Annapurna Interactive has built a reputation for smart and varied games during its years of existence, often challenging conventions of what a game can be, and how interactive entertainment can remain engaging, even while tackling unusual or surprising subject matter. That penchant for unique games is on display in the publisher’s new physical-release PlayStation 4 Box Sets, which are being released today in collaboration with iam8bit, another company known for its focus on the artistic side of video game creation. Iam8bit has been around since 2015, and focuses on partnerships with game and film creators to release high-end art, collections, and other products, and also interface directly with fans through community events.
The new box sets are exclusively built for PS4, and include a wide variety of Annapurna’s games, including Donut County, Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition, Outer Wilds, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Wattam, and What Remains of Edith Finch, as well as a first appearance of Telling Lies and Gorogoa as a physical PlayStation 4 release. Those final two games will only be available as part of these sets.
The box sets are releasing on two separate tiers, at different price points. The Deluxe edition is only available directly through iam8bit, and will set you back $199.99, and comes in a limited edition of 2,000, with a special custom folio package, and includes exclusive statements from the game creators.
Meanwhile, the Ultimate PS4 Collection is available through a variety of retailers for $179.99, including all the games in an attractive boxed set, but without those extras that are part of the Deluxe edition.
While it’s a pricey proposition for a variety of already-released games, the box sets are clearly targeted to existing fans looking to celebrate the artistry and independent spirit of the games in question. Projects like Kentucky Route Zero and What Remains of Edith Finch have been profoundly influential and beloved games in recent years. Beyond having access to the full slate of these varied games from Annapurna, the team-up with iam8bit ensures that the box set itself will be a beautiful shelf-piece all by itself.