Physical Copy

[Tubey]

Fairly sure the answer to this is an obvious no, but thought I'd ask anyway.

Basically, I adore this game and would have no hesitation buying it again to own a physical copy of it on my shelf - are there any plans to have such a purchase option when the game is finalised?

I know a disc would be utterly pointless as it runs through Steam but... you know... still want!

[Monoxide]

Its an indie game by a single developer. The chances of a legitimate* physical copy are astronomically low. (*I am sure someone could create an install of the game on a disc unofficially)

The only way I could see a physical copy would be if there was some sort of charity event (or something similar) with a handful of physical copies made more for a collectors standpoint. Then it could be a possibility, but if this happened, im sure they would be extremely expensive (because, you know, charity). Which is a grand idea, I think *hint*.

[Tubey]

Originally posted by Monoxide:

Its an indie game by a single developer. The chances of a legitimate* physical copy are astronomically low. (*I am sure someone could create an install of the game on a disc unofficially)

The only way I could see a physical copy would be if there was some sort of charity event (or something similar) with a handful of physical copies made more for a collectors standpoint. Then it could be a possibility, but if this happened, im sure they would be extremely expensive (because, you know, charity). Which is a grand idea, I think *hint*.

Ah sorry, should have clarified the method - there's are businesses like Limited Run Games who can publish physical copies in small quantities for indie devs.

It's like how people can self-publish books. You can take pre-orders if required, then only make the exact amount of copies ordered so you aren't taking a financial risk.

I like the charity idea. I'd personally be happy to pay quite a sum for an 'official' physical copy as, quite frankly, I have had much more than my money's worth out of the game over the years, to the point where for the first time ever I sort of feel like I ripped the dev off only paying the asking price!

[Monoxide]

I didnt know anything like Limited Run Games exist. If that is the case, I could see it being possible with enough interest.

The hard part would just be proving the interest to the developer enough to trigger him to do so. Though, honestly, I think it would be pretty niche as I doubt most people have similar feelings as you. They exist, sure, but for me, if I already own the game, I would not be interested. I love the game, sure, but not enough to buy a copy of a game I already own. Instead, I would opt to spend money on anything new the developer creates without hesitation.

[svfn]

Originally posted by Tubey:

Fairly sure the answer to this is an obvious no, but thought I'd ask anyway.

Basically, I adore this game and would have no hesitation buying it again to own a physical copy of it on my shelf - are there any plans to have such a purchase option when the game is finalised?

I know a disc would be utterly pointless as it runs through Steam but... you know... still want!

it would be nice yes, but if it does not come with the game itself then it's more like buying game merchandise instead of the game itself. a DRM free hard copy would be nice. while usual additions like soundtrack would work, i don't think an art book would do as well. so what extras would you like to see? i would love to see a thick manual or beginner strategy guide explaining most of the basic stuff that a new player would likely go on wiki for.

there have been small indie devs making physical releases like Limbo, Banner Saga, Ruiner and some only merch like Dropsy. some bigger ones like Frostpunk, Hotline Miami, and some only limited number kickstarter backer editions like Dex.

the Terraria CE has some cool stuff: https://terraria.gamepedia.com/Terraria_Collector%27s_Edition

[Tubey]

Originally posted by svfn:

Originally posted by Tubey:

Fairly sure the answer to this is an obvious no, but thought I'd ask anyway.

Basically, I adore this game and would have no hesitation buying it again to own a physical copy of it on my shelf - are there any plans to have such a purchase option when the game is finalised?

I know a disc would be utterly pointless as it runs through Steam but... you know... still want!

it would be nice yes, but if it does not come with the game itself then it's more like buying game merchandise instead of the game itself. a DRM free hard copy would be nice. while usual additions like soundtrack would work, i don't think an art book would do as well. so what extras would you like to see? i would love to see a thick manual or beginner strategy guide explaining most of the basic stuff that a new player would likely go on wiki for.

there have been small indie devs making physical releases like Limbo, Banner Saga, Ruiner and some only merch like Dropsy. some bigger ones like Frostpunk, Hotline Miami, and some only limited number kickstarter backer editions like Dex.

the Terraria CE has some cool stuff: https://terraria.gamepedia.com/Terraria_Collector%27s_Edition

Pretty much everything you've just mentioned would be awesome options.

I accept it's a niche request but I love physical copies of games and, given Rimworld is one of my all time favourites (despite not being released yet!) then it's a gaping hole in my collection :)

[kevinshow]

Originally posted by Tubey:

Fairly sure the answer to this is an obvious no, but thought I'd ask anyway.

Basically, I adore this game and would have no hesitation buying it again to own a physical copy of it on my shelf - are there any plans to have such a purchase option when the game is finalised?

I know a disc would be utterly pointless as it runs through Steam but... you know... still want!

I guess you could copy over the Steam files and burn on disc.

When you need to install it, just copy it to your Steam folder. It should update from there with any new versions.

[Baked.Bread]

Try the ludeon forums. I'm sure there's a request thread there and if not you can make one. I'm sure you could find enough people to make it a profitable idea. I'd buy one.

[The United States of America]

You could, buy a Primera Bravo 4200 AutoPrinter Print a rimworld graphic onto the disc and then burn the game files ( THAT YOU OWN ) to the disc. Now you have a disc. Now you need to create the boxart and then you have to remove the box art from a game you regret buying.

It should only cost you $1,590.

[FutureRegrets]

Physical games aren't cost effective, espeically for an indie developer. Also LimitedRunGames only does ps4, vita, and nintendo switch games.

[Tubey]

Originally posted by Lagon78:

Physical games aren't cost effective, espeically for an indie developer. Also LimitedRunGames only does ps4, vita, and nintendo switch games.

I just quoted LRG as an example. Games like (urgh... don't want to say it but...) Mighty No. 9 had physical copies as Kickstarter initiatives, so they only made the quantity up to the pre-order amount and no more, so there's no cost risk.

So source out a self-publisher for various aspects of the title (lore book, manual, soundtrack, pack them in an old fashioned big box), charge double the cost of making it, take pre-orders on it then actually produce only the amount pre-ordered as a limited edition.

I can't be the only person who'd pay £100+ for it - we live in an age where idiots pay for collectors editions for games that don't even exist yet on pre-order (like Watch_Dogs); I'm certain that people will pay for a physical 'collectors edition' of a game as incredible as Rimworld has proven to be over many years even before official release.

[A Tea Daze]

I would buy a collector's edition of RimWorld. I'd love a physical copy in a big box with some collectibles, booklet version of the official lore, cards that describe the various factions, etc.

Stardew Valley is an indie game and they released a collector's edition years after it was final: https://www.fangamer.com/products/stardew-valley-switch-pc-collectors-edition-game

[AmesNFire]

I could see a collector's edition providing some extra lore, maybe a model of the colony ship we see in the game menu, and a simple metallic case for the disk + guide/tutorial book.
But realistically it wouldn't be of much benefit to the company.

@OP You're better off just getting a custom-made disc with Rimworld on it and creating your own 'physical copy' complete with case. Maybe a pamphlet with the existing lore on it?

[dande48]

fangamer.com has done this for several indie games. The trouble is, a hard copy doesn't have access to future updates or DLC; or if its provided for, it's pretty much the same thing we have on Steam.

[AmesNFire]

That's a fair point, the lack of DLC could be an issue in the long-term since we vaguely know a third expansion is in the planning phase and might eventually be announced/worked on.

A true collector's edition would have to wait till the game is 'complete' and no longer has DLC on the horizon.

[Kamui]

DIY :)