9976 réponses à ce sujet

[ApophisGoauld]

Militarized wrote...

I was playing ME2 instead, since I like playing... you know.. a wholy satisfying experience.

I envy you, because I can't play even ME1... I am too sad for playing any ME game...

[ArcanistLibram]

atghunter wrote...

Greetings All,
 
First, I’m flattered someone would repost this. Many thanks. 
 
A couple follow-up thoughts for those wondering what is likely going on with the other side of the mirror in the last couple days:
 
 

Once again, highly informative. Thank you.

[Immelman]

Holding the line.

[RiGoRmOrTiS_UK]

thanks for the insight atghunter; sounds like your on the right train of thought!

[Andur4]

Good read. Gonna keep posting on the forums about the endings. Can't let this die down.

[Bachuck]

atghunter wrote...
 
First, I’m flattered someone would repost this. Many thanks.  

atghunter, you are very welcomed.

Honestly, it is I who should thank you. Your post yesterday illuminated what I feared was going to transpire and lookie here, it's come to pass this weekend with the Operation: Goliath event. 

That's why I HAD to repost it today in its own thread. Everyone needed to see it. As I said earlier, someone should put it on the facebook "Retake ME3" page. Every ME fan who feels cheated by the ending needs to be prepared for how EA/Bioware plan on handling this situation.

The fact that so many flocked to the "We're listening; Appreciation thread" disgusted me greatly.

[Fuzrum77]

atghunter wrote...

Greetings All,
 
First, I’m flattered someone would repost this. Many thanks. 
 
A couple follow-up thoughts for those wondering what is likely going on with the other side of the mirror in the last couple days:
 
First, Operation Goliath, the free Star Wars online weekend, and the recent noncommittal overtures to listen are faux olive branches. Sorry. Customers intrinsically want to believe companies they patronize listen and when they stop believing that, the company has to say they are listening and do anything to get the detractors off-message.  There are a dozen names for this, but the most memorable was "The Shell Game." 
 
You will know that there’s a genuine need for dialogue in the corporate bunker when the message turns from “we’re listening” to “we acknowledge we may have a disconnect with our consumers and are willing to discuss a meaningful solution to the problem.” It signals an end to non-committed deflection and opening genuine talks to solve the problem (it’s knows as “Exposing Your Throat” btw). At present, you’ll notice Bioware/EA has only said they will “explain” the endings. That’s not a give, that’s a delay tactic.
 
But here’s the part that amazes me as an old PR guy and is totally new. The disenfranchised base here is changing the old methodology. It’s akin to comparing old-style bunker PR defenses to new blitzkrieg-style consumers. To date, the “bunker strategy” was always used because it was virtually foolproof. However, social media and the 24 hour news cycle have simply changed everything. Twenty years ago, you could not mass 30,000 protesters into a networked base without some luck, money, a GREAT cause and (most importantly) time. By the time you did get organized, folks were either burned out or lost interest. Groups like Take Back have altered the landscape and suddenly the contest is taken from the old paradigm to a crazy new (and wonderful IMO) place. Preorder sales took away customers biggest weapon in the past (i.e. don’t buy the product). Now customers who feel they have received poor value have been potentially re-empowered by the internet. Bioware/EA is feeling the full brunt of this thing while passion is hottest. They are deploying countermeasures faster than the old strategies ever would have ever suggested. To some degree, they are being outmaneuvered atm. But now it depends on how long the protest/outcry holds up.
 
Two more quick points and I’ll close. First, the Child’s Play movement was brilliant. Notice over the past few days how some of the most visceral detractors to the outcry have had to shift their vitriol from “you’re spoiled selfish haters” to “sure you gave to charity, but you are spoiled selfish haters.” Nobody is drinking that Kool-Aid. Better yet, some outlets are now saying “maybe the game has problem but its still art” from the precedent message “best game ever.” That won’t fly with the mainstream. If its one thing they know is that when “art” hits the marketplace, it is a commodity, nothing more. You’ve changed the countermeasures from "unbiased" critics of the movement into drum beaters simply trying to get you angry. EA’s PR guys probably envy you (grudgingly) atm.  
 
