Xelloss on 28 October 2009
Pretty sure EA has maintained some control over ranked servers for a while, ie: inserting themselves in the revenue stream. I am pretty sure just about any reputable company can partner with them, but they do make $$ off it.
I used to think it was a dick move, but things are relative. Plus, despite me being wary and distrustful at first - the amount of continued support for BF2 including recent major patches... they have at least shown that they will put forth good faith efforts to maintain and update the games that they still draw revenue from.
Developers and publishers have a legitimate desire to want more revenue, and make more money. I personally would much rather support a developer that supported their community and makes a good faith attempt to provide value, than a developer that gets so egotistical they think they can shove any old trash down your throat and you will pony up anyhow.
At least , fundamentally , DICE /EA are charging for things that improve and enhance the game that only they can do whereas IW are charging you for map packs when many community members make plenty of excellent maps for free.
As long as people maintain the ability to host unranked dedicated servers for free, I will be happy to fork out for the new BF games.
