6 Things Companies Made Worse—Including a Game You Can't Play Anymore

Why are products getting worse while you're paying the same price—or even more? From shrinkflation to digital ownership, these 6 real examples reveal how familiar products and services can quietly lose value. Ever bought your favorite snack and noticed it was smaller? Or updated your phone, only to find it running slower? Sometimes the change isn't your imagination. Companies can redesign products, change recipes, introduce subscription fees, restrict accessories, or remove access to things customers already purchased. In this video, we examine six examples of product downgrades and business decisions that affected everyday consumers. Discover why Gatorade replaced its 32-ounce bottles with 28-ounce versions and how shrinkflation can increase the price per ounce without changing the shelf price. Find out what happened when Cadbury changed the chocolate formulation of its famous Creme Egg, and why familiar products sometimes taste different. We also explore Amazon Prime Video's introduction of advertisements in 2024 and the additional fee American subscribers could pay for an ad-free experience. Then there's HP's Dynamic Security technology, which can prevent certain third-party ink cartridges from working, even when they're physically compatible with the printer. We'll revisit Apple's 2017 iPhone performance controversy, explaining how aging batteries, software updates, and unexpected shutdowns became a major consumer issue. Finally, discover what happened to Ubisoft's The Crew when its servers shut down in March 2024, making the original game inaccessible to purchasers—and what that reveals about digital ownership. What you'll learn: • How to spot shrinkflation by comparing unit prices. • Why checking ingredient lists can reveal recipe changes. • How subscription tiers can change what your money buys. • Why printer ink compatibility and replacement costs matter. • When battery health may explain slower phone performance. • Why owning a digital product doesn't always guarantee permanent access. These examples matter whether you're shopping for groceries, choosing streaming subscriptions, buying electronics, or purchasing digital games. Understanding the trade-offs can help you make more informed decisions. Which product or service do you think used to be better? Share your experience in the comments! Subscribe to he knows for more eye-opening explanations of consumer secrets, business strategies, technology, and the hidden systems behind everyday life. #Shrinkflation #ConsumerRights #ProductDowngrades #DigitalOwnership #ConsumerAwareness