After a personal search of multiple months to find a specific collector’s item, we found it online for a good price in a reliable online store. Convenient, yet the question remains why we purchase and collect collectables from games. After some research, there seem to be several different reasons why gamers collect game related items.
The collectible ordered this week is a statue of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a master assassin from the Assassin’s Creed games. The reason behind this purchase is clear. Assassin’s Creed is one of the best game series ever released. I completed all the games in the series, yet I have the best memories of the first game in the series.
The most memorable character
Assassin’s Creed released more than a decade ago, yet it is still a good game with a profound story that laid the foundation for the rest of the games in the series. The characters and storyline are interesting and the gameplay innovative for the time. However, it is the main character that makes the game so enjoyable.
Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad is a silent and efficient fighter capable of completing the most difficult tasks and political assassination. As a member of the Assassin’s, also known as the Hashashin. He respects a set of rules known as the Assassin’s creed. These rules are: “Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent.”, “Hide in plain sight, be one with the crowd.” and “Never compromise the Brotherhood.”
A deep interest for the historical background
Not only the main character Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad makes Assassin’s Creed a great game, also the battle between the Assassins and Templars that has been fought for centuries speaks to the imagination. Over the years, I have studied the stories told in the game and also read the books.
The historical background set in the Middle Ages during the Crusades makes for an interesting setting. The other games in the series build on the story, however the first game remains a highlight in the series.
Recognisable character and statue
A personal interest in the story of the game is a good reason to purchase a collectable, yet it is not the only one. As a fan of the series, you enjoy to show that you have played the games and understand the deeper story. Other people around me may also know and see the personal interest for the series. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is one of the key characters in the series and recognisable.
A psychological point of view
These reasons aside, there is also a psychological aspect to it. Psychologists have not reached consensus about why humans collect items, but it may be a continuation of our basic instincts. The quest for helpful and valuable items may be one of the reasons why people collect.
The purchase of a collectable is often associated with positive emotions and a sense of personal accomplishment. The Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad is not an essential purchase. Even the sentimental value is higher than the actual cost of the statue. Nevertheless, it is a purchase that had been planned for a long time. After months, we managed to find and purchase one.
Research also shows that collecting helps strengthen relationships and awakens the desire to learn more about the stories behind the collectables. In the end, humans are creative and curious. However, the personal collections helps you clear your mind.
Consider it as an investment
Collectables are released in limited numbers and it is a challenge to purchase them in the store. Even without their sentimental meaning, the limited numbers of these statues or figurines makes them sometimes expensive. A larger collection of these statues also helps you personalise your home decor.
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Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from the Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad with the Apple of Eden figurine, a statue developed and produced by Ubisoft. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
