Worst EA Games That Gamers Hate – Electronic Arts (EA) has long been a major player in the video game industry, known for producing popular titles and acquiring successful development studios. However, their track record isn’t spotless. Over the years, EA has faced significant backlash from the gaming community for various missteps, including poor game design, aggressive monetization practices, and controversial decisions. In this article, we will delve into some of the most infamous EA games that have garnered widespread disdain from gamers.
1. Anthem (2019)
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A Promising Concept Gone Awry
When Anthem was first announced, it generated a lot of excitement. The game promised a massive, shared-world experience with high-flying exosuits called Javelins, offering a blend of third-person shooting and RPG elements. However, upon release, it quickly became evident that Anthem failed to live up to its potential.
The Issues
Anthem suffered from a myriad of problems, including repetitive missions, a lack of meaningful content, and numerous technical issues. The game’s endgame content was particularly criticized for being sparse and uninspired. Despite a promising start, Anthem’s player base dwindled rapidly as many felt that the game was incomplete and lacked direction.
EA’s Response
EA and BioWare, the game’s developer, attempted to address these issues with various updates and patches. However, the damage was done, and many gamers felt betrayed by the unfulfilled promises and the rocky launch. In early 2021, EA announced that it would be halting further development on Anthem, marking an end to its troubled journey.
2. Star Wars Battlefront II (2017)
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The Loot Box Controversy
Star Wars Battlefront II was one of the most anticipated games of 2017, with fans eager to dive into the expansive Star Wars universe. However, the game quickly became infamous due to its aggressive monetization practices. At launch, the game featured a progression system heavily tied to loot boxes, which many perceived as a “pay-to-win” model.
The Backlash
The backlash was swift and severe. Gamers and even government officials criticized the game’s use of loot boxes, calling them predatory and akin to gambling. The controversy became so intense that EA temporarily removed microtransactions from the game to address the outrage.(Read Too: EA Games Worst Company – Why is That?)
Long-term Impact
While EA and DICE eventually reworked the game’s progression system, the damage to the game’s reputation was irreversible. The controversy surrounding Star Wars Battlefront II sparked a broader conversation about loot boxes in video games and led to increased scrutiny and regulation in various countries.
3. Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017)
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A Rocky Launch
The Mass Effect series is beloved by many for its rich storytelling and complex characters. However, Mass Effect: Andromeda, the fourth installment, failed to meet the high expectations set by its predecessors. Upon release, the game was plagued by technical issues, including bizarre facial animations and numerous bugs.
Critical Reception
Critics and players alike criticized the game for its lackluster writing, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive gameplay. The facial animation glitches became the subject of widespread mockery and memes, further tarnishing the game’s reputation.
Attempts at Redemption
BioWare and EA released several patches to address the technical issues, but the game’s narrative and design flaws were harder to fix. Despite the improvements, Mass Effect: Andromeda remains a cautionary tale of how a rushed development cycle can lead to a disappointing product.
4. FIFA 20 (2019)
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Same Old, Same Old
The FIFA series is one of EA’s flagship franchises, enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, FIFA 20 received significant backlash for its lack of innovation and numerous bugs. Many players felt that the game was simply a rehash of previous installments, with minimal new features or improvements.
Gameplay Issues
Players criticized the game’s inconsistent gameplay mechanics, particularly the AI behavior and physics engine. Additionally, the popular Ultimate Team mode faced accusations of promoting gambling through its card pack system.
EA’s Response
While EA continued to release updates to address bugs and improve gameplay, many felt that the company was more focused on monetization than delivering a high-quality gaming experience. This perception has led to growing frustration among the FIFA community.(Read Too: Worst Video Game Ever on Play Store – You Have to Know)
5. Need for Speed: Payback (2017)
Image:Electronic Arts
Pay-to-Win Mechanics
Need for Speed: Payback was another title marred by EA’s controversial monetization practices. The game featured a progression system heavily reliant on random loot boxes and microtransactions, which many players felt hindered their ability to progress without spending additional money.
Repetitive Gameplay
Beyond the monetization issues, Need for Speed: Payback was criticized for its repetitive gameplay and lackluster story. The game’s open-world design was seen as uninspired, and many longtime fans of the franchise felt that it failed to capture the essence of previous titles.
EA’s Course Correction
In response to the backlash, EA made adjustments to the game’s economy and progression system. However, these changes came too late for many players who had already abandoned the game in frustration.
6. SimCity (2013)
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Always Online Disaster
SimCity (2013) is often remembered for its disastrous launch. The game required a constant internet connection to play, which led to severe connectivity issues and server problems upon release. Many players were unable to access the game for days, leading to widespread outrage.
Limited Gameplay
In addition to the connectivity issues, players criticized the game’s design choices. The city sizes were significantly smaller than in previous SimCity titles, and the game’s mechanics felt overly simplified. These limitations frustrated longtime fans of the series who expected a more complex and expansive experience.
Damage Control
Despite EA’s efforts to fix the server issues and introduce offline play in later updates, the damage was done. The launch debacle left a lasting stain on the SimCity franchise, and many fans moved on to other city-building games.
Conclusion
While EA has produced many beloved games over the years, these titles serve as stark reminders of the company’s missteps. Whether due to aggressive monetization, technical issues, or poor design choices, these games have earned the ire of gamers worldwide. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like EA to learn from these mistakes and prioritize delivering quality experiences over short-term profits – Worst EA Games – That Gamers Hate
