Once considered relics of gaming’s past, the era of exorbitant collector’s editions seemed to fade about a decade ago, with most studios leaning toward digital extras instead of luxury physical bundles. But Dig VR, an upcoming VR excavation game, has just revived the trend with a deluxe edition priced at a staggering £500,000. Releasing on November 14, the game itself starts at a reasonable £11 / $15 as a preorder, increasing to £15 / $20 on launch day. However, if you’re ready to dig deep—very deep—into your pockets, this high-end version might be for you.
What’s Included in Dig VR’s Luxe Collector’s Package?
The £500,000 edition centers around two exclusive JCB 100c-2 excavators wrapped in bespoke designs. One shines in signature yellow, branded with Dig VR in place of the classic JCB logo, while the other boasts the Ashville Aggregates logo. Keep in mind that this price excludes delivery costs, with buyers covering customs duties and import taxes if outside the UK, and it may take up to six months to receive these massive items.
Alongside the excavators, this unique edition includes a range of experiences and memorabilia:
- JCB factory tour: Explore the machinery’s birthplace.
- “Dig This” in Las Vegas: An adventure to a heavy-equipment playground for enthusiasts.
- Meta Quest 3 with Dig VR: Get a Meta Quest 3 VR headset with a code for the game.
- Custom hard hat and hi-vis jacket: Dress the part with themed safety gear.
- Family ticket to “Diggerland”: Bring your family to a construction-themed park.
- Bonus sticker sheet: Add a little flair to your hard hat or other accessories.
A Nostalgic Nod to Gaming’s Most Iconic Editions
While these grandiose collector’s items are rare nowadays, they evoke fond memories of legendary editions like:
- Saint’s Row 4 Super Dangerous Wad-Wad Edition: Included plastic surgery, a Lamborghini, and more over-the-top perks.
- Dying Light My Apocalypse Edition: Came with a custom zombie-proof shelter for die-hard survivalists.
- Grid 2 Mono Edition: Bundled with a 170 mph supercar, appealing to racing fans with a taste for speed.
Why Have Big-Scale Editions Faded?
According to industry insiders, a shift to digital has minimized the need for physical promotions, reducing costs and streamlining production. These limited runs aren’t profit-driven but are often effective in generating buzz due to their rarity and nostalgia factor.
For Dig VR, the absurd collector’s edition rekindles the spectacle that used to accompany game launches, reminding us all that sometimes, extravagance makes for the best marketing.