1) Never buy anything from Activision (Blizzard), EA, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Gearbox, Take 2 (Rockstar, 2k), Deep Silver (if there is any other publisher who follows their example, add them to this list). They use the following anti-consumer measures: offering games exclusively on a platform with bad launcher software and/or advertising a game for a platform and then after collecting sales money releasing it for a different platform instead (sometimes without refunds possible) and/or publishing games filled with political propaganda and bad writing (story, characters) and/or publishing games badly designed on purpose to sell microtransactions, lootboxes, and cheat codes. Create the stigma that anything with these publisher’s name on is a lesser product because it’s true. If you absolutely NEED to have one of their games but still want to get it legally, wait at least a year until the game is on sale with included DLC or (preferably) buy a used copy (if a console game).
2) Never pre-order any game. Waiting until the game comes out to give them money will force them to make sure it’s a functioning, bug-free (as possible), complete game.
3) Wait until said publishers are downscaled/bankrupt from lack of sales. Even if they change their ways after suffering financial struggles, they’ll just go back to their current agenda once they’re back on top again. Let them burn in bankruptcy. They never cared about you. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
4) Wait until they’re forced to sell IPs and franchises to better publishers in order to cut costs from going under. Developers let go from this should also be given employment opportunities from said publishers. This is, unfortunately, the only drawback to this plan as there’s no telling what will happen to said franchises and developers.
5) Support indie creators and lesser known studios who might not be creating the most visually impressive games but clearly have passion for the product they put on shelves rather than creating games for the sake of earning money. These companies can eventually become new good publishers.
6) Spread this message! Feel free to copy/paste this comment anywhere it’s relevant! Anyone who says “this won’t work” is doing EXACTLY what these publishers want. The moment you give up and think uniting against exploitative and terrible business practices is fruitless is the moment you lose. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. This has worked before and it will work again.