BioWare On ME3 DLC: Created After Main Game Was Complete
Mass Effect 3Yes, we're aware of the common gamer complaint: "If there's DLC so soon, why didn't it just go in the game? You're ripping us off!"
We imagine that for game makers, "you're ripping us off" is an annoyingly common complaint among people who aren't quite familiar with the concept of game development. Therefore, BioWare executive producer Casey Hudson tried to explain how the day-one DLC for Mass Effect 3, From Ashes, came about.
As it turns out, that content was created after the main game was complete. Here's what Hudson wrote on his Twitter page:
"On [Mass Effect 3], content creators completed the game in January & moved onto the "From Ashes" DLC, free w/ the [Collector's Edition] or you can buy separately..."
He also added:
"It takes about 3 months from 'content complete' to bug-fix, certify, manufacture, and ship game discs. In that time we work on DLC. DLC has fast [certification] and no [manufacturing], so if a team works very hard, they can get a DLC done in time to enjoy it with your first playthrough on day one."
The From Ashes DLC features a Prothean squad mate, a new mission that takes place on Eden Prime, a new weapon, and even an alternate appearance option for each member of your team. You'll grab this if you pick up the Collector's Edition. The DLC will be available on launch day - hence the term, "day-one DLC" - and as you all know, that's March 6.
Related Game(s): Mass Effect 3
Tags: me3, mass effect 3, bioware, me3 dlc, from ashes
2/23/2012 10:20:18 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (22 posts)
robinhood2010
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 3:19:47 AM
1 up, 0 down
xenris
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 10:49:57 AM
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Maybe they planned it for day one DLC a long time ago, but still this kind of practice is sketchy and I don't like the DLC model.
People can say what they want and how you don't need to buy it, but A LOT of the time companies don't release a full product, and then try and nickle and dime you for the next 6-12 months only to release a game of the year edition for 1/3rd of the price that you paid for it.
Seems like a brilliant way to reward your day one customers.
8 up, 4 down
Neo_Aeon666
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 6:21:53 PM
2 up, 1 down
oldmike
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 1:41:48 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ultimadream
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 10:59:58 AM
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7 up, 4 down
CrusaderForever
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 11:01:29 AM
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6 up, 2 down
robinhood2010
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 3:18:58 AM
Bioware finished the game. They then started on DLC. Yes, it is finished by the time the disc is going to press and is available on day 1.
But if they wanted to include this in the retail disc, we would be waiting another 3 months. Yes, Collecter's Edition gets it, but isn't that what they are for? EXTRA stuff?
Using the argument of an "incomplete game", it would never see the light of day.
Imagine: COD and the map packs.
Uncharted with the extra co-op missions.
Dragon Age with the loads of DLC that got.
All DLC is planned. I sincerly doubt any game developer has just sat down and created DLC on a whim.
Nobody seems to complain about aforementioned DLC unless it is on day one.
I figure you moan about DLC in its entirety, or not all.
Personally, I'm all for playing the games I love a bit longer.
1 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 11:01:41 AM
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Man, I can be such a downer sometimes. But really, elite franchises need to perform like an elite franchise. =p
4 up, 2 down
Nickjcal
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 4:27:53 PM
1 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 12:45:42 AM
With that in mind, I really can't way to play ME3.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 2/24/2012 12:49:30 AM
4 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 11:11:13 AM
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3 up, 3 down
berserk
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 11:47:48 AM
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So there is just no way to know for sure , therefore people use the easiest answer "they are ripping us off " .
1 up, 1 down
Oxvial
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 2:27:03 PM
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1 up, 0 down
TheAgingHipster
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 3:19:38 PM
1 up, 0 down
TheAgingHipster
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 3:25:41 PM
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Plus, given that it's free with the Collector's Edition, it's rather like a special bonus for those gamers willing to spend the extra for the special edition, and others have to pay extra to get it. I don't see anything wrong with it. They're in business to make money, and if this does it and keeps the AAA titles rolling out of BioWare, I say more power to 'em.
Last edited by TheAgingHipster on 2/23/2012 3:27:35 PM
4 up, 2 down
coverton341
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 3:30:21 PM
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No, they aren't making anyone buy it, but think on it logically for a second and you'll realise that having a Prothean member of your team seems like it would be an integral part of the story of this game series. Release it on day one just because it happened to be thought up and made after the entire main story was completely wrapped up? I don't think that the game and story developers of ME just happened to think this DLC up after the main story.
Sorry, I'm just not buying into this response from them. But, at the same time I'm not sure that it is Bioware to blame as much as it's EA trying to monetise this game as much as possible. I understand a company needs to make money but this seems like straight up greed.
</rant>
4 up, 1 down
___________
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 5:11:24 AM
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no one will ever know though, so nothing you can do really.
4 up, 0 down
gray_eagle
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 6:08:40 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Ludakriss
Friday, February 24, 2012 @ 6:38:08 PM
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It might be genuine but it still comes in a form of "buy it, or you won't have it"(except of course, if you get this with Ltd Edition).
So of course it'll anger gamers. I mean. Give them a chance to play the stand-alone content first, maybe?
0 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Reply
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 10:38:52 AM