[aflag]

The problem is that the only reason that something requires the service to function is so that the company can control how you use it. So, they are effectively stopping you from using a product you bought, because they can't keep tabs on you at that particular time. Some people consider that abusive.

[judge2020]

My point is that there's nuance in it, given this same "feature" of licenses (remember, you generally don't "buy" these games, you're granted an indefinite license to use them) allows game developers to even operate online PvP games at all. Without it, developers would legally be unable to ban people, even if they're vulgarly racist against other players, or if they're cheating and auto-snapping to people's heads to achieve high-kill count games unfairly.

[aflag]

That is not true. They can have an EULA governing their online services, while allowing you to play offline to your heart's content. There is no nuance.