Video games collectible figures

Characters from the greatest video game franchises

Video game collectible figures span a wide range of genres and several generations of consoles. From adventure games, RPGs, fighting games and first-person shooters to retro classics and modern releases, manufacturers draw inspiration from original character designs, armour, alternate outfits, weapons and memorable in-game moments.

This variety allows collectors to bring together heroes from very different worlds within a single collection. Some focus on the long-running franchises that helped shape video game history, while others seek out pieces based on recent releases, indie games or gaming adaptations of franchises rooted in film and comics.

First 4 Figures: from PVC statues to limited-edition resin pieces

First 4 Figures primarily offers static figures and statues based on major video game franchises. Its catalogue covers a broad range of products, from affordable PVC models to imposing high-end resin statues, often released as limited or exclusive editions.

The manufacturer places particular emphasis on classic franchises and characters that have entertained several generations of players. Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog are among its flagship licences. Link, Zelda, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow are represented through pieces available in a variety of sizes and finishes.

First 4 Figures statues also stand out for their carefully designed display bases, poses inspired by official artwork or memorable in-game scenes and, depending on the edition, integrated light-up features. This variety allows collectors to begin with an affordable PVC figure before moving on to a larger and more elaborate resin piece.

PureArts: statues, busts, dioramas and articulated figures

PureArts focuses more heavily on recent and still highly active franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, League of Legends and The Witcher. These collections are developed under separate official licences granted by Ubisoft, Riot Games and CD PROJEKT RED respectively.

The PureArts range includes static PVC figures, high-end resin statues, busts, replicas and dioramas depicting memorable characters and scenes. Some dioramas combine several figures to create a larger, more elaborate scene.

The manufacturer also produces articulated 1/6 scale figures. These models combine articulated bodies, fabric clothing, weapons, interchangeable accessories and detailed sculpts. Characters such as Geralt, Ciri and Desmond Miles can therefore be displayed in a variety of poses alongside static statues from the same franchise.

S.H.Figuarts: classic gaming licences in a highly articulated format

S.H.Figuarts figures by Bandai Tamashii Nations appeal to collectors looking for compact, highly poseable models supplied with a range of accessories. Their articulation systems make it possible to recreate attacks, fighting stances and movements taken directly from the games.

The range has explored several classic franchises, including Super Mario, Street Fighter and Tekken. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Ryu, Chun-Li, Ken and King can all be displayed in poses inspired by their appearances in the games.

Bandai Tamashii Nations also offers a Marvel Gamerverse range inspired by the visual style of Marvel video games from the 1990s. It features characters such as Spider-Man, Wolverine and Cyclops in designs reminiscent of the popular Marvel fighting games of that era.

Figma: poseability and premium finishes across a wide range of gaming worlds

Developed by Max Factory in association with Good Smile Company, the Figma range offers articulated figures with premium finishes. Their compact size, smooth articulation and wide selection of accessories make it possible to recreate a variety of scenes without compromising the characters’ proportions or overall appearance.

The selection of licences is particularly diverse, ranging from the adventures of The Legend of Zelda and the intense battles of DOOM to the worlds of Elden Ring and the stealth missions of Metal Gear Solid.

Figma figures generally include interchangeable faces, hands, weapons and other parts. An articulated display stand is also provided to support the characters in dynamic, airborne or otherwise difficult-to-hold poses.

Hot Toys: where video games, comics and cinema come together

Hot Toys mainly focuses on video games connected to franchises already well established in comics and cinema. The manufacturer therefore offers 1/6 scale figures based on properties that span several forms of media.

Batman: Arkham Knight is a good example of this approach. The game draws on the characters and visual identity of DC Comics while developing its own interpretations of Batman, the Arkham Knight, Harley Quinn and Nightwing. Hot Toys transforms these video game designs into highly detailed figures featuring tailored costumes, armour, accessories and articulated bodies.

The manufacturer also explores the gaming world of Star Wars, with characters and troopers from titles such as Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. These models complement collections based on the films and television series while exploring other corners of the Star Wars galaxy.

How to build a video game figure collection

Building a collection of video game figures can begin with a favourite franchise, a memorable character or a particular type of collectible. PVC figures from First 4 Figures and PureArts offer an accessible introduction to static display pieces, while their resin statues cater to collectors looking for larger and more elaborate creations.

The S.H.Figuarts and Figma ranges are particularly well suited to collectors who enjoy dynamic poses and creative displays. Their compact size makes it easier to arrange several characters together, even when display space is limited. The articulated 1/6 scale figures produced by PureArts and Hot Toys offer a more impressive presence and can become the centrepieces of a collection.

By combining different brands, materials and scales, collectors can create a varied display spanning several generations of video games. Classic franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Sonic, Super Mario and Street Fighter can sit alongside more recent worlds such as Elden Ring, League of Legends, Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher.