Let me be clear.. Bug-free means that the devs were given (and actually took) appropriate time to play the game (unrushed), and that they released it with their best possible efforts given to making sure that it was not something that players (who paid way too much money) were not testing (because that is what is happening... if one reads the boards/issues)... ie: spending hours attempting to play, and finding issues - which then have to be reported (and engage in trouble shooting). You just need look at the EA HQ 'Technical issues' and 'Bug Reports', where you will see well over 40,000 subjects (this is not even counting the people who are asked to click "Me too", rather than making a 'new report')... The bugs are far too common.
I would be interested in knowing how many people are in their QC, how long those people take to do their QC, TS4 franchise's financial reports, and their overall employee count (dedicated TS4).
I wouldn't have an issue, if I were a bazillionaire, in helping a beloved franchise (assisting with revenue so they can develop the game, by purchasing games- which is still needing a lot of testing, gameplay for QC, etc.). I do find it unethical to create hype, encourage people to purchase an iffy game, and have paying players doing what should be done by the team (a good amount of of play through of the product- reporting bugs, reworking game mechanics, etc.). There is a difference in releasing a game- knowing that it needs a lot more playthrough and work, and being truthful- and asking for assistance (where it's needed)... Something which is a rather easy fix: give games to people who are willing to devote proper (quality) time to play through, and fix the issues- then release it for paying consumers.
Lastly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting quality. There is no need to make players feel bad for standing up to unethical production, and no need to admonish people for asking that the franchise fix serious issues.
A side note is that when you purchase the game, you are not actually purchasing it... You are purchasing a license to play- which they could technically revoke. I am fine with knowing that this would only be applied in cases involving hacking, or piracy where the pirates are making money from such activities- but, given the trust issues that many players have encountered with EA, I am suspicious of how they will use that caveat.
