Over the years and decades respectively many a collectible arrived in my games collection. Consider original first editions, special editions or significant devotional objects beyond the games themselves – I'm presenting continously selected pieces here for dreaming, adoring and eyeballing!
It is also important to me to document the unboxing experience at the same time, i.e. I'm showcasing the contents as they have originally been delivered.
Packaging knowledge!
To get an idea of the proportions, here is quick overview of the typically used formats (width x height x depth):
- Eurobox (18.5cm x 23.5cm x 4cm)
- This cardboard box was until the end of 2000 the default packaging in terms of PC games. Next to the jewel case with CD-ROM it came mostly with lush manuals induced by the big volume, often supplemented with further additions like postcards for feedback and product registration.
- Megabox (37cm x 23.5cm x 4cm)
- The width being twice as much compared to a eurobox this cardboard box was used for some more special editions, while still being a standardized form factor. It came then mostly with a double jewel case having even more space for further additions. It became also extinct together with the elimination of the eurobox.
- Small format (13.5cm x 19cm x 3.2cm)
- Predominantly used cardboard box in the USA, which was also superseded by (almost same sized) DVD cases. Smaller than a eurobox, but quite the same in terms of contents.
- DVD case (13.5cm x 19cm x 1.4cm)
- Also known as keep case the already well-known plastic case from the movie sector superseded the eurobox. It contained the data medium next to a booklet only caused by the drastically reduced space, which felt like a step backwards in terms of valuation.
- Jewel case (14.2cm x 12.5cm x 1cm)
- CDs, rarely DVDs, were kept in CD cases made out of plastic being already well-known from the music sector. Depending on the configuration a whole little book could be fitted inside the front lid. Variations span 2 CD cases with a hinged tray as well as the extra thin slim case featuring 0.5 cm thickness.
- Double jewel case (14.2cm x 12.5cm x 2.5cm)
- Up to 4 CDs fit into this chubby plastic case, which works like two put together jewel cases. Depending on the configuration mounts for CDs or compartments for booklets were assembled quite flexible.
- SteelBook (13.5cm x 17.2cm x 1.5cm)
- Having brushed metal on the outside and being a little smaller than a DVD case is this a superior keeping for DVDs typically used for special editions. The inside is usually identically compared to the DVD case.
- Mediabook
- Also known as digibook there are one or more plastic trays assembled on paperboard and paired with a compartment for booklets – this is also a typical form of packaging for superior editions having roughly the same dimensions like a DVD case and are offering large design surface.
- Big Box
- This term is not exactly defined and is mostly used for euroboxes retroactively. I'm using it only for boxes, which were bigger compared to the prevailing standard format at that time when they have been released and not to be known to follow any common dimensions.