BioWare today announced Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut, a downloadable content pack that will expand upon the events at the end of the highly acclaimed, and highly criticized action RPG.
The free Extended Cut DLC will give fans "seeking further clarity" a more defined ending of Mass Effect 3 and "deeper insights" into how their personal journey concludes.
“We are all incredibly proud of Mass Effect 3 and the work done by Casey Hudson and team,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder of BioWare and General Manager of EA’s BioWare Label. “Since launch, we have had time to listen to the feedback from our most passionate fans and we are responding. With the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut we think we have struck a good balance in delivering the answers players are looking for while maintaining the team’s artistic vision for the end of this story arc in the Mass Effect universe.”
It's likely that this Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut is a direct response to fans so angered by the original ending of Mass Effect 3, which not only let many of the franchise's fans down, but stirred up so much controversy that many players began a petition for BioWare to create a new ending. The protest, which raised over $80,000 for the gaming charity Child's Play, officially ended March 23rd after the group proclaimed "victory". I suppose now, Mass Effect fans really can claim victory as they will hopefully get their desired ending.
“We have reprioritized our post-launch development efforts to provide the fans who want more closure with even more context and clarity to the ending of the game, in a way that will feel more personalized for each player," explained Casey Hudson, Mass Effect Executive Producer.
Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will be released this summer and will be available for download on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC for no extra charge. Fans have until April 12, 2014 before the offer for the free DLC expires.
