Mass Effect 3 Writer Allegedly Slams Controversial Ending

[Karathos]

Why would Casey Hudson think for a second he could write the ending to a fucking trilogy? I've seen some dumb moves in my days.. but god. Hudson, pal, friend, dudette. Leave the writing to the writers.

Infact hire better writers cause the writing quality in ME3 was abysmal.

I think the universe is about to implode because I 100% absolutely agree with you on this one, Zeel.

If this is a real post - if it turns out that everything else was reviewed by the other writers on the staff, but the ending wasn't... Then Casey Hudson just fucked Bioware so hard they're going to need to spend their next game budget on soothing cream and therapy.

I will monitor this situation closely. Heck, if someone gets more info on this one way or another, PM the link/thread to me please!

 

[Paladin2905]

That post wasn't fake. They're trying to protect their asses. The post was too well thought out and well written to be fake.

My thoughts exactly. I find it hard to believe that anybody would write up a faux post with that much eloquence and detail.

Of course even if it was fake; it speaks volumes that so many people would immediately jump on and believe it! Even if it were a complete fabrication I think most people would agree that the writing style at the end of ME3 made a huge shift sideways, like the warm water suddenly stopping in the shower. In most media, even twist endings usually preserve the same style. This post has all the hallmarks of a good urban legend (specifically it sounds completely plausible and fits with our observations).

In the end... it probably won't matter if the post were fake or not- it is what people are expecting to hear.

 

[Jitters Caffeine]

Sounds like someone just committed professional suicide... Shouldn't he know the unwritten rule of working in an industry like this? You never criticize the project, no matter how controversial. Did Harrison Ford talk bad about Crystal Skull? No. He went into every interview, put on that big "shit eating grin" and answered the questions he was asked. When Shia LeBouf was quoted as saying the movie was terrible, Ford basically called him an asshole and said you should never second guess the director if you personally don't have the power or pull to do anything about it.

No matter my personal feelings about the endings are, my only response to this is, "Good luck getting another job in the industry asshole".

 

[Deadyawn]

I'm not an authority or anything. I don't pretend to understand how these sorts of things work. Take my words as the baseless opinions that they are. However, the few creative endeavors I have been apart of didn't work like that. If people were invested in it then they would want to know what was going on and what everyone else was doing. And they would complain (a LOT) if they didn't like it.
I'm not saying this is impossible but it seems really wierd to me. Why would no one have known about the ending? And if they did, why would they have not made any objections? I don't know but it just seems a bit off is all I'm saying.
If Hudson and Walters really did write the whole thing by themselves then they deserve all the hate and vitriol the internet can supply (which is a lot). That is just really dumb. However I find that hard to believe.
I'd rather refrain from blaming them before we know what happened or at least have a bit more evidence to back it up. Benefit of the doubt and all that.

All I'm saying is, game development generally functions like almost any other business. In some places more-so than others, but that's the general idea. The business interest will trump the creative interest vast majority of the time. Which means that if you're told by someone higher up in the chain of command to do/not do something, you're going to comply. Generally, of course. There's always nuance.

Now, I'm not exactly jumping on Casey's back and blaming the whole ending thing on him. I have more of a feeling that the problem is way simpler and less conspiratory. The budget wasn't big enough. The ways he went about trying to sidestep the problem ("Oh, we're so artsy, aren't we! Sparking debate as we did!") and such I still have a problem with, but it would take a seriously disturbed game director to go that way about the ending of the trilogy without either being ordered to or being really desperate. No sane game developer would show so much contempt for their audience and their own creation after so much work has been put into it.

Not buying the objection thing. Unless you're working in some indie team that has a super-friendly work environment to it, there's no reason to believe Casey had any obligation to listen to the other writers. Especially after Draw Karpyshyn leaving, and some other BioWare writer before him, who basically came out and said that BioWare is nothing like it used to be.

