Blizzard announced what players could find in the Battle for Azeroth physical Collector’s Edition last week. They’re switching things up this time around, replacing the customary art book with a novella — two books in one, really. Along with the novella, players also get a fancy Alliance/Horde emblem to display. And of course it comes with all the customary digital bonuses as well. Oddly, the reaction to all the goodies seems to be mixed so far.
I do have to admit, I’m a little sad we aren’t getting an art book. I like seeing all the concept art, it’s usually a collection of really stunning pieces. Hopefully, Blizzard will make the concept art available somewhere online. But hey, at the same time, we’re getting not one but two novellas, which is a fair trade-off as far as I’m concerned. I think it’s the lack of a mousepad that I’m finding disappointing, honestly — and yes, I know just how silly that sounds. But typically speaking, getting a new Collector’s Edition is also my reminder to swap out my mousepad. The key art for Battle for Azeroth is really pretty. I was hoping we’d get a physical version of it, so I could have something besides Illidan’s face to run my mouse over.
This is the first time a WoW Collector’s Edition hasn’t come with an art book or a mousepad. But it’s also the first time we’ve gotten a novella, and a hefty artsy display piece. What do you guys think of the Battle for Azeroth Collector’s Edition? Is the trade-off worth it? Are you happy with what’s in the physical CE? Do you think the hardcover story book is better than an art book? Are you cool with a missing mousepad, considering the hefty double-sided coin included in the package? Will you be picking up the physical CE, sticking with Digital Deluxe, or just picking up the game sans-bonuses?