Another company that’s thinking about not only playable but also collectible, is Criterion Games, a studio of Electronic Arts. In November, Criterion will be releasing a Limited Edition version of “Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.” The standard version of the title recently won the “Best Racing Game” award at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The Limited Edition will feature six of the world’s most exotic cars; the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Ford Shelby GT500, Audi TT RS Coupé, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Porsche Cayman S and Dodge Challenger SRT8. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Ford Shelby GT500 are only available in the Limited Edition — and will not be available at any other time. These fast cars will give players a day-one advantage when they compete. Whether playing in real-time live multiplayer, or challenging and comparing races with friends offline, Limited Edition owners will have an edge over others.

It seems that even in a difficult global economy, game developers have an edge when it comes to the bottom line. So it’s no wonder that companies better known for other entertainment offerings are trying to grab a piece of the action. Disney Interactive Studios is taking preorders for a Collector’s Edition of Disney Epic Mickey. The title will include the full version of the game, a five inch collectible Disney Epic Mickey figurine, Wii console skins and remote faceplate, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes video.

Disney Epic Mickey is an action-adventure game for the Wii console. As Mickey Mouse, the player will be propelled into Wasteland, an alternate world made up of Disney’s long forgotten characters and attractions, and will be given the power to wield paint and thinner to dynamically change the world, while determining Mickey’s path to becoming an epic hero. If only real life heroes could change the world with color and turpentine!

Our last item this week is for all the gamers who have created virtual collections at Facebook. The monetization of the social networking company took another leap on Sunday, when Facebook began selling gift cards at brick and mortar Target stores in the USA. Facebook Credits gift cards, in increments of $15, $25 and $50, will allow people to buy virtual goods in social games and applications offered by independent developers on Facebook. The gift cards are a great example of how profits can be made from other people’s imaginations.