Physical games these days are in a tough spot. Collector’s Editions don’t always come with discs anymore. Instead, they have codes. For the Switch 2, you get game-key cards that only let you download stuff. The latest Doom game? Not playable right out of the box. In a few decades, loads of current gaming history might be totally off-limits to future players. Lost In Cult, a smaller company, is part of a growing trend trying to save this history. They’re not just preserving it but making it into physical releases that are like pieces of art themselves.
Who’s Doing What Now?
Lost In Cult, based in the UK, is known for their Lock On and Design Works series. They’ve now launched a new label called Editions. This new label will package and distribute unique physical versions of indie games. Their first releases include Immortality, The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow, and Thank Goodness You’re Here! But wait, there’s more! They promise to have lots of games coming out regularly. Marketing director Ryan Brown says they’re releasing games in the order they sign them, not picking the best ones first. They want to treat developers well and make sure they don’t have to wait forever for their games to come out.
In terms of what you get, each collection costs around $80 and includes lots of cool stuff like boxed sleeves, posters, art cards, and more. Oh, and of course, the game itself with a seal of approval from Does It Play. The goal is to make sure everything works perfectly right from the get-go. They’re even coordinating with developers to time releases with big patches. Currently, they support PlayStation 5 and Switch, with plans for Switch 2 later on. Xbox might come into play in the future too. Since the announcement, they’ve sold almost half of their limited-run collections in just 24 hours. But if you just want the game without all the fancy extras, you can snag retail versions for $40 each. They’ll keep restocking those for you.
Why Does It Matter?
Lost In Cult’s Editions label is inspired by companies like The Criterion Collection and The Folio Society. They’re all about presenting games in a beautiful way and picking games that are pushing the boundaries of art in the gaming world. While movies and books have more flexibility with extras, games have some restrictions. Platform holders have strict rules about the certification process for physical games, so publishers need to get creative with packaging. This focus on physical media sets Lost In Cult apart in a market dominated by big retail stores. Other companies like Limited Run and iam8bit are in the same boat, making sure indie titles get the attention they deserve.
In Conclusion
Big publishers are more into digital rewards and merch than physical games these days. Deluxe Editions and Collector’s Editions are all about the extras, not the games themselves. Lost In Cult is trying to change that narrative by putting the games front and center. They want to make sure games are preserved and available for everyone, not just a select few who can afford expensive collector’s items. With a focus on presentation and ownership, Lost In Cult is setting the bar high for boutique companies in the gaming world. Maybe others will follow suit, but for now, it seems like Lost In Cult is leading the charge.
