Microtransactions & Live Services (but no Loot Boxes) in Anthem

How did they squander their budget? They released a complete game with issues, its not like they ran out of money during development.  If you are referring to the internet feelings about procedural content, I doubt they had every single person working on the game working on that one feature.  If cut content is squandering their budget every game has done that with removed content.

That's the wrong link.   All it leads me to is a short mp4 of Anthem.

I wouldn't exactly say they squandered their (adequate...at least relative to TW3) budget, but it does sound like the first couple years had some leadership and in-fighting issues.  I think the bigger problem with how Bio has operated in the past comes down to "biting off more than they can chew."  Being ambitious is great but good leaders understand their resources, what is realistically achievable, and allocate appropriately.  I'd say they just need to prioritize better.  Anthem may be following that trajectory.  If it succeeds the way they hope, they can add many of those secondary elements people have grown accustom to in Bioware games.

I'm presuming (I'm not an expert on this) that an online game gets around piracy?
Or maybe any 'copy' can access the servers if they have an account? I don't know.

Shale was an apology to people because the game was delayed, but in a lot of ways acted the same as pre-order content, they just added the CDKey into the box instead of the retailer giving you a piece of paper with the key on it.

With how the community reacts to anything that seems like them being nickle and dimed such as Project $10 which rewarded players who bought the game new and not used, but had that content available for DLC for $10 I just don't see it happening again.  The vocal group of people want everything for $50 (depending where you live) and if content costs more then that they get upset.  Even now with the DLC issues around the new Call of Duty game because all DLC is only part of the Season Pass and the Season Pass is only part of the premium versions of the game if I understand the reports correctly.  I just don't see how something like that would be successful. 

I guess that makes sense.  So maybe some unique options only available through the deluxe purchase.  Can I get some optical camouflage like the Predator wears?

With the last thing seen two glowing eyes.

It's more that my tolerance for the monetisation of previously costless virtual modes and items and the introduction of money making elements around which a game might easily be balanced, to its detriment, is pretty low. I guess I just don't have trust enough that these things won't be introduced in a way that isn't skewed to encourage people to purchase them. More generally/emotionally, it just feels like a massive piss take to me. 

Of course better looking is purely subjective.  I thought there were plenty of cool outfits found throughout SWTOR...and many of the paid outfits looked ridiculous.  If I buy any of those things I will do so because I end up liking the game and want to support its success.  Otherwise I'll just play the portions I find enjoyable and if something cool drops, great...if not, I'm sure I'll be able to create a good (enough) look for my suits.  What I really mean to say is that one awesome look isn't going to suddenly make a game enjoyable...or vice-versa. 

Well I hope cosmetics are not the primary reason anyone is playing.  My real point was that you like the game enough that your look doesn't end up mattering or you're willing to throw a few extra dollars at it.  As for greed, EA/Bioware are a for profit enterprise...and the gaming community is just as greedy, constantly demanding more for less.  Either gamers need to be willing to pay 120$ for a modern AAA game...or live with these sorts of micro-transactions.  At the end of the day no one is forcing anyone to buy a game or pay for extras.

I hope not. Always found them silly on SWTOR.