Mass Effect 3 publisher struck by FTC complaints over game ending

The multiple endings of Mass Effect 3 have angered fans enough for some to file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In a post on the BioWare Social Network forums, user El_Spike told others that the "terrible ending" of the game led to his actions.

"This is not something I was happy to do, but after the terrible ending that was in no way the product that had been advertised to me and the lack of any kind of response from BioWare/EA to address this, I felt it was one of my only recourses. I'll be returning my copy of the game before the end of my 30 day return policy if the ending still hasn't been addressed by then," the user wrote.

"Filed a Better Business Bureau complaint as well. The BBB will at the very least notify EA of any complaints they receive, so every complaint filed is something that EA will hear about."

The user pointed to another forum post laying out a number of claims made in developer interviews. Many players believe those claims were not represented in the final product.

"After reading through the list of promises about the ending of the game they made in their advertising campaign and PR interviews, it was clear that the product we got did not live up to any of those claims," wrote El_Spiko.

BioWare tackled some of the fan outrage in a post on its forums this weekend, noting that further content could be added to the game to augment the original ending.

(Caution readers: light spoilers here.)

"We always intended that the scale of the conflict and the underlying theme of sacrifice would lead to a bittersweet 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," wrote Mass Effect 3 executive producer Casey Hudson.

"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."

"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," Hudson said.

[Via GamePur]