E3 2016s unexpected trend: video game preorder masks

May 2024 · 2 minute read

High-profile games and sequels tend to launch with both standard editions (just the game) and premium-special-ultra-limited-legendary editions (the game plus a number of hardware and software trinkets that will be lost in a desk drawer or garage). Those trinkets can be posters, special jewel cases, figurines, and — what seems to be exceptionally popular today — headgear. Helmets and masks that can be adorned to a human head and worn in public places (at least theoretically) or hung on wall (preferably).

Today we have two helmets you can look forward to in the near future: a Titanfall 2 helmet (above) and now a Dishonored 2 face mask from Bethesda.

The novelty game helmet isn’t entirely a new trend. In 2007, Halo 3 launched with a $130 Legendary Edition that included a "cat-sized helmet" — though whether or not it could actually fit a cat was debatable (a bigger collection of Halo helmets was later created by WETA). Last year, Capcom released a wearable Mega Man helmet but forgot to include a game (tsk tsk). Technically, Fallout 4 had a wearable for its Pip-Boy Edition, but that was wristwear. Snooze.

So here we are. Two special editions that you can actually wear on your face — announced on the same day.

Without any further ado, and with no actual knowledge, here are a list of games that I hope will be paired with something I can wear on my face:

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