BioWare acknowledges fan feedback on Mass Effect 3 ending

In the ongoing saga of BioWare versus internet rage, Mass Effect 3 director Casey Hudson has posted a statement over on the company’s forums, addressing criticisms and complaints about the game’s controversial finish, and reassuring people that everything is going to be okay.

“We always intended that the scale of the conflict and the underlying theme of sacrifice would lead to a bitter-sweet ending – to do otherwise would betray the agonizing decisions Shepard had to make along the way. Still, we wanted to give players the chance to experience an inspiring and uplifting ending; in a story where you face a hopeless struggle for basic survival, we see the final moments and imagery as offering victory and hope in the context of sacrifice and reflection,” he said.

“But we also recognize that some of our most passionate fans needed more closure, more answers, and more time to say goodbye to their stories – and these comments are equally valid. Player feedback such as this has always been an essential ingredient in the development of the series.”

Adding that the development of the series has always been “a shared experience between the development team and our fans”, Hudson explained that BioWare would continue to support Mass Effect 3 with more content releases.

“And we’ll keep listening, because your insights and constructive feedback will help determine what that content should be,” he said. “This is not the last you’ll hear of Commander Shepard.”

Last week, there were rumours that BioWare would be launching a DLC add-on in April called “The Truth”, which would be the “real ending”. BioWare has neither confirmed nor denied the rumour, although it sounds a bit too good to be true. Maybe “good” isn’t the right word. Maybe “trollish” is.