MassivelyOP’s not-so-serious end-of-the-year awards continue today with our pick for creepiest new EA phrase of the year. (If you’re wondering what the heck a Golden Yachtie is, you can get caught up with the first award.)

And the winner is…

GRIND CURRENCY

Step aside, “surprise mechanics” and “sense of pride and accomplishment” – grind currency has entered the chat! According to a leak last spring that you probably forgot about, EA internally refers to currency earned in game as “grind currency” and quite intentionally designs games around this grind. Bizarrely, EA then lied about using the term, in spite of it being in its own documents, and complained about sensationalized reporting. You see, the real problem with lockboxes is that the press is always covering EA’s lockbox abuses. Those pesky press!

Want to nominate another winner? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our serious MMO awards while you’re at it.

MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best MMO leveling method MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Most insulting MMO cosmetic MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Dumbest MMO people gave money to this year MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Most predictable turn of events MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: The MMO that won’t die MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best headline that sounded like a joke but isn’t MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Creepiest new EA phrase of the year MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best worst transmedia synergy MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Swiftest MMO justice MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best worst post MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best worst MMO criming of the year MassivelyOP’s 2021 Golden Yachties: Best headline on a site that isn’t ours