Ethics in the video game industry

This is a topic that I have been placing a bit of thought into the past couple years, and have come to the realization that I have a set level of expectation on how game development companies and system developers (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo) will treat their customers. One of the biggest issues for me is how the company treats the consumer (user) of their product.
 
For example, Ubisoft advertised an unfinished version of Watch Dogs, which had a significant downgrade in the released game's graphics compared to the E3 Demo. This wasn't a big deal to me as there are a myriad of reasons for an issue, but it can be seen as a part of a bigger issue with the way Ubi treats their customers.
 
Within the same game, the single-player campaign required the player to connect online to progress within the story. No connection/refuse to go online would result in the game sitting at an error window. I was enjoying the game to this point; then I boxed it up and returned it for a refund.
 
Microsoft is another such example, with both the Xbox 360 and Windows 7/8/10 debacles. Focusing on the 360 front, a patch was pushed to update the interface. Cool, except for the fact that the base model (Arcade) 360 didn't have enough memory for the update. Customers are forced to write Microsoft for a free memory card and wait, or go out and buy memory to be able to play their games.
 
At the same time, the update changed the menu from being game-oriented (example) to being an advertiser's wet dream (example). There is no way to disable the advertising, save from disconnecting your internet connection (which then results in every box showing "Connect to Xbox Live"). The game is relegated to a small box in the corner of the screen.
 
Surprisingly, I still kept my 360 (for Fable II and ME1). I tried to create a new account, and was greeted with an error. Logged on to the computer, finished, and went to playing. After several lockouts, I discovered that Microsoft implemented a policy to lock out users that had registered after a certain date and were not using MSN email. Sold the 360 and games; will not buy another Microsoft game product.
 
So, those are my hot-buttons for video games; I'm curious to see what others may have (or had).

Submitted by F117Landers | #Specialdealer Special Offer Online Shopping Store 2016