Questionable conclusion

Disgruntled Mass Effect fans have now raised over $66,000 for US charity Child’s Play regarding the ending of Mass Effect 3. The paid petition – which now has over 3,000 signatures – launched just under a week ago and has taken the video game industry by storm. The demand of its supporters is for BioWare to consider fleshing out the ending to Mass Effect 3.

The petition reads:

We would like to dispel the perception that we are angry or entitled. We simply wish to express our hope that there could be a different direction for a series we have all grown to love.

In response to the petition’s overwhelming support, franchise director Casey Hudson has written a short epistle designed to reassure fans regarding developer BioWare’s commitment to the Mass Effect franchise:

For us and for you, Mass Effect 3 had to live up to a lot of expectations, not only for a great gaming experience, but for a resolution to the countless storylines and decisions you've made as a player since the journey began in 2007. So we designed Mass Effect 3 to be a series of endings to key plots and storylines, each culminating in scenes that show you the consequences of your actions. You then carry the knowledge of these consequences with you as you complete the final moments of your journey.

Hudson continued that Mass Effect 3’s ending was designed to give players an “uplifting” conclusion, but he was keen to emphasise that the story is far from over yet:

Throughout the next year, we will support Mass Effect 3 by working on new content. And we'll keep listening, because your insights and constructive feedback will help determine what that content should be. This is not the last you'll hear of Commander Shepard.

What were your thoughts on the ending to Mass Effect 3? Did it live up to expectations, or are you disappointed with how things resolved?

[source social.bioware.com]