I'd much more readily give the benefit of the doubt to someone speaking out against the industry than someone frothing at the mouth in defense of it, simply because such a thing is so rare to come by these days. You almost never hear anything negative from developers' mouths, it's all PR-speak and circle jerking each other. And it isn't even restricted to developers and publishers covering their own behinds, either. Practically every other developer who says anything on the subject jumps straight to their defense, as, also, does almost every gaming news outlet.

Don't take this as me railing on you. I'm generally in agreement, just speaking my mind.

Same here really. While I would probably side with Weekes if pressed, I feel obliged to play devils advocate. The forums here have not been kind to bioware recently and whether they deserve it or not I feel like there should be a little more balance. It's just that people tend to latch on to these things and jump to conclusions. It doesn't seem quite fair.

Basically, I'd personally take any accusations of bioware at this time with a grain of salt.

 

[XandNobody]

Sounds like someone just committed professional suicide... Shouldn't he know the unwritten rule of working in an industry like this? You never criticize the project, no matter how controversial. Did Harrison Ford talk bad about Crystal Skull? No. He went into every interview, put on that big "shit eating grin" and answered the questions he was asked. When Shia LeBouf was quoted as saying the movie was terrible, Ford basically called him an asshole and said you should never second guess the director if you personally don't have the power or pull to do anything about it.

No matter my personal feelings about the endings are, my only response to this is, "Good luck getting another job in the industry asshole".

So, loyal > truth.

You know what, I'd meant this post to mock that notion, but even if I hate it, that's right. We are at a point where loyalty to a company (that has no loyalty to you, mind) is prized more than the truth, if not in rhetoric, certainly on paper, and in the ability to make money for your family.

This is why I find myself hoping this was fake, even when my heart says it wasn't. This is simply because I don't want someone fired for actually having scruples, even when I'm glad he had them, or maybe because I'm glad he had them.

 

[Frozen Fox]

Wow, i honestly hoped that this was true i mean it feels like the story just changes to another totally different story you meet the star child. I was like i was watching Lord of the Rings then Sam yells out "Frodo" But is son nothing like Sam and it shouldent beacuse he has been replace by Darth Vader and the next words are "I am you father" and Frodo is all NOOOOOOOOOOOO! and they kill the Emperor and you are all The fuck just happened?

 

[The Ubermensch]

I don't see, at this point, why they just don't go, "Oh, It was indoctrination theory ALL THE TIME", even if it wasn't and then 800 BW points for the "Real" endings in two months time. Even if it wasn't their plan, lie and say it was, ME will be know forever for the PR stunt with critical acclaim, more so if it was free.

What gives credence to the writers backlash is that, and i know some would disagree, the endings ATM are so-far-below the abilities of the Mass Effect writing staff, and even if you think that its about on par, then the style is all wrong. Bad guys monologue is interrupted by Shepard's over wrought dialogue, not Shepard going "Eyup".

I cant accept the people who made Liara give me nonstop bedroom eyes gave me that ending, the only answer was that two people were in a room, taking acid, tripping balls and going "Nah man, the endings to awesome, we're gonna blow some minds, change it!"

 

[Canadish]

Sounds like someone just committed professional suicide... Shouldn't he know the unwritten rule of working in an industry like this? You never criticize the project, no matter how controversial. Did Harrison Ford talk bad about Crystal Skull? No. He went into every interview, put on that big "shit eating grin" and answered the questions he was asked. When Shia LeBouf was quoted as saying the movie was terrible, Ford basically called him an asshole and said you should never second guess the director if you personally don't have the power or pull to do anything about it.

No matter my personal feelings about the endings are, my only response to this is, "Good luck getting another job in the industry asshole".

Why the hell is he an asshole for being truthful and exposing this?

Are you seriously suggesting that loyalty to a company is better than the Truth?

Harrison Ford is the only ass in your example by picking on the kid who was genuinely sorry for his part in the self-destruction of a once beloved franchise.

That takes alot humility. And ALOT of balls.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Casey is really smart and really analytical. And the problem is that when he's not checked, he will assume that other people are like him, and will really appreciate an almost completely unemotional intellectual ending.

Everyone, Casey is now the new Peter Molyneux.

