On Early Game Packaging Treasures

Thanks to Armchair Arcade for its article discussing the wonders of classic game boxes, as the author reminisces about the "lost art of innovative game packaging from the early to mid-1980's, when there seemed to be an abundance of real thought and care behind the customer's experience beyond the software itself." He points out: "Hardcore gamers appreciate hardcore packaging, with unusual boxes and a handful of feelies... Today, hardcore packaging - if available at all - has a hardcore price. There are still tens of thousands of hardcore gamers like in the past, it's just more profitable to go after the hundreds of thousands of mainstream consumers instead." The article ends with a series of gallery pages, including some of the classic boxes from "the company with arguably the greatest overall packaging", Infocom.

Comments

Re:HHGuide

[MalachiConstant]

Don't forget they also included No Tea! I've still got mine to this day, right here in my pocket.

feelies

[Pilferer]

Hardcore gamers appreciate hardcore packaging, with unusual boxes and a handful of feelies...

Wait, we're talking about video games, not porn, right?

Re:Treasures usually included copy protection

[Viper168]

Upon reading the manual, I've discovered that they are in fact croutons, not sugar cubes. Also I should note that the beakers are oil and vinegar. I should have remembered the salad theme, but it's been a while.

I'm certain that this information will help all of you in the real world, as I felt it important enough to share.

Re:Dr. Who and the mines of terror.

[neglige]

>> My Commodore 64 was the best games machine
> A quick Google search found a page

Maybe the Google front page didn't fit into the memory of the C64 ;)) Or, maybe, ...