Stealing was an inaccurate choice of words (perhaps). Perhaps "unjust", "unreasonable" or "mischaracterized" are more applicable words. Anyone who likes the Global Market will likely not choose to objectively see this point, but I will try and explain: Making in-app purchases is an investment in the game. When one makes an investment, choices are made based on expectations. It is not a reasonable expectation that a core pillar of a game will be changed once released. Therefore, whether intentional or not, there was a deceptive effect when offering in-app purchases for something that would later change. For example, the monolith of in-app sales is seen in Clash of Clans. Suppose Clash of Clans sold someone diamonds / gems to use in the battle game, but thereafter, the Clash of Clans makers changed the game so that to expand, instead of winning battles, you advanced in the game by planting pink daisies. The player who purchased in-app gems to use in advancing his or her battle success would feel disenfranchised or taken advantage of by such an alteration in game play. I acknowledge, EA is in a difficult spot. However, there are fundamental online expectations. EA would not change the war zone settings in Battlefield to riding rides in Disneyworld. Even if it made the game function better, that would fundamentally change what purchasers expected when making purchases. I belabor imperfect analogies, but the point is at least made.