A pity that he didn't have the same sort of talent of pre injecting-pure-crazy-into-his-eyes Molyneux (aka Bullfrog era Molyneux)

 

[drednoahl]

I posted this in another thread - should have posted it here, to me it makes more sense.


I watched the endings to Mass Effect 3 on youtube and thought "this is what happened to Bioware when EA got them - good team scattered or merged with something alien, all infrastructure wrecked, small team left on their own with no means to communicate... with a threat that everything will get smashed up again in a few years; regardless the team strives to endure missing those who departed. I don't think it's giving the middle finger to fans - it's giving the middle finger to EA.

I think that Bioware want fans to make a choice for them - the end that matters. At least to me, the endings to Mass Effect 3 are a cry for help from the remains of the Bioware team; under EA their future is hopeless, they need to get out but don't know a way. I could be accused of "reaching" here, but I know enough devs in real life to that it would be something they'd do if they worked for someone like EA where you can't complain and your very thoughts belong to EA.

If I was a fan of Bioware, I'd be on kickstarter right now trying to find a way for Bioware to get out from under EA.

 

[Benjamin Grin]

The creators and proponents of that petition may feel that they were turning a negative into a positive by channeling that rage and discontent into charity donations, but the link can go both ways, and few charities would want to be viewed as being associated with rage and discontent. It was a well intended idea that was executed without fully considering the possible consequences.

So, what you're saying is that BioWare can use charities for PR and to sell more products as they did in the past e.g.:
http://www.vg247.com/2011/04/18/bioware-charity-auction-for-japan-relief-fund-offers-awesome-prizes/
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/114827-Children-Become-Voice-Actors-in-Hilarious-Dragon-Age-Video
http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/02/biowares-dr-ray-muzyka-responds-to-the-bullies/
http://blog.bioware.com/2009/12/15/dragon-age-origins-ebay-auction-for-childs-play-charity/
http://greywardens.com/2009/12/bioware-child%E2%80%99s-play-and-the-gift-of-the-yeti/ (Even Child's Play)

Today on the BioWare Blog they ask Dragon Age fans to help them raise $10,000 for a charitable donation to ?Child?s Play?, by playing their Facebook application called Gift of the Yeti. You play and BioWare will pay.

But as soon as consumers do it, there's somehow a negative light?

They also don't seem to have a problem with people promoting Mass Effect: http://masseffect.g33kwatch.com/news/mass-effect-marathon-2-5-schedule-for-may/

Somehow I'm not inclined to believe that there is nothing else behind this... but that might just be the cynical side of me...

Child's Play aren't taking any more money from it because people were asking for their money back. People thought this was essentially a kick-starter, and when they found out it wasn't, said "Why the fuck should sick kids get shit when I don't?" A charity turning down money? Yeh, that'd be weird. A charity instituting a policy of "Charity must be the cause, not something to hang a cause on" is not so weird, especially, and I don't think I can possibly overstat this, people were asking for their money back.

So, yeah, there was something else behind it. It was the fact that, say it with me, people were askign for their money back. If you read Tycho's newspost, that you were linked to, you'd see that.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Bad guys monologue is interrupted by Shepard's over wrought dialogue

Or a Renegade Interrupt.

Kick the little fucker in his tiny holographic balls and toss him into the Crucible beam.

GALACTIC CIVILISATION SAVED!

 

[The Ubermensch]

Bad guys monologue is interrupted by Shepard's over wrought dialogue

Or a Renegade Interrupt.

Kick the little fucker in his tiny holographic balls and toss him into the Crucible beam.

GALACTIC CIVILISATION SAVED!

Or Paragon Interrupt, and Shepard spends the next 30 minutes making out with Liara. NOW THAT'S ART!

I Support Paragon Interrupt Kisses... With Liara

 

[Something Amyss]

According to Casey Hudson the post was fake.

Really, A massive info leak that basically tells the infuriated masses "Casey's to blame!" and the first thing Casey does is try to cover his arse? Either someone on the outside knows an awful lot about the inner workings of Bioware's writing team or the situation in there is just as tense and chaotic as out here.

