BioWare Will NOT Change Mass Effect 3’s Ending

BioWare is standing behind the controversial (some say “convoluted”) ending to its blockbuster Mass Effect trilogy, refusing to change it, despite the pleading and demanding of its fans. But they are going to release an “Extended Cut” DLC that expands on the ending.

Call it the best of both worlds: BioWare gets to hold onto its creative integrity, proving that the creator (rightly) gets the final say in his or her art; meanwhile, fans get their concerns addressed with a free downloadable content pack. The developer says that Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will “offer extended scenes that provide additional context and deeper insight” to the finale.

I risk repeating myself with this, but it’s worth being clear about such a contested topic: BioWare is not changing the game’s ending. What they are doing is giving fans the closure they crave. They’re doing this with additional cinematics and epilogue scenes (which sounds to these ears like content you’ll watch instead of play). But where these scenes will be inserted — be it before, after, or even during the final scenes in the game — you’ll have to wait and see.

Specifically, BioWare says the “Extended Cut” DLC will answer lingering questions and mysteries in the overall story, flesh out the series finale to provide fans with a more personalized ending that offers greater closure, and give greater insights into the conclusion of Commander Shepard’s journey. The good news is that this DLC will be free for all Mass Effect 3 owners. The not-so-good news is that if you still aren’t satisfied after this DLC pack is released, then that’s your too bad, ’cause while more DLC is planned beyond “Extended Cut,” none of it will relate to the end of the game.

“Extended Cut” will be available sometime this summer. Players will have until April of 2014 to snatch the DLC pack for free; after that, it’ll cost ya.

And that’s the way it is.