This is always the answer given -- that some people are still using old HDDs and the countdown is for them to have time to load. Here's the thing, though: you can get a 120 GB SSD to toss some games on for $25. This shouldn't be a legitimate excuse anymore.

Upgrade your PC or accept the consequences of being on outdated technology. We've accepted this for all other parts of the system: CPU, GPU, RAM, etc. If you let your system languish or cheap out on it, you get a worse experience. We've all accepted those terms; it's just part of PC gaming.

Why are we letting HDDs get a pass? Why are we making the game worse for everyone because a handful of people won't spend $25 to make a few of their favorite games load 50x quicker?