10 Video Games So Bad They Apologised

C’mon, EA and DICE. You had one job: to best 2015’s immersive and authentic (yet tragically light on content) Star Wars Battlefront.

While their 2017 sequel provided more bang for your buck at launch, its fraudulent use of microtransactions, loot boxes, and a grindy progression system proved that they didn’t fully learn their lesson.

Long story short, the randomization and expensiveness of the Star Card system – and related methods of purchasing, collecting, and leveling up – meant that players were spending exorbitant amounts of money, time, and energy without ever knowing what they’d be getting.

Beyond making the title unethical in several ways, these procedures led to publisher EA being investigated for unlicensed gambling by the Belgian Gaming Commission. In turn, other areas (such as Singapore, the UK, and Australia) examined the broader question of if loot boxes in general constitute illicit betting.

In response, DICE GM Oskar Gabrielson announced a revamp, conceding: “We’ve heard the concerns about potentially giving players unfair advantages. . . . This was never our intention. Sorry, we didn’t get this right. We hear you loud and clear, so we’re turning off all in-game purchases.”

Since then, the game’s reputation has improved considerably.