Microtransactions- I don't think there is a gamer out there that isn't pissed about these. Especially ones that seem wildly over priced.
Game Installations/Patches- there is nothing more that I hate than installations. First time I tried to play Ratchet and Clank on PS3 I found out that I HAVE TO HAVE a certain amount of memory already on the hard drive just to install that one and start playing. Now that is just stupid. Second is patches. I don't care what people think or what developers say... if you can't make a great, polished game the first time then you didn't make a great game ever. Covering it up by fixing it later is a cop out. I'm glad they do it but we shouldn't look up at those developers but instead down.
Local Multiplayer Disappearing- seriously WHAT HAPPENED. Aside from really the Wii, local multiplayer is just disappearing. Of course all of use like competing with those online and playing with online friends... but hey we also have friends in real life that maybe want a quick game of Smash Bros or Halo. Yet some games just completely have thrown that out of the window. Not good.
More isn't Always Better- you get the feeling nowadays that everything needs an elaborate storyline, some form of multiplayer, etc. But let's face it not every game needs this. Not every run of the mill shooter needs to have their crappy story lines introduced and make us suffer through it and then move on to the uninspired multiplayer. If you aren't going to make them competent then don't include them at all.
Hardcore-Casual split: really this silly form of nationalism I find despicable and unwarranted. Anyone that plays video games is a gamer. I'll write an article on this eventually but people need to stop trying to form elitist groups and simply just find comfort in your general gaming community rather than splitting.
There are plenty more but that's a good start.
Essay Pro