Burning Crusade sparks Collector's Edition

If you're one of the 7 million World of Warcraft subscribers, chances are you're probably already planning on buying the first expansion to the massively popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Featuring two new playable races and a new continent, World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade goes on sale in the US in November for $39.99, and it's rated T for Teen.

However, if you've got some extra cash to shell out, developer-publisher Blizzard Entertainment today officially confirmed rumors that The Burning Crusade would be getting the Collector's Edition treatment. Besides coming in a deluxe box (pictured), the CE will have a variety of goodies for the hardcore Azeroth denizen. It will contain both CD and DVD editions of the expansion, as well as an exclusive in-game pet called the "Netherwhelp." Also included will be a soundtrack CD and a mouse pad with a map of the expansion's new continent, Outland.

The Collector's Edition will also feature a DVD with a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the expansion. The disc "will offer more than two hours worth of developer interviews and commentary on all aspects of the creation of The Burning Crusade, as well as trailers and cinematics from the game, and even footage of panel discussions from BlizzCon," according to Blizzard.

Also included in the Collector's Edition is a hardcover "coffee table book" featuring "exclusive concept art" from the expansion. The tome will be packaged with two starter packs for the forthcoming, Magic: The Gathering-esque World of Warcraft Trading Card Game. Besides the cards in the two packs, the CE will contain three "exclusive tournament-legal World of Warcraft Trading Card Game cards" unavailable elsewhere.

Though it was big on listing the contents of the Collector's Edition of The Burning Crusade, Blizzard omitted one major detail--its cost. "Further details on the contents, as well as pricing and availability info, will be announced at a later date," was all the company would say on the matter. The Collector's Edition of the original WOW cost $79.99, but it was only available in very limited quantities and has been out of print for nearly two years. Sealed copies of the original WOW: CE currently command a premium on eBay, selling for as much as $300.