Today BioWare received a tasty delivery: 402 custom-made cupcakes and a letter that pokes fun at the ending to Mass Effect 3.
An organization of fans recently purchased the cupcakes to send to the BioWare office in Edmonton, Canada. The effort was meant to call attention to the fans' disappointment with the Mass Effect 3 ending but also to thank the company for creating such an enjoyable series. The group wanted "to add some more 'sweet' to their 'bittersweet' ending."
Chris Priestly, community manager of the BioWare forums, posted the following in response:
The gesture certainly gained our attention both with its creativity and deliciousness. However, while we do appreciate that fans were creative in how they expressed their views, after a lot of discussion, we decided ultimately the reason that they were sent was not done in the context of celebrating the work or accomplishment of the Mass Effect 3 team. This is a subtle, but important aspect in determining how to pass the feedback to the team.
BioWare regularly works with many deserving charities, as such it was decided that rather than passing out the cupcakes to staff or wasting good food, to donate them on behalf of our fans to a local Edmonton youth shelter. We know that for the kids that have to use this facility, something as simple as a cupcake is a rare treat and would definitely brighten up their day. Thank you to the fine folks at the local youth shelter for accepting the donation and to the fans who donated the cupcakes.
Please keep providing your feedback on Mass Effect 3, we’re still listening.
The alphabetized cupcakes might have rubbed at a sore wound for BioWare, but at least the company responded with grace.
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