For years, Lucasfilm Games, later LucasArts, defined the adventure game genre with titles that blended innovative gameplay, sharp writing, and unforgettable characters. Now, decades later, Limited Run Games has helped preserve these classics and the remastered versions in physical form.

In an era where digital downloads have become the industry standard, one company has built its identity around preserving the physical experience of gaming. Limited Run Games, founded in 2015 by Josh Fairhurst and Douglas Bogart in Apex, North Carolina, emerged from a desire to preserve video games in their physical form, ensuring that titles aren’t lost to the nature of digital storefronts.

The inspiration stemmed from the unexpected success of Retro City Rampage’s physical release. Developed by Vblank Entertainment, the game was a loving homage to classic retro titles and the pop culture of the 1980s and 1990s, drawing heavily from Grand Theft Auto. Selling nearly half a million copies in its first few years, many in physical form, proved that demand for tangible games remained strong in an era dominated primarily by digital distribution. Fairhurst and Bogart, recognizing this, stepped in to fill the void, offering collectors and preservationists a way to own modern and classic titles in a format that could endure beyond the lifespan of digital marketplaces.

​Limited Run’s debut release, Breach & Clear, developed by Fairhurst’s own studio, Mighty Rabbit Studios, for the PlayStation Vita, was a testament to the duo’s vision. With only 1,500 copies produced, the game sold out within hours. The success paved the way for collaborations with various developers, leading to over 1,000 physical and digital releases, encompassing indie gems, retro re-releases, and cult classics. ​

In 2019, Limited Run Games began collaborating with Lucasfilm to bring classic titles back into the hands of both longtime fans and a new generation of gamers. The initiative launched with the re-release of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter for the PlayStation 4, followed by faithful reproductions of the original Star Wars games for the NES and Game Boy. Standard versions were encased in nostalgic blister packs reminiscent of vintage action figures, while collector’s editions featured premium boxes. Beyond Star Wars, Limited Run turned its attention to Lucasfilm’s legendary adventure games, producing high-quality physical editions that paid homage to some of the most iconic titles in gaming history.

In early 2023, Limited Run Games released the Maniac Mansion Collector’s Edition for PC. This came in a full-sized box and included a reproduction of the classic manual, a two-sided 18″x24″ poster, and a USB stick containing the game. Additionally, it featured replicas of in-game items, such as the Nuke’m Alarms Owner’s Disarmament Guide & Code Viewer.

Limited Run followed up with Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders, another early quirky classic, often overshadowed by Maniac Mansion. The collector’s edition included a full-sized box, original-style manual, and themed collectibles.

Brian Moriarty’s 1990 beloved Loom received a physical re-release, allowing fans to once again experience the innovative interface and hauntingly beautiful story inspired by classical music. The collector’s edition paid homage to the game’s rich lore, featuring a high-quality full-size box and artifacts referencing the Weavers’ Guild.

Return to Monkey Island, Ron Gilbert’s long-awaited 2022 sequel to Monkey Island 2: Lechuck’s Revenge, also received a physical edition, giving Guybrush Threepwood’s latest adventures a proper place on the shelves of collectors.

Sam & Max Hit the Road, the zany duo’s 1993 road trip across America, included exclusive collectibles embracing the game’s distinctive humor and art style.

Day of the Tentacle, the sequel to Ron Gilbert’s Maniac Mansion, was remastered by
Double Fine Productions in 2016. The title became another highlight in Limited Run Games’ Lucasfilm lineup. The collector’s edition featured restored, high-resolution hand-drawn artwork, remastered audio, and a physical package packed with memorabilia celebrating the 1993 time-traveling classic.

The iconic triangular box from the Day of the Tentacle CD-ROM release was recreated and offered free of charge to buyers who purchased select Lucasfilm titles through Limited Run. The box showcases Day of the Tentacle, Grim Fandango, and Full Throttle, with each game featured on one of its three sides..

Tim Schafer’s 1995 heavy-metal biker adventure, Full Throttle, was brought back to life in an upgraded format by Schafer’s own Double Fine Productions in 2017. The remastered edition came in a full-size box along with a selection of collectibles that captured the title’s rock-and-roll vibe and rebellious spirit.

One of LucasArts’ most celebrated titles, the award-winning Grim Fandango, was remastered by Double Fine Productions in 2015. Experience Manny Calavera’s noir-inspired journey through the Land of the Dead, with upgraded look, sound, and control. The packaging included themed items that captured the game’s unique blend of humor, mystery, and Mexican folklore.

The Monkey Island Anthology, released in 2020, quickly became a must-have for fans of the iconic series. The deluxe edition brought together all five Monkey Island games in a beautifully designed box set, complete with a behind-the-scenes book and a collection of physical memorabilia that celebrated the franchise’s storied history. Sadly, I had to part with my copy last year, as I had no space to store the huge box safely.

Limited Run Games has undeniably carved out a much-needed niche in the gaming industry. By offering physical releases of titles that might otherwise remain in the digital ether, the company serves both collectors and preservationists. Its work with Lucasfilm, reviving classics and remasters like Day of the Tentacle and Grim Fandango, is a nod to the golden age of PC gaming, back when games were made with love and physical releases ruled.

However, for all its merits, the company’s business model has also drawn criticism. While the company built its brand on the idea of scarcity, many of its “limited” releases have been reissued in various forms, frustrating collectors who initially purchased them under the assumption of exclusivity. Additionally, lack of quality control, high prices, and extremely long production times, often stretching a year or more, have led to frustration among customers, especially with often poor communication from Limited Run.

Despite this, Limited Run Games remains one of the few companies dedicated to bringing forgotten and beloved titles back into the physical realm. For fans of classic games, its releases are often the only modern way to own a tangible piece of gaming history. The ability to balance nostalgia-driven enthusiasm with better transparency, efficiency, and higher quality control will determine whether the company remains a beloved ally of collectors or an increasingly divisive force in game preservation…

Sources: ​Lucasfilm, Wikipedia, Limited Run Games, Hacknews, Steam…