Has there ever been a successful game that's been bought by an investment consortium and still loved by gamers?

They answer to shareholders. They don't care about what actual users think of the product.

The result was obvious with this one. Haven't played battlefield since 1942 and 2, but not surprised at all.

Idk, ik I came to Battlefield during bad company 2 and I was so impressed with the game play i became a self proclaimed Battlefielder. I miss the realistic game play. That was enjoyment. Real guns, real physics. The game got me into hardcore. I fell in love. To me, the series started to die around when you did  Vietnam. So Battlefield 1. I noticed then the chasing of COD players. I dont even think you noticed that when you exiled hardcore, that when the series died. I realized it from paying attention to your time line. The only series with hardcore still apart of the game is the one killing. You can listen to those who keep saying no one plays and it doesn't make money. And its the zombies. They killed the zombies and you killed hardcore, while they kept hardcore. And they killed you. You tried it with medal of honor. It didn't make it!! Listen to your true fans!! Thugs dont live long because thugs gangbang. COD is gangbanging, Battlefield IS WAR!! Remember where you came from!! Honor your soldiers,  we been honoring you even when you were gone, we battled on their turf with our head held high letting COD players know, WE ARE BATTLEFIELDERS, WE CAN NOT BE DOMINATED. WE DOMINATE!! And we did with our head held high and with pride waiting for your return!! Now my head is not held as high, but I am still a Battlefielder, a soldier, a warrior, in my eyes a Marine by any other ename.

I play Battelfield and it's my preferred game. Your article is absolutely correct. I have seen a substantial drop off in people playing. Map size is an issue, however the bigger
issues are the others stated in the article about hit registration and so on. I hate to say it, but it's becoming unplayable. It is extremely frustrating and most people play games for enjoyment and relaxation. This currently isn't enjoyable or relaxing. I really hope they get these issues resolved.