Game Boxes

I was just reading the Rose Tattoo thread and it reminded me of how lovingly I hoard my game boxes and how eccentric this behavior seems to any non-collector. The boxes are stacked to the ceiling in our garage, and occasionally my husband has suggested the drastic step of actually throwing them out. To solve this problem I have suggested renting storage space, but he thinks it makes no sense to rent storage space just to store my game boxes.

I have tried to reason with him. I show him my Neverhood CD, hold the box up next to it and say, "With this box, the game is worth about $100 more." Then I toss the box back on the stack and say, "If I destroy this box I have just thrown money away."

What my husband fails to understand is why I have to keep all the currently worthless boxes just in case some day they miraculously become like The Neverhood.

For a moment then I thought we had the same husband ! Then I remembered ; "Nah ! Can't be ! After all, my husband's a . . . . wife !!"

Gelert <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />

LOL! I have finally started breaking down the boxes and storing them flattened in a bigger box. All cardboard and extra paperwork with them. The CDs all fit nicely on a large CD shelf. If I didn't do this, hubby would start suggesting that I have too many games, and I can't have that happen.

I also get peeved when I receive a box that is damaged. I receive FMISF and Silent Hill 2 crushed. I also received a Nancy Drew with one of those sticky store bars that I couldn't remove without ripping the box (grrrrr).

I honestly don't understand the obsession with boxes. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> I really could care less if I have the box or not. Before I discovered Gameboomers, I tossed the box as soon as I opened the game, just as you would throw the box of any other product away. (I know many of you are sitting there in shock--and if you knew just what boxes I threw away, you'd probably start crying <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" /> )I do save the boxes now, since I don't keep the games after playing them, and if I want to trade or sell the games, the people usually want the boxes. But, I really still do think that it's just a waste of space. Then again, I'm not really a collector, so maybe it's just me. I'm certainly not going to let the lack of box stop me from trading or buying a game that I want.

Just my 2 cents. I know I'm in the minority here, but I thought I'd add the opinion of a no-box fan.

Dawn <img border="0" alt="[kiss]" title="" src="graemlins/kiss.gif" />

I never cared about boxes either, until I started looking for the older games. Some of the harder to get ones are expensive and if I decide they are not keepers, I'm more likely to break even if I trade or sell a more complete game.
Recently I had my hubby pick up The Omega Stone at our local EB. He didn't notice that the box was damaged (even though it was brand new and full price). The only reason I didn't return it was that I knew it would be a keeper for me, but any other title would have gone right back.
I guess what I'm saying is that if I keep a game in my collection, I don't care if it has the original packaging. If I will be trading or selling it, it makes more of a difference.

I know this is gonna sound sad but it's not necessarily a 'collection' thing. It's more of . . . . like books on a shelf . . . . they kinda look really nice displayed in their boxes, otherwise they're just a row of CD's aren't they ? Some of the boxes are really smart, I think, like 'Obsidian', Gab.2, 'Myst, 'The Neverhood', 'The Quivering', 'Syberia', etc.. Of course, like books, there's no point just displaying them for pretentious reasons. You've gotta play 'em as well ! <img border="0" alt="[winky]" title="" src="graemlins/winky.gif" />

They do, however, arouse a lot of interest, and spark off lots of conversation when we have visitors. In that way the boxes can indirectly create that little spark of interest in adventure games in people who have often asked to borrow one to see if they like the games. New recruits !!!!

I still buy and trade for games sometimes that are without boxes but, because I like them 'looking good', I still chase after the boxes elsewhere afterwards. VERY sad eh, Dawn ? I DO know where you're coming from with your point of view, but mine is an affliction that I'm, unfortunately, happy with. Again unfortunately, it also means that, at times, the internal perimeter of my 'puter room can be reduced significantly - by at least a box-width all the way around. Now, THAT IS SAD !

Gelert <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/woozy.gif" />

When you flatten the boxes is it possible to put them back together exactly as new? I tried flattening a couple and they look sort of sad and well, flat. How do you reconstruct them, do you tape them back together?

I flattened a bunch and put the disks into folders and filed them away. Eventually I put them all back and shelved them so, like books, I could tell at a glance what I had and where it was. I'm not concerned about their future value although they will have a lot longer future than I, in all likelihood.

If you think about it as a collection, and one that in time might become valuable, it's always a possibility. I recall working in a large movie theatre when I was 16 and seeing all those posters going up and coming down for each new movie and I know now that had I started collecting them then I'd have a small fortune today. But then, at 18, I joined the USAF and left behind all the toys and things I'd managed to retain from many years before and thought were mine. I had planned for them to someday go to my kids, when and if I ever had any.........the Erector Set, a radio (my first) that I got when I was about 7, a Mickey Mouse Watch, etc. All were given away as soon as I left home and never seen again.

So I've never become a collector but I do tend to hang onto things that I consider an art whether anyone else does or not......and the game boxes, like the movie posters, are art. At least to me. They can be given away or thrown away but it will be after I'm gone and not before.

