From what I have found, "SA" is just another way of saying "Inc." - https://accountinginsights.org/what-does-sa-company-mean-definition-structure-and-requirements/ - nothing too mysterious/esoteric, unless one contemplates the idea of shell corporations and the like, to which it looks like OP is alluding.

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.A._(corporation)

The EA case looks more like "product placement". i think the issue was more like what we see in streaming and TV: "Watch this ad to continue." Which sucks for a gaming experience.

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/valve-seemingly-bans-all-steam-games-that-require-watching-advertisements-to-play/1100-6529356/

https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/marketing/advertising

Has this been an ongoing issue? I don't think I've ever encountered it.

Originally posted by Shattered mind:

if you see a review from anyone in the group "Archi's SC farm" you can 100% dismiss it.

Er, I'm in that group and I don't do fake reviews.

Originally posted by Obey the Fist!:

Originally posted by Mr_C_:

suppressing honest negative reviews

I like this part

Yeah, I follow your curation and have read your reviews.

Maybe it will also be a blow to dev censorship too.

Maybe this will be the end of all those stupid "pet my cat" reviews as well.

https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-10-22-posting-fake-online-reviews-is-now-illegal-under-new-ftc-rule/

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a new rule that makes the sale and purchase of fake consumer reviews illegal. The rule, which took effect on Monday (October 21), is part of the FTC's initiative to strengthen the regulation of online advertising and promote fair, honest, and competitive markets. The rule also includes instructions on appropriate disclosures for online reviews written by company insiders.

The rule prohibits businesses from using deceptive endorsement and review practices, including using fake reviews, suppressing honest negative reviews, and paying for positive reviews. It also adds several definitions for terms used in the regulations, including for "consumer review hosting" and "fake indicators of social media influence."

The FTC states that the rule will enhance its ability to pursue civil penalties for companies violating the regulations. Violation of the rule entitles the FTC to seek significant penalties in the amount of up to $51,744 per violation or per day for ongoing violations.

Originally posted by Selective Oblivion:

If Valve can see any profit in legal action, they'll jump on it for sure. lol
I'm probably not helping... ;) Thanks for the update. I'd missed this tidbit of news back in August. This is good news, even if enforceability is up to each company with a store.

Valve wouldn't be filing the complaint, the FTC is the plaintiff, so there's nothing in it for Valve. There is a link at the end of that article to file a complaint with the FTC.

Just what I always wanted: a bubble-shooter for US$90.

At least there are disclaimers in the fine print, but it was malfeasance for them to claim total rights over the finished product for an asset flip.