Limited Run Games, a company known for producing limited edition video game releases, has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that some of their 3DO game rereleases were being burned to low-quality CD-R discs instead of professionally pressed discs. This news has disappointed fans who were expecting higher quality releases worthy of the premium prices Limited Run charges.
The 3DO console, released in 1993 by The 3DO Company, was an early CD-based gaming system that competed with the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. The failed console is now considered a collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts, with many of its games demanding high prices on the secondary market.
Limited Run Games has built a business model around catering to collectors by producing small batches of classic game rereleases on modern and retro platforms.
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However, Limited Run did not disclose that some of its 3DO titles were being burned to CD-R, leaving customers disappointed when they received what is essentially a backup copy.
CD-R discs, which can be purchased cheaply in spindles, are prone to quicker deterioration and damage compared to professionally pressed game discs. As such, collectors expect higher quality releases when paying the premium prices Limited Run charges, typically $60 or more per title.
This news came as a shock to Limited Run fans who expect quality products worthy of the “limited edition” branding. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some even calling Limited Run’s practices a “grift” and accusing the company of “ripping off” consumers.
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Some have speculated that Limited Run chose cheap CD-R discs as a cost-cutting measure, but fans argue the company should not cut corners while charging premium collector prices. Even more concerning are reports that other Limited Run products, like PC games, have also shipped on low-quality burned DVD-R discs rather than pressed DVDs.
The controversy seems at odds with Limited Run’s branding as a premium publisher of collectible retro games. Some have even called on the retro gaming community to stop supporting Limited Run until the company changes its disc production standards across all of its platforms.
Many fans agree that Limited Run Games needs to focus less on limited quantities and more on product quality deserving of its higher-than-standard asking prices. If not, more backlash is likely to come as collectors feel their trust and money have been wasted on subpar “limited” releases.
What do you think of Limited Run Games burning customers? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Another L for Limited Run Games, especially after they defended that Troon who got Kara Lynne fired.