Hey Becky,

Do you suppose it's something in the Long Island air? I also have huge plastic bags filled with game boxes in the attic. Just can't part with them. I have a bookcase in my front hall with five shelves and when I buy a new game I put it in a 6 x 9 manila envelope along with the instructions. I label the envelopes and file them in alphabetical order. I'm running out of room since I must have 200 games by now. As long as I can keep putting them on the shelves, hubby doesn't complain about me buying more games. Baags!!

Hi.

Well I'm not a "collector" so I don't have that many games that I need to put the boxes elsewhere

I've always kept my games in their boxes though .... because they bring a lot of pleasure and I think they look great sitting there on my shelves

'Course every game I've acquired wasn't in its box but you can't win 'em all

Cheers.

Mad

I like my boxes and it isn't just because they add to the value of a somewhat rare game. I'd keep it for even a common $5 game, if it was a game I liked and had a nice looking box.

I keep all my gameboxes securely wrapped in polythene in the cellar... currently they are filling the space set aside for a fortnights coal.. glad we now have gas central heating

We don't part with Anything unless we have to.. hence our small home is stuffed with toys and toy boxes

Tig

Hey Ladybug -- maybe we could meet at the Smith Haven mall Gamestop and buy more games to add to our collections! I still haven't acquired the new CSI game yet. I wonder if the box looks good....

Becky, I only flatten boxes that can be unconstructed (have tabs or developments) so that they can be put back into shape without harming the box. I have a few games that are in permanent boxes, like Byzantine was. If you flatten that box, you might as well pitch it because it isn't going to be looking good anytime soon

Hey Becky,

I'm always ready to shop for more games. I just bought CSI last week, got the last one in Price Club for $16. I thought that was a very good price. The box looks pretty good too.

Ladybug -- that sounds like a great price. I haven't been to Price Club in quite awhile. I guess I should go check it out, even if you did get the last CSI!

I wonder if all your box collectors have them insured for fire/smoke/other damage. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />


fanatic

No........no one is calling US fanatics!

. . . . and so says I ! Well said !!!

Gelert.

Everybody,
I think we game collectors have it easy. I have two sons, who collect computers, and the periperals that go with them. I am not talking about personal computers, though there are quite a few of those, including the first kits, but also the biggies. They even have an old tube one from the UK. And then there are the card readers, Punch machines, and also boxes of the punch cards, some new, and some with programs on them. Oh, and the compiler that put the punch cards in order for the reader, and loads of other stuff.
This stuff don't fit in a room, or a cellar, or even one outbuilding. We are talking big time storage here. And this stuff is not for sale, it is just for their own amusement. I am sure glad I don't have to dust it!
jjk

I keep everything in the original box, that way I can FIND the items I'm looking for, quicker. I have a habit of putting loose items somewhere, then forgetting where I put them. Nothing builds up steam than knowing you have the item but can't remember where it's stored. <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" />

I actually like keeping the boxes. However, I moved to a new apartment last August and sadly threw all of the boxes away

It never even occurred to me to remove the games from their boxes and store them separately until I came to Gbers and found out that some people do. I always liked the way they look on the shelf all lined up, each one distinct, so colorful and interesting. Just looking at them makes me happy. They remind me of worlds I've visited, or ones yet to be discovered.

I do the exact same thing. And if the game comes in a DVD case or box that's too small to hold all my notes, I put the whole mess in a plastic bag and stick it on the shelf with the other game boxes.

There's nothing quite like an efficient filing system.

I keep mine on a shelf. And the extra special
game(s) go in a plastic container with a lid. i never smash boxes (if possible) (actually I think I did step on one) or tear them or open them if they haven't been opened. I actually have a nice collection of "unopeneds".

Let's see,
BAGGS with out saved boxes, no I think not. Folders with notes and printed hints and maybe a walk through. Saved games, notes and patches to hard drive or copy to a diskette or CDR. I do like the fold down box storage plan. I also like the display thing, if you have the room. I have some room, top shelves boxes. Middle shelves folders and bottom Shelves jewel cases with the games at hand. The unplayed, unopened ones are stacked on a side Shelf.

Looks like I'm different to everyone. I cut the box up and glue the front panel to the back - rather like HUGE playing cards. When I have visitors, I'm able to offer them a choice of games.

Doesn't take up much space either

Of course that's after they've played "Xiama" and "Magnetic"

Peter -- well, that's a creative idea. I can see you offering them to your guests -- pick a game, any game?

You do what!! You cut them up

I feel faint. Well - not really. But the idea of cutting one of my game boxes up is not somewhere I would go.

I think they are art like record album covers and I also love the way they look on my shelves like books. I also store everything in each box. I wouldn't have a problem getting a JC only game - I have plenty of those too - but I do yearn for the box to some of them like The Neverhood and a few others.

I guess you are either into boxes or not

Laura

Poor boxes.

