Ok this is another general post. Will be in response to some people, and in other ways just trying to grasp the issue in general.
Yes, resources spent on multiplayer could have gone to multiplayer. Except for the fact they wouldn't have. Developers have to come up with a production cost estimation, just like music and film production companies. These costs include the payments to the individuals, the equipment and programs, etc. Sometimes the property goes under budget, other times it can go over budget. If under budget, then that could lead to bonuses or DLC. The studio could request more funding, but anything less than a AAA project will usually have to get cut down to make up the cost.
The point here is that for what Bioware was doing with the campaign, they would have been given the same resources for it if there was no multiplayer, due to the esitimated cost outline submitted by the Edmonton office. That is why there is usually a lengthy pre-production phase, sometimes preceding the release of the former title of the series (ME3 pre-production began before the release of ME2). A rough script, engine mod outlines, programming outlines, cast list...all of these go towards the estimated budget that the Edmonton (Hope I'm not butchering the name) office pitched.
Second point is the misunderstanding of what the co-op missions are. They, to my knowledge, take place in the same areas present in the campaign (Future DLC aside). The war assets gained take time, probably relying on not only the success of the 'mission', but also the level of your character and overall success with the map. Also, ME1 and ME2 choices do NOT affect the co-op missions.
There has been nowhere stating that G@W will have exclusive cutscenes, dialogue, etc...to my knowledge. All it is is an alternative experience to those who want to play the asset missions in multiplayer in a horde-type mode. And as someone stated earlier, the multiplayer in no way detracts from the experience in the campaign; it supports it. I do wonder though, if I lose the asset in campaign and gain it in multiplayer, or vice versa, do I still have the asset or since I participated in both I have to gain the asset in both?
The mod community of Mass Effect is, to be honest, small in comparison to the game's total fan base. Yes, the same can be said for the inclusion of multiplayer as well. However, Bioware needs the anti-mod tools due to multiplayer. I doubt their engine has the...molding(?) capabilities of Steam's Source engine when it comes to multiplayer. I'm sure if the community wants it, Bioware will provide down the line. But right out the gate? Don't count on it.
Again, if you are totally for or against multiplayer in ME3, then there won't be any argument accepted that doesn't coincide with your own. But what can both sides do?
Instead of arguing over there being multiplayer in the game (it's here to stay, deal with it), how about we work on making sure the Bioware team knows what we as a community want with it? :innocent: Want split screen? Voice it on here and twitter. Feel like it shouldn't include important story elements (it won't) not included in the campaign? Let it be heard.
And really, we need to stop the pulling info from the sunless hole on our seats. Unless it is confirmed, please make it known that it is your opinion or prediction. People are upset/uneasy enough without a bunch of malarkey floating around on top of it.
Again, sorry for probably the upteenth long post. It just seemed to be getting a bit crazy.