: I like that the collector's edition came with a digital copy, but I think
: it's backwards. People who wanted physical stuff... probably want a
: physical disk. I wonder what data they have on CE purchasers and their
: interest in digital vs physical. I wonder if the thought is, you want a
: collector's edition to collect, so you're not likely to resell your disc.
: It's just bizarre though, I'd want that disc on the shelf along with
: whatever stupid plastic I have (I love my stupid helmet with the dark Halo
: 3 cover, funny how I've got 4 discs with 'Halo 3' on them in some
: capacity...).

: But yeah, personally I was just hoping they'd release the CE, either with an
: option to get digital instead of a disc, or to trade in the disc for a
: digital code. This is the last thing I expected (before it was announced
: whenever the editions were).

I'm guessing it's partially to avoid the day 1 rush for digital version downloads, to provide the game in a manner that people can play on day 1 with no hassle. But it gets complicated with launch night gatherings, physical collectors, single copy purchases (digital OR physical, no both), etc.

I think the only other option would have been to seel two sku's of the LCE version - one with the digital game and one with the physical. Digital+LCE would be distributed pre-launch so they can play day of w/o downloading, but Physical+LCE would be distributed on launch day with the rest of the versions. The only hindrance to that woud be having to manage an additional sku, so they went with the trade-in option.

I didn't read the details, but I'm presuming we LCE buyers will get the package when they arrive at the store, and we use the digital code that comes with it to trade in at the store for the physical disc, which will be mailed (iirc, 3-4 business days was the estimate). If so, I'm hoping we get our packages no less than 3-4 days before launch :P