Second, don’t buy the only X people voted in the poll out of 1 billion customers, so they don’t care. That’s bunk. Are there "drum beaters" on both sides of this issue that just want to see controversy, sure. But if I was sitting in an office looking at that Bioware poll, I’d be reaching for a cigarette.
 
Finally remember, they have much more data at their disposal. They know how sales are going, how much time people are playing that are synced into Origin, etc. They will watch those numbers this weekend. If sales slow, watch for price cutting within 10 days (just over the two week US release date). It will mean that retailers are getting nervous and will slow new unit orders. As I’ve said before, this will come down to hard currency. If the protests start having an effect on that front, the response will come.
 
I’m an older gamer and again appreciate the repost. To everyone (on both sides) continue to let your voices be heard. You are consumers and have every right to engage in this discourse. The boards being locked yesterday proves someone is watching and knows this is an issue.  I'm in the hated-ending camp to be sure, but I admire everyone one of you who is arguing for what believe on both sides!

Cheers.

Many men may be willing to die heroically for a noble cause, but few men will live humbly for one.  Wilhelm Stekel   
 

Very informative and also very reassuring. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this with us.

[Black_Diamond]

Thanks for posting. This is a good reminder to keep up pressure. And to stay civil #RetakeMassEffect

[MikeSnipe1692]

bump

[MissMaster_2]

bump

[MeldarthX]

Hold the line - they will try and break us; they won't. Because if we don't stand now; it will never end.

We are not the minority; We have a Voice......We will be heard.

HOLD THE LINE

[Cro730]

It seems the only way to make it happen is if they see profit coming from listening to us. So, if we continue to stay strong and stick with the cause, there will be no alternative.
That is, if they don't want to lose a large portion of their fan-base to purchase future products.
They could even possibly make a profit selling the ending via DLC.

[tucsondoug]

Thanks for the info atghunter. Good to know we're on the right track. Anyway, I'm not going to go for the SWTOR thing, or the weekend event. I'm still holding the line.

[Demonburnt]

*salutes* atghunter

Morale lifted sir.

[Qareen]

Fuzrum77 wrote...

atghunter wrote...

Greetings All,
 
First, I’m flattered someone would repost this. Many thanks. 
 
A couple follow-up thoughts for those wondering what is likely going on with the other side of the mirror in the last couple days:
 
First, Operation Goliath, the free Star Wars online weekend, and the recent noncommittal overtures to listen are faux olive branches. Sorry. Customers intrinsically want to believe companies they patronize listen and when they stop believing that, the company has to say they are listening and do anything to get the detractors off-message.  There are a dozen names for this, but the most memorable was "The Shell Game." 
 
You will know that there’s a genuine need for dialogue in the corporate bunker when the message turns from “we’re listening” to “we acknowledge we may have a disconnect with our consumers and are willing to discuss a meaningful solution to the problem.” It signals an end to non-committed deflection and opening genuine talks to solve the problem (it’s knows as “Exposing Your Throat” btw). At present, you’ll notice Bioware/EA has only said they will “explain” the endings. That’s not a give, that’s a delay tactic.
 
But here’s the part that amazes me as an old PR guy and is totally new. The disenfranchised base here is changing the old methodology. It’s akin to comparing old-style bunker PR defenses to new blitzkrieg-style consumers. To date, the “bunker strategy” was always used because it was virtually foolproof. However, social media and the 24 hour news cycle have simply changed everything. Twenty years ago, you could not mass 30,000 protesters into a networked base without some luck, money, a GREAT cause and (most importantly) time. By the time you did get organized, folks were either burned out or lost interest. Groups like Take Back have altered the landscape and suddenly the contest is taken from the old paradigm to a crazy new (and wonderful IMO) place. Preorder sales took away customers biggest weapon in the past (i.e. don’t buy the product). Now customers who feel they have received poor value have been potentially re-empowered by the internet. Bioware/EA is feeling the full brunt of this thing while passion is hottest. They are deploying countermeasures faster than the old strategies ever would have ever suggested. To some degree, they are being outmaneuvered atm. But now it depends on how long the protest/outcry holds up.
 
