DISCLAIMER: This is not a thread defending EA.
Yeah, as the title suggests, I truly don't know many specific things EA has done to warrant the hatred against it.
I don't follow the industry very closely nor do I purchase/play many recent releases, and it was just a little while back that I noticed people began hating on EA, but rarely do I hear anything specific as to what they have done. Even Jimquisition's "Why do we hate EA" video didn't really have anything specific.
I have heard about greedy business tactics, but I've never heard any specific examples. I have heard that they acquire smaller companies and basically lead them to their doom, but I think I've heard of only one or two examples before. I know they've had some stupid marketing before, but stupid marketing can't be the only thing that makes people rage at them.
So I ask you, Escapists, for some more detailed, specific examples and reasons as to what caused all the hate for this company. I can recall back to the sixth generation of consoles when it seemed that EA was pretty much tops. What happened?
I would ask that people try to stay civil and give their reasons without using this thread as a "let's just bitch and moan about EA" outlet, but I have learned not to make such requests on a site such as this.
EDIT: While I thank people for their posts, I still don't think many of you are citing specific enough examples. I keep hearing "they are know for X" without any specific events to back up the claim. Links to stories about people's poor service from EA and the like are appreciated.
Also, don't try to convince me with citing the change of style from Dragon Age: Origins to 2, because I find DA:O to be an enormously boring game.