The nostalgia for “big box” PC games from the nineties is once again on the rise, especially after Sony’s decision to discontinue physical PlayStation games. Instead of just purchasing a digital license, gamers back then would buy large, beautifully illustrated boxes containing discs, manuals, and sometimes fun extras.
GOG has joined this trend by offering printable big box designs through a collaboration with Big Box Collection. This initiative includes legendary titles like Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Armikrog, Descent, Hitman: Codename 47, and Myst. Gamers can print and assemble their own boxes at home, echoing the desire to have a physical representation of their digital games.
This resurgence also points to a larger trend, as many people express a yearning for physical media amidst concerns over digital ownership. Notably, sales of CDs have jumped significantly, indicating a revival of interest in tangible collections. GOG’s unique position as a DRM-free platform allows users to easily archive and organize their games, potentially reigniting the love for physical game collections.
