Former Epic designer Cliff Bleszinski took to his blog today to write a long rant on the recent controversy regarding microtransactions - and to talk about the double-standard to which gamers hold EA and Valve.

On his blog, Clifford Unchained, Bleszinski didn't mince words on the topic. "The video game industry is just that. An industry. Which means that it exists in a capitalistic world. You know, a free market. A place where you're welcome to spend your money on whatever you please...or to refrain from spending that money. Those companies that put these products out? They're for profit businesses. They exist to produce, market, and ship great games ultimately for one purpose. First, for money, then, for acclaim."

He also called out gamers for having different standards for different companies. Bleszinski said, "I've seen a lot of comments online about microtransactions. They're a dirty word lately, it seems. Gamers are upset that publishers/developers are "nickel and diming them." They're raging at "big and evil corporations who are clueless and trying to steal their money."

He continued, "I'm going to come right out and say it. I'm tired of EA being seen as "the bad guy." I think it's *** that EA has the "scumbag EA" memes on Reddit and that Good Guy Valve can Do No Wrong. Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of Gabe and co most everything they do. (Remember, I bought that custom portal turret that took over the internet a while back and I have friends over there.) However, it blows my mind that somehow gamers don't seem to get that Valve is a business, just like any other, and when Valve charges $100 for an engagement ring in Team Fortress 2 it's somehow "cool" yet when EA wants to sell something similar it's seen as "evil." Yes, guys, I hate to break it to you, as awesome as Valve is they're also a company that seeks to make as much money as possible. They're just way better at their image control."

Bleszinski also pointed out that - adjusted for inflation - games are cheaper than they've ever been, and talked about the many underappreciated expenses that go into making them.

To read the long post in full, head over to Clifford Unchained.