140°

Why Mass Effect Is The Best Science Fiction Series in Recent Gaming History

On Valentine’s Day, in a bid to complicate human relationships everywhere, the eminent video game developer Bioware released the demo for Mass Effect 3. The game doesn’t drop until the first week of March, but the Texas-based company has gone against convention and released an all-out demo a full week in advance. It’s much appreciated—the developer-side and PR concerns with a demo are so huge that hardly anyone bothers—and entirely appropriate, given Bioware’s status as a throwback company. In an age when gaming seems to be roaring towards Angry Birds and other casual fare, they’ve kept their commitment to thoughtful, plot-intensive products.

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thinkprogress.org
NewMonday4874d ago

because the writer doesn't read/watch much Sci-Fi

Peppy la Moca4874d ago

The article is talking about sci-fi universes in gaming. Either way, I prefer the Deus Ex universe. Reminds me a lot of Ghost In The Shell/Bladerunner. Deus Ex also has a noir feel to it which is more similar to Bladerunner.

What I don't like about the Mass Effect universe is the fact that almost every race is humanoid (with the exception of the Hanar I think).

Also think they missed a good opportunity to diversify and de-humanize the universe with audible alien languages. Some "communicator" that translates everything to english is kinda lame.

All this would be fine if the universe wasn't accessible on an intergalactic level.

Blacktric4874d ago (Edited 4874d ago )

"What I don't like about the Mass Effect universe is the fact that almost every race is humanoid (with the exception of the Hanar I think)."

Hanar, Elcor, Rachni, Keepers, Raloi, Thresher Maw, Varren, Pyjacks, The Thorian, Klixen, Harvesters. The list goes on. There's also a race called Virtual Aliens that transferred their consciousness to the supercomputers of a starship in order to survive the annihilation of their planet by a supernova. But not much is known about them or their physiology. There are also other cryptic races.

http://masseffect.wikia.com...

Godmars2904874d ago

I'll agree, but only because the benchmark so is low to non existent.

greyhaven334873d ago

Love Mass Effect, all you people who like to hate, come up with something better if your so creative

HK64871d ago

The author has clearly not played, read, or watched anything Halo-related.

80°

Inside the ‘Dragon Age’ Debacle That Gutted EA’s BioWare Studio

The latest game in BioWare’s fantasy role-playing series went through ten years of development turmoil

In early November, on the eve of the crucial holiday shopping season, staffers at the video-game studio BioWare were feeling optimistic. After an excruciating development cycle, they had finally released their latest game, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the early reception was largely positive. The role-playing game was topping sales charts on Steam, and solid, if not spectacular, reviews were rolling in.

HyperMoused16d ago

Its easy they called the die hard fans people in their nerd caves who will buy anything and then went woke to reach modern audiences....insulting the nerds in their caves along the way showing utter contempt for their fan base. very hapy it failed and any company who insults their fan base and treat their customers with contempt and insults, in future, i also hope fail.

neutralgamer199216d ago

It’s disappointing but not surprising to see what's happening with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the broader situation at BioWare. The layoffs are tragic — no one wants to see talented developers lose their jobs. But when studios repeatedly create games that alienate their own fanbase, outcomes like this become unfortunately predictable.

There’s a pattern we’re seeing far too often: beloved franchises are revived, only to be reshaped into something almost unrecognizable. Changes are made that no one asked for, often at the expense of what originally made these games special. Then, when long-time fans express concern or lose interest, they’re told, “This game might not be for you.” But when those same fans heed that advice and don’t buy the game, suddenly they're labeled as toxic, sexist, bigoted, or worse.

Let’s be clear: the overwhelming majority of gamers have no issue with diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, or strong female leads. In fact, some of the most iconic characters in gaming — like Aloy, Ellie, or FemShep — are proof that inclusivity and excellent storytelling can and do go hand in hand. The issue arises when diversity feels performative, forced, or disconnected from the narrative — when characters or themes are inserted not to serve the story, but to satisfy a corporate DEI checklist. Audiences can tell the difference.

When studios chase approval from a vocal minority that often doesn’t even buy games — while simultaneously dismissing loyal fans who actually do — they risk not just the success of individual titles, but the health of their entire studio. Telling your core customers “don’t buy it if you don’t like it” is not a viable business strategy. Because guess what? Many of us won’t. And when the game fails commercially, blaming those very fans for not supporting it is both unfair and self-defeating.

Gamers aren’t asking for less diversity or less progress. We’re asking for better writing, thoughtful character development, and a respect for the franchises we’ve supported for decades. When you give people great games that speak to them — whether they’re old fans or new players — they will show up. But if you keep making games for people who don’t play them, don’t be surprised when those who do stop showing up

Armaggedon15d ago

I thought the writing and character development were fine. Sometimes things just dont resonate with people.

60°

EA Isn’t Changing Pricing Strategy for Now After Nintendo & Xbox Announce $80 Games

EA just hosted its quarterly financial conference call, and its executives have been asked to comment about the recent price hikes for games.

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simulationdaily.com
50°

Electronic Arts Claims "Strong" End of Fiscal Year as Split Fiction Has Sold Nearly 4 Million Units

Today, Electronic Arts announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2025, alongside the full year.
Split Fiction has sold nearly 4 million copies, and the next battlefield is confirmed for a release by March 2026 with a reveal this Summer.

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simulationdaily.com