10 DUMBEST Video Game Controversies That Went Too Far

10. Fans Boycott Sonic The Hedgehog 4 In The Stupidest Way Possible

Serving as a proper sequel to 1994's Sonic 3, Sonic The Hedgehog 4 was officially unveiled in February 2010, and returned the series to its 2D roots - something fans had been clamouring for after several less-than-impressive 3D instalments.

But almost right away, the game was embroiled in a strange controversy. While those fans were indeed chuffed about Sonic 4's two-dimensional design, a subset of them were absolutely furious that Sonic himself didn't look "old school" enough.

While obviously not a big deal in the grand scheme of things - it's not like this new Sonic looked like a crime against nature, as he did in the first iteration of the 2020 movie - this minor backlash soon spiralled into a much bigger movement, with upset fans starting a petition urging Sega to include "classic Sonic" in Sonic 4.

These same fans then began a rather questionable boycott: they wouldn't buy Sonic 4 if their demands weren't met, and instead... they'd go and buy Sonic 1. So, in other words, Sega got paid either way. Great protesting guys - that'll show 'em!

Needless to say, this whole thing was just stupid, and in the end, Sonic 4 ended up being a pretty good game, which is the only thing that matters.