Two more quick points and I’ll close. First, the Child’s Play movement was brilliant. Notice over the past few days how some of the most visceral detractors to the outcry have had to shift their vitriol from “you’re spoiled selfish haters” to “sure you gave to charity, but you are spoiled selfish haters.” Nobody is drinking that Kool-Aid. Better yet, some outlets are now saying “maybe the game has problem but its still art” from the precedent message “best game ever.” That won’t fly with the mainstream. If its one thing they know is that when “art” hits the marketplace, it is a commodity, nothing more. You’ve changed the countermeasures from "unbiased" critics of the movement into drum beaters simply trying to get you angry. EA’s PR guys probably envy you (grudgingly) atm.  
 
Second, don’t buy the only X people voted in the poll out of 1 billion customers, so they don’t care. That’s bunk. Are there "drum beaters" on both sides of this issue that just want to see controversy, sure. But if I was sitting in an office looking at that Bioware poll, I’d be reaching for a cigarette.
 
Finally remember, they have much more data at their disposal. They know how sales are going, how much time people are playing that are synced into Origin, etc. They will watch those numbers this weekend. If sales slow, watch for price cutting within 10 days (just over the two week US release date). It will mean that retailers are getting nervous and will slow new unit orders. As I’ve said before, this will come down to hard currency. If the protests start having an effect on that front, the response will come.
 
I’m an older gamer and again appreciate the repost. To everyone (on both sides) continue to let your voices be heard. You are consumers and have every right to engage in this discourse. The boards being locked yesterday proves someone is watching and knows this is an issue.  I'm in the hated-ending camp to be sure, but I admire everyone one of you who is arguing for what believe on both sides!

Cheers.

Many men may be willing to die heroically for a noble cause, but few men will live humbly for one.  Wilhelm Stekel   
 

Very informative and also very reassuring. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this with us.

Also found this extremely reassuring and insightful. Really makes me feel that all this isn't for nothing.

[MrrBond]

Coupled with this post:
http://social.biowar...ndex/10056886/1
I honestly do not think I can ever buy another bioware, possibly even EA game.

[guyfromprague]

Qareen wrote...

Fuzrum77 wrote...

atghunter wrote...

Greetings All,
 
First, I’m flattered someone would repost this. Many thanks. 
 
A couple follow-up thoughts for those wondering what is likely going on with the other side of the mirror in the last couple days:
 
First, Operation Goliath, the free Star Wars online weekend, and the recent noncommittal overtures to listen are faux olive branches. Sorry. Customers intrinsically want to believe companies they patronize listen and when they stop believing that, the company has to say they are listening and do anything to get the detractors off-message.  There are a dozen names for this, but the most memorable was "The Shell Game." 
 
You will know that there’s a genuine need for dialogue in the corporate bunker when the message turns from “we’re listening” to “we acknowledge we may have a disconnect with our consumers and are willing to discuss a meaningful solution to the problem.” It signals an end to non-committed deflection and opening genuine talks to solve the problem (it’s knows as “Exposing Your Throat” btw). At present, you’ll notice Bioware/EA has only said they will “explain” the endings. That’s not a give, that’s a delay tactic.
 
But here’s the part that amazes me as an old PR guy and is totally new. The disenfranchised base here is changing the old methodology. It’s akin to comparing old-style bunker PR defenses to new blitzkrieg-style consumers. To date, the “bunker strategy” was always used because it was virtually foolproof. However, social media and the 24 hour news cycle have simply changed everything. Twenty years ago, you could not mass 30,000 protesters into a networked base without some luck, money, a GREAT cause and (most importantly) time. By the time you did get organized, folks were either burned out or lost interest. Groups like Take Back have altered the landscape and suddenly the contest is taken from the old paradigm to a crazy new (and wonderful IMO) place. Preorder sales took away customers biggest weapon in the past (i.e. don’t buy the product). Now customers who feel they have received poor value have been potentially re-empowered by the internet. Bioware/EA is feeling the full brunt of this thing while passion is hottest. They are deploying countermeasures faster than the old strategies ever would have ever suggested. To some degree, they are being outmaneuvered atm. But now it depends on how long the protest/outcry holds up.
 
Two more quick points and I’ll close. First, the Child’s Play movement was brilliant. Notice over the past few days how some of the most visceral detractors to the outcry have had to shift their vitriol from “you’re spoiled selfish haters” to “sure you gave to charity, but you are spoiled selfish haters.” Nobody is drinking that Kool-Aid