS4 library, this is incredible stuff.
There was a time when this was the standard for all new games, but the fact that I'm taking 20 minutes to pen this short soapbox in the first place shows just how much things have changed. And even if I don't end up enjoying The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as much as our reviewer, the care and consideration that's gone into the package's physical presentation will always impress me. Step it up, industry – you're being outclassed.
Would you like to see more retail packages like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, or are you done with physical goods? Start a collection in the comments section below.
Would you like to see more retail sets like The Witcher 3? (72 votes)
- Yes, physical goods should include more than a Blu-ray and case
- Meh, I'm not really fussed
- No, I want to play the game and don't care about the extra crap
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Comments 23
This is how it should be done..that is all
Well thanks for making me regret my digital decision. That's amazing.
Getting the soundtrack CD included is just amazing. This is fantastic value.
More games should include soundtracks, as far as I'm concerned. And every collector's/special/limited edition should come with them as a standard.
13/14 so far want the extras I do miss sitting on the bog with a game manual.
damn! I usually wait a couple months for prices to drop before I buy new releases. but now I'm gonna place my order!
wow, that's really cool. Have to give them props for that. I don't like it that they're taking manuals out of games, but I guess I understand if it's to protect the earth. I guess
First thing I did when I opened it was sniff the manual! I love that smell...nostalgia. sighs
My copy cost me £46.85. Bloody bargain.
I paid £35 for my Physical copy and got all of this... BARGAIN!!!
Because some retailers here were giving away additional bonuses as well, we made it into a sport to collect everything there is to collect. So first off I started with a One CE ofcourse, since it has an extra cloth map (really heavy duty, think Imma frame it) and Gwent cards. But since I want to play on my PS4 I'd bought 2 copies because of a Dark Horse comic and a Steelbook that was included. Both were sold for an incredible €48, so when I sell the One and one of my PS4 copies I actually think I'll make a small profit on em.
This is what gaming is all about for me; it's not just downloading a game, it's the anticipation, the manual where you can go through after playing, a wolf sticker on your garbage bin or your kids closet, a soundtrack which you'll just listen to once. I've had more fun already with just getting this game and opening all the goodness than I have with playing lots of other games. There are pop-up stores all over Europe and I wish I could visit one for a nice goodie bag and maybe some stuff I can buy. This game is really hitting the right spot and now I'm 4 hours in I can easily say this is the kind of game that will rekindle my love for the medium as a whole.
Got mine still in the cellophane... Will open it now to check this out!
C. I don't care about the extra junk, I appreciate the CD even though Sony doesn't let me play it, thanks. Yes, this is the case. I placed the CD into my PS4 and I am notified that it is an unsupported disc. Hilarious. Also, where can I get a push square business card...
First time I've seen the entire membership almost unanimously concure.
Yes, this is how it's done, and how it should always be done. Grrr, the rest of the industry is a bunch of cheap ********. Is a game manual too much too ask?
Totally agree with this! I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened the case this morning.
First of all, that simple little thank you note just totally pushed it over the edge for me. Cd projekt red are and we're my favorite developers and things like this is the reason why. They always go that extra mile and I love them for it. Couldn't believe it came with the soundtrack and the stickers were a great little addition.
I recently had a custom decal made of the white wolf pendant for the side panel of my pc case with the red glowing eyes, and what I did was before putting it on I drilled holes in the case where the eyes are and attached red LED lights on the inside and then placed the decal on, now I have the witcher medallion with glowing red eyes to match the rest of my red themed case, so I might try to find a spot on the front of my case for one of these stickers.
Was pleasantly surprised with all the content. I like having a manual in front of me when I need to reference something.
I bought this for £35 and had the privilege of reading a proper (if short) manual whilst dropping some dumpage. Marvellous stuff
Dragon Age didn't even come with a manual... I opened my copy and it had the game and nothing else inside.
@ShogunRok So is this a collectors edition? or full normal release? Plus what about the NA region? Do they get this type of deal? If not... Its importing time! lol
@Alpha All this is in the 'standard' release - not collectors or limited edition versions! This is what you get and I assume its the same wherever you are...
@ShogunRok especially considering that most collector's editions I've had in recent years have only come with a few track sampler disc. If this really is the full soundtrack then that is really something else!
I miss decent sized manuals at the very least
@SteveButler2210 32 tracks if I remember correctly
Its annoying why every game in next-generation consoles is sliced in pieces and have to pay for every part to get the full collection. I bought once a tomb raider 2 on ps1 at about 40$ and got a collection that can fill a closet.. Hat raised to the witcher developer
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