18 Most WTF Gaming Industry Moments Of 2017

1. Gamers, Press & Politicians Unite Against Micro-Transactions

And finally, there was no greater controversy or WTF moment this past year than gamers, journalists and even some forward-thinking politicians uniting against micro-transactions in video gaming, namely loot boxes and the notion that they at least encourage gambling if they're not simply gambling outright.

Though games like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Need for Speed: Payback and Call of Duty: WWII were avidly taken to task for their questionable loot box practices, the game that came under the most fire was undeniably Star Wars Battlefront II.

So inextricable was the game's loot box mechanic from the multiplayer progression system that even switching micro-transactions off didn't stop it from feeling like a slog, prompting Hawaiian Democrat politician Chris Lee to famously call the game a "Star Wars-themed casino."

While it remains to be seen if any legislation will actually be passed to curb predatory practices in video games, this year publishers were mercilessly raked over the coals for their devious tactics.

Though the likes of EA still continue to profit obscenely from loot box nonsense, 2018 will clearly require them to re-think their monetisation practices or suffer a mighty PR backlash.

Which WTF gaming industry moments from 2017 baffled you the most? Shout them out in the comments!