On the other hand, any post from a Bioware writer could equally be attributed to ass-covering. Let's not take a side so readily, when both sides would have reason to cover asses.

 

[Fappy]

According to Casey Hudson the post was fake.

Really, A massive info leak that basically tells the infuriated masses "Casey's to blame!" and the first thing Casey does is try to cover his arse? Either someone on the outside knows an awful lot about the inner workings of Bioware's writing team or the situation in there is just as tense and chaotic as out here.

On the other hand, any post from a Bioware writer could equally be attributed to ass-covering. Let's not take a side so readily, when both sides would have reason to cover asses.

I'm not so sure about this. If he was covering his ass he would not have traded fan anger for employer anger. Unless he was a fucking masochist.

 

[tzimize]

Very Interesting read OP.

I can totally believe it, although I dont see how that help with anything unfortunately.

At least its keeping this conflict alive, and anything that gives me hope for a decent ending is something I'll care about.

 

[Jitters Caffeine]

Why the hell is he an asshole for being truthful and exposing this?

Are you seriously suggesting that loyalty to a company is better than the Truth?

Harrison Ford is the only ass in your example by picking on the kid who was genuinely sorry for his part in the self-destruction of a once beloved franchise.

That takes alot humility. And ALOT of balls.

I didn't say I agreed with the situation. I'm merely stating the fact, no matter how gruesome or unfair it is. The guy has effectively ended his career as a writer in this medium, no matter his intentions, good or bad.

So, loyal > truth.

You know what, I'd meant this post to mock that notion, but even if I hate it, that's right. We are at a point where loyalty to a company (that has no loyalty to you, mind) is prized more than the truth, if not in rhetoric, certainly on paper, and in the ability to make money for your family.

This is why I find myself hoping this was fake, even when my heart says it wasn't. This is simply because I don't want someone fired for actually having scruples, even when I'm glad he had them, or maybe because I'm glad he had them.

Unfortunately, that's just how the business is. Gotta play the game if you want to work. Morals aren't what studios value.

 

[Loonerinoes]

Very interesting read...and to be honest...this doesn't read like some fanboy or detractor making it up. It does, in fact, read very much like from whom it is speculated.

Though obviously nothing is 100% confirmed. But yeah, it's pretty much the reason why I feel it would be okay to add (without any retcons) something to that ending without the story losing any bit of integrity (specifically right after Anderson's death and Shepard passing out after Hackett calls you for the last time).

Intriguing indeed. But as usual I can see people using this to validate their personal opinions and goals in either direction so...let the madness continue I guess.

 

[Sandytimeman]

I really like reading through this, it makes things very clear as to what happened with the story.

 

[McMullen]

Sounds like someone just committed professional suicide... Shouldn't he know the unwritten rule of working in an industry like this? You never criticize the project, no matter how controversial. Did Harrison Ford talk bad about Crystal Skull? No. He went into every interview, put on that big "shit eating grin" and answered the questions he was asked. When Shia LeBouf was quoted as saying the movie was terrible, Ford basically called him an asshole and said you should never second guess the director if you personally don't have the power or pull to do anything about it.

No matter my personal feelings about the endings are, my only response to this is, "Good luck getting another job in the industry asshole".

How does that make him an asshole? Yeah, it's not good for the people making the movie or game, but it's good for the people who are considering watching the movie or purchasing the game. He's warning them not to waste their time and money with it. He's helping more people than he's hurting.

Besides, the movie makers and game makers who produce bad work are not victims. If they get called on doing bad work, that's their own problem. If they want to avoid it, they need only have some actual fucking talent. If they consistently fail to do so, then they need to recognize that they don't belong in that industry.

I agree that he shouldn't expect things to be easy for him after this, but he's doing the consumers a service, and I respect him for having the courage to point out how things went wrong.

I'd like you to consider how different and better the entertainment industry would be for the consumer if this sort of thing were normal before calling him an asshole.