Your ideas for Collector's Edition content

[Matze81]

I realize a boxed Collector’s Edition is far from certain, but lately I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what I would like to have for Collector’s Edition content, (if I would have a say in the matter, which I don’t obviously). And since my imagination is sometimes limited (depending on who you ask, that might be an understatement! ), I’m curious what interesting ideas you guys might have about the content and also the packaging itself!

 

Who knows, IF there’s going to be a Collector’s Edition at some point, maybe some of the stuff we come up with here, might end up in the real thing. It’s worth a shot, I think.

 

Me personally I’m a sucker for Tin-/Metal-/Steel-Case kinda stuff. I just think a metal case gives the feeling that the whole thing is more “valuable” compared to plastic or cardboard packaging.

 

Also the box art itself is important of course. Here it would be awesome if they would create something that would represent both sides, German and Russian. For example something like the Collector’s Edition packaging of “World in Conflict” (a very good RTS game IMO), which has a US and a Soviet side to represent the Cold War scenario of the game.

 

Probably not financially feasible, but two completely separate Versions of the Collector’s edition, with different box art and content, would be really something I think (and my personal preference).

You know, one Luftwaffe version and one VVS version. I would love that!

 

The content for the Luftwaffe version could be:

• a replica of a “Frontflugspange für Jäger” (see picture below)
• a replica of the “Knight’s Cross” with Oak leaves and swords (see picture below)

          (both above without Swastika due to legal constraints)

• an area map with German text and markings, made out of material that prevents folding lines
• a colored hard cover booklet with pictures and descriptions of the German Aces and the aircraft they flew during the Battle in the East
• a sew on / iron on IL-2 Battle of Stalingrad patch

The box art could feature either the “Knight’s Cross”. But not just a boring front view of it but an angled view (maybe something like my avatar).

Or it could feature the “Balkenkreuz” and they could give the Steel-Case surface some structure with some bumps and identations and make the box art look and sort of feel like the surface of a 109/190 wing with rivets and panel lines for example.

 

The VVS version would be similar, but obviously with Russian medals, booklet etc. and box art.

 

Call me a Kid in a Grown Up’s body, but I would love to have something like that.

 

[Dieter_Schlueter]

Sehr gute idee Matze ! Ich will eine davon !!

[Lord_Haw-Haw]

Hmm the idea as such is not bad, but I would go for something more neutral

like this for navigation which both sides used:

Or something like this

 

It is a original US silk map my dad as a kid took from a downed US fighter. The thing is these extras usually are not supposed to

cost much money as an extremly expensive collectors version could remain lying in the selves. The last time I have seen a good

printed user manual was in the EAW box although it was paper back it was very handy, and I used it very much.

[Matze81]

Thanks for your replies, guys!

 

Sehr gute idee Matze ! Ich will eine davon !!

 

Dank' Dir, Dieter!

I'm glad you like the idea! Trust me, I'd want one too!!!

 

Hmm the idea as such is not bad, but I would go for something more neutral

like this for navigation which both sides used:

Or something like this

 

It is a original US silk map my dad as a kid took from a downed US fighter. The thing is these extras usually are not supposed to

cost much money as an extremly expensive collectors version could remain lying in the selves. The last time I have seen a good

printed user manual was in the EAW box although it was paper back it was very handy, and I used it very much.

 

A replica of a navigational tool is a good idea in general and especially for a single Collector's Edition version that has to work for both, Luftwaffe and VVS. I like it!

I also had some kind of cloth material in mind for the map. The one you posted is a good example! Thanks!

 

You're right about the cost of course. A CE has to remain affordable and find a good balance between exclusivness and price. Yes, it's supposed to be represent a certain additional value which customers would want, but the price can't be too high that in the end must customers don't go for the purchase.

 

So, the content, that I suggested would have to be made out of cheaper materials of course in order for us to be affordable and profitable for the devs, but if done right, it doesn't have to look cheap or cheesy.