Yeah. How would you like to be chopped in half, have your guts removed, and then have your front pasted to your back.

That's pretty much how I feel every morning.

Wow, I now forgot what the original question was to start this thread, but it was funny reading.

I have over 300 games in my collection and have every box unless it came just in a jewel case. I have flattened all of them except the ones that could not be flattened. I have a special box for those. Thank God games don't come in boxes that you cant break down anymore. Anyway they are all in a total of 10 big storage boxes.

AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Poor boxes! <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" />

Guess I shouldn't tell you that I'm in the process of throwing out about about 50 games boxes, huh?

Don't worry Core - they'll go fast and without much pain

Syd, honey how about throwing some my way...I have a few that I am looking for.

Just in case anyone is deciding to throw their boxes away, I will pay $1.50 for box plus shipping cost.

The Dig
Mummy Tomb of Pharaoh
Myst Exile
Gabrile Knights 3
The Last Express
Liz;)

I suppose it is pretty obvious why everyboy is complaining about how hard games are to find boxed... Because they throw out the boxes!

I was hesitating, but I'm now convinced. I'm going to bring my game boxes into my bedroom and put myself in storage.

Syd.....NOOOOOOOOOOOOO...Please don't throw them away! I am also looking for some game boxes! <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" />

Ooh What game boxes are you throwing away? I want some too. <img border="0" alt="" title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" /> Please Syd - let us have your trash - please

Becky,

Now that's a great idea. People may laugh - but when they see our awesome boxes and in such pristine shape - that'll wipe that smirk right off their faces!

"Ask not what your game boxes can do for you - ask what you can do for your game boxes"

Laura *Now accepting donations for the Game Box Rescue League*

Well, while we're on the topic, the only boxes I've ever kept are the Myst, Riven, and Exile boxes. The only one I don't have is the RealMyst box so if anyone is willing to part - please let me know. Thanks

I just found Lost Secret of the Rainforest last week and the box had been cut up, the front and back panels carefully clipped out and along with the contents of the game, all dumped in a ziplock bag. The good news was the pretty rare clue book was included.

Myself, I would no more throw away a game box than I would a vinyl lp album cover. It's part of the art product. The people who write, create, develop, sell and distribute these things lavish a lot of time, energy and money on the packaging... Some of my best friend work in product packaging. :-)

Well... I think that I'm just the sort of person who would obsessively hoard the boxes if I could. Thing is, I live in a pretty small flat, and there's just no more room to store anything. So, a while ago, I took all my games (I don't even have that many) out of their boxes and threw the boxes away. I had to steel myself to do it, but I did it. And that meant I could buy more games to fit on the extra shelf space!

I don't like doing it, though. So I actually like it when a game only comes in a small jewel case, or when the jewel case is in a box that's no bigger than the case (like Nancy Drew). Then, I get to keep the box and still have room on the shelf. I really don't like it when a game comes in a huge, half-empty, pretty box.

Oh Dear.
I must be sad....all the King's quest and Broken Swords and Riven and Rama and Curse of Monkey Island on the Comp...playing at least 3 of them in tandam....And, I sit here reading about saving Game Box's, Thinks !! do I buy the Games because I like the Box's ?
Nah !
Me I would consider it sacrilage sp. to destroy or throw away a Box...all mine are stored in a spare Bedroom with a great big Ingersol padlock on the door...nobody's going to get at mine.
From a 70 year old game nut.
Quote...."I still look at and chase Girls...but can't for the life of me remember why."
" Walt " City of lincoln U.K.

Love it when games come in dvd cases.

I don't. There's nowhere to put your notes when you've finished the game. I like to keep everything about the game in the box.

Ladybug, we have medicine for that.

Actually, I'll try it first and if I empty my boxes of game boxes (with games if played, without if not) I'll let you know.

I guess this is genetic, I have boxes in the attic filled with my grown, married, moved-out son's old Japanese anime models unbuilt and in boxes. His wife will NOT let me bring them to their house. How uncivil.

Hey Howard,

This is one disease I hope they never find a cure for. I'm already too far gone

It's not so much the boxes that I want to save but the original packaging. I prefer the DVD style case (for space reasons) but only if that's the original packaging. For some twisted reason I want the game complete. Well, there is one reason...the games are easier to find in their boxes than looking at the tiny print on the side of a jewel case. At my age, that is

Shorah

I only save my favourite game boxes, or especially pretty ones. I have a magazine holder full of them, flattened. Every so often I put change which one is at the end so I can see the art.

Maybe I should start a adventure game themed restaurant one day so I'd have a good excuse to show 'em all off

Anybody here ever pin boxes to the wall for decoration?

Salar

I've avoided this topic until now since I still have nightmares about ripping open the boxes of some now, rare, classics and tossing them. Really needed to attend BAAGS 101 before I ever bought a game. Oh well.

Actually if the games comes in a box not yet opened you can just leave it like that if you throw it away you will throw away the game too.

and just dream about playing it...