Sony and I haven’t been buddies, or even civil to each other, since they started making me lean into the punch.  I’ve tried ducking, sometimes successfully, but time and again I keep taking it on the chin. 
 
The punches I dread the most are their Demon Expansions, the Sony Left Hook.  You know the type … buy the expansion and maybe some day you will unlock the content therein, m’lords and m’ladies.  Fuck you.
 
Many in the gaming world have heard by now about their latest Demon Scam.  Summary for those in the cheap seats:  Sony has delayed the long-awaited revamp of the Star Wars Galaxies (SWG) combat and PVP system so they can release the first Demon Expansion, The Jump to Lightspeed, in time for those crucial Christmas sales.
 
Naturally, this caused mayhem and hysteria among the populace, cuz, umm, after all, a COMBAT SYSTEM is kind of critical in a game designed around a CIVIL WAR.  Idiots.
 
Lest ye think me slow witted, I understand the business reasons for this decision.  I know all about business and having to make a buck; despite my penchant for online gaming, I have to make a buck too.  I’m just kind of old-fashioned since I believe the guy paying me a buck should be getting some value for his buck.  Call me a crazy American.
 
I kinda saw this one coming from a long way down the tracks.  I even dreaded the combat rebalance — Sony and I having that long history together, I just KNOW they’ll fuck us over, and often.  Still, I feel bad for the new gamers.  They took it on the chin. 
 
By some guy’s count (maybe a catasser named Josh, who knows), Sony lost over 1,000 subscriptions after yesterday’s announcement.  They’ve been bleeding subscriptions for months now, maybe they’ll take note and have the PR Department produce some sort of missive to calm the masses.
 
In a disturbing way, it’s enjoyable to watch the fallout from this mess.  Sony’s Vortex of Evil knows no bounds.  (You heard it here first.)
 
TO BE CONTINUED — PART II — Sony thinks I’m stupid enough to sign up to beta test their Demon Expansion.  (Hint:  They can shove it up their collective asses.)