Opinion: Video games learn how to take more of your cash

In 2017, the company’s Star Wars Battlefront II was originally developed with virtual loot boxes that could enhance a character’s abilities. It turned into a major controversy, the concern being that when in online-multiplayer mode, users who shelled out more money were more likely to win. — AFP Relaxnews

EA micro-transactions: They’re in the game.

If you’re like me, you grew up hearing a similar catchphrase, likely while playing the FIFA soccer video game on an earlier iteration of the PlayStation system. EA refers, of course, to Electronic Arts Inc, the game publisher’s parent company, which nowadays is valued north of US$30bil (RM123.31bil). FIFA is still its most popular franchise, but selling a disc at a local GameStop is no longer the primary way companies like EA make money.