darkSpyro

I like that idea---makes sense for kids and collectors and activision.

You know, I was thinking about it as an example - imagine this: Scarlet Ninjini came out instead as Collectors Edition Ninjini. She had gold trim, more detail and better quality control and special packaging. And to make up for it she cost $24.99 (you know they would love to dip into that collector money if they could). And lastly, in game she came up as Ninjini, not special, not Scarlet, didn't increase the count at all (unless you didn't have Ninjini). Would parents run to the store to buy it? Probably not. Demand for Gold Flameslinger and GiTD Sonic Boom plummeted once people figured out it was just a paint job of the same old figure. No one gets worked up over GiTD Fright Rider not being out here. Collectors would still search it out, of course.

Variants as a general rule are intended for collectors. TFB made a mistake in making them desirable for the kids by making them a unique figure as far as the game is concerned. Chase variants were made as a nod to collectors, they just made them far too rare to be more than a blip.

You CAN cater to both crowds without putting them at odds.