[Matze81]

Sorry for the double post. Just wanted to correct some typos. (It's still not good English, but it'll have to do! )

 

[...] Yes, it's supposed to be represent a certain additional value which customers would want, but the price can't be too high, that in the end most customers don't go for the purchase. [...]

 

[Volkoff]

I think the team should not put their resources into boxes, maps, and the like. Unless significant numbers of customers cannot download BOS, for some reason, stick to digital content and eliminate the disks, packaging, and keepsakes. Put the resources into an add-on or something else, I think.

Edited August 12, 2013 by MishaJames

[Matze81]

Judging by the number of replies in this thread, you might not be the only one, who thinks that way.

 

Whatever the devs decide, will be fine!

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

some IL2 patches..

[Bearcat]

I think the team should not put their resources into boxes, maps, and the like. Unless significant numbers of customers cannot download BOS, for some reason, stick to digital content and eliminate the disks, packaging, and keepsakes. Put the resources into an add-on or something else, I think.

 

I agree to a point.. but if they were to decide to go with a boxed set ....

 

some IL2 patches..

 

......  something like this would be best because it is doable in bulk at a reasonable price but make it different from the original IL2 patches.

 

Once you start to get into printing and manufacturing etc... it changes the equation somewhat and I think that initially they need to maximize profits to get this machine rolling.

[TheBlackPenguin]

Perhaps if they cannot make a boxed collectors edition, maybe we could get something through www.shapeways.com as an alternative? I just got a rather nifty Bill Kerman statuette delivered today.

[Matze81]

...... something like this [patches] would be best because it is doable in bulk at a reasonable price but make it different from the original IL2 patches.

 

Once you start to get into printing and manufacturing etc... it changes the equation somewhat and I think that initially the need to maximize profits to get this machine rolling.

That sounds quite reasonable!

 

I'm sure they're doing their Market Research and if it indicates there's no real money in Boxed Collector's Edition Sets, then they won't go down that road. And neither should they!

 

I'm just one of the few guys, who like a nice Collector's Edition of any good game. Having said that, there won't be any Drama from my side, if it doesn't happen!

 

I was just having a little bit of fun, putting together my version of a BoS CE. I tried to keep it somewhat realistic (otherwise I probably would have put an original Bf 109 Tailwheel with Serial No. and Certificate of Authenticity in my CE content list ), but can't say if it really is.

 

The point is, I was just curious, if you guys have some other possibly realistic ideas what they COULD put into a CE set, IF there was going to be one.

 

No problem, if there's no interest in a topic like that! It's all good!

[Matze81]

Perhaps if they cannot make a boxed collectors edition, maybe we could get something through www.shapeways.com as an alternative? I just got a rather nifty Bill Kerman statuette delivered today.

I just checked out the video on shapeways.com. That's looks really pretty cool! Thanks for sharing!

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

I have an idea about those IL2 Sturmovik patch's *knock on wood* with every theater release they do a Patch for that theater, as if we served in combat in that theater, like when we where in the Military?  i.e. IL2 BOS. IL2 KUBAN, so on so-forth?

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

I have an idea about those IL2 Sturmovik patch's *knock on wood* with every theater release they do a Patch for that theater, as if we served in combat in that theater, like when we where in the Military?  i.e. IL2 BOS. IL2 KUBAN, so on so-forth?

also along those lines (patch's), IL2 does a contest of who can make a good artist rendition of the patch's for that theater of war?

Edited August 13, 2013 by Mastiff

[Matze81]

I have an idea about those IL2 Sturmovik patch's *knock on wood* with every theater release they do a Patch for that theater, as if we served in combat in that theater, like when we where in the Military?  i.e. IL2 BOS. IL2 KUBAN, so on so-forth?

 

I like the idea about the combat theater patches. They're pretty common in today's Militay at least. It would be a nice addition to a CE or any boxed version for that matter.

 

also along those lines (patch's), IL2 does a contest of who can make a good artist rendition of the patch's for that theater of war?

 

There could be a lot of beautiful designs I think, with all the Photoshop Magicians out there nowadays! Heck, I would probably try and come up with a patch design, eventhough I lack the skill in that department.

 

Another idea would be to have aircraft related patches, comparable to the "Eagle Driver" (USAF) or "Team Tornado" (Luftwaffe) patches of modern day Air Forces for instance. Something like "109 Experte" or just a simple "STUKA" featuring a diving Ju-87 for example.

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 I would like to buy a boxed Collector's Edition if possible. But if there will not be any I am fine with that too. Even a normal boxed version would do  

[Sokol1]

I have an idea about those IL2 Sturmovik patch's *knock on wood* with every theater release they do a Patch for that theater, as if we served in combat in that theater, like when we where in the Military?  i.e. IL2 BOS. IL2 KUBAN, so on so-forth?

 

 

Back in Warbirds "days" (90's) one receive this kind of patches if take part in special events:

 

 

 

At 1,99$ por hour...

 

 

Sokol1

Edited August 21, 2013 by Sokol1

[Bearcat]

That sounds quite reasonable!

 

I'm sure they're doing their Market Research and if it indicates there's no real money in Boxed Collector's Edition Sets, then they won't go down that road. And neither should they!

 

I'm just one of the few guys, who like a nice Collector's Edition of any good game. Having said that, there won't be any Drama from my side, if it doesn't happen!

 

I was just having a little bit of fun, putting together my version of a BoS CE. I tried to keep it somewhat realistic (otherwise I probably would have put an original Bf 109 Tailwheel with Serial No. and Certificate of Authenticity in my CE content list ), but can't say if it really is.

 

The point is, I was just curious, if you guys have some other possibly realistic ideas what they COULD put into a CE set, IF there was going to be one.

 

No problem, if there's no interest in a topic like that! It's all good!

 

I think this is a very good topic of discussion myself... good on you for posting it...

 

I have an idea about those IL2 Sturmovik patch's *knock on wood* with every theater release they do a Patch for that theater, as if we served in combat in that theater, like when we where in the Military?  i.e. IL2 BOS. IL2 KUBAN, so on so-forth?

 

That is a GREAT idea.. and with just the patches they could still keep the packaging relatively small .... Or they could even tie the patches to pre orders. You pre order for earlier access... and a theater patch.

 

also along those lines (patch's), IL2 does a contest of who can make a good artist rendition of the patch's for that theater of war?

 

That's an even better idea.. I can only imagine some of the content that would be generated.

 

For the Luftwaffe a fake plastic cyanide pill. People always forget about first aid kits but that's kind of boring. That little red cross on the side of the 109 is where all of your first aid stuff is stored I think. A letter from a wife or girlfriend would be nice. Picture of wife and kids. Pep pills. Although some idiot might actually take some LOL

 

That is not funny. Please check your PMs.

[Matze81]

Back in Warbirds "days" (90's) one receive this kind of patches if take part in special events:

 

 

 

  

Those are very nice, actually! Especially the New Guinea patch. Thanks Sokol!

I have to admit I wasn't really aware of "Warbirds". Maybe I was too much into Falcon 4.0 back in those days or something.

 

At 1,99$ por hour...

  

Was that a fee you had to pay or was that the cost for Internet?

 

Even if you meant something else, this reminded me of the late 90's with my 56k Modem and no Internet Flat Rate. So weird!

 

I think this is a very good topic of discussion myself... good on you for posting it...

Thanks man! Appreciate it!

[LG1.Farber]

I want a real Luger, with real bullets. 

[SCG_Neun]

I want a real Luger, with real bullets.

 

(:

[Lord_Haw-Haw]

I want a real Luger, with real bullets. 

I am sure you will get that when they have these to deliver it:

[Sokol1]

 

Sokol1

At 1,99$ por hour... 

  

Was that a fee you had to pay or was that the cost for Internet?

 

 

 

Cost of the game during week, the exception was Sunday, when was charged 1,99$ only per connection, then I woke up at 7:30 and played until ~12:00.   Good (and expensive) days.

 

Sokol1