Mass Effect 3 Devs Exploring Alternative Endings
Mass Effect 3 developers BioWare have moved to address gamer criticism of the ending of the much-anticipated title, promising more answers to players' lingering frustrations at how the trilogy ends in April. BioWare co-founder Dr Ray Muzkya took to the company's official blog to publicly acknowledge the furore, revealing that the game's developers "are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions, providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey."
"Building on their research, Exec Producer Casey Hudson and the team are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions, providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey. You'll hear more on this in April. We're working hard to maintain the right balance between the artistic integrity of the original story while addressing the fan feedback we've received. This is in addition to our existing plan to continue providing new Mass Effect content and new full games, so rest assured that your journey in the Mass Effect universe can, and will, continue" Dr Ray Muzkya, co-founder, BioWare
Some players had been vocal in their complaints about how Mass Effect 3 concluded, arguing that BioWare had promised far more in the way of depth and interest from what appeared to be a markedly customized conclusion depending on gameplay through the title. In fact, they say, the actual ending was trite and shallow, and did not live up to the claims of the developers.
Exactly what changes Hudson and the Mass Effect 3 team are planning is unclear at this stage, though they have something of a challenge ahead to keep everybody satisfied. Part of the issue is that gamers themselves may well not know what they want in terms of closure.
"Some of the criticism that has been delivered in the heat of passion by our most ardent fans, even if founded on valid principles, such as seeking more clarity to questions or looking for more closure, for example – has unfortunately become destructive rather than constructive. We listen and will respond to constructive criticism, but much as we will not tolerate individual attacks on our team members, we will not support or respond to destructive commentary" Dr Ray Muzkya
Muzkya does not address the companion complaints about downloadable content (DLC) which, some critics argued, was prioritized as a money-spinning venture to the detriment of the core game. The co-founder's comments about "destructive rather than constructive" criticism seems to address that more heated feedback.