Yes, I used a Baldur's Gate reference for a teaser line but this isn't specifically about Baldur's Gate.

Does anyone remember PC game packaging of old?  You know, those big a$$, sometimes oddly shaped boxes PC games used to come packaged in?  During my pre-spring cleaning I came across some boxes including the Baldur's Gate 2 box. 

It's huge, about 10 inches tall and 1.5 inches in depth! I think it's one of the last "old school box" PC games I purchased.  I had a PC version of Tomb Raider 2 that came in a humongous box which was triangular in shape.  Back then the packaging was as creative as the games themselves.  Cool artwork and little touches (text and image on BG2 box is sort of raised/embossed), not to mention book sized manuals (190 pages for BG 2!)!  

Now everything is so uniform and generic in size/shape.  And all to fit more product on the shelves.  

Funny thing is game companies these days spend tons and tons of money producing games (mo-cap, voice acting, celebrity "guest" voice acting, costly 3D engines, FMV, etc.,) and skimp on packaging.  And then make you pay for "special editions" with stuff that used to be included for free like full color maps, collector's cards with special artwork, figures, etc.  So sad. 

Gotta love this from the BG2 box though: "Supports 800x600 resolution, full-screen mode and 3D acceleration for spectacular visual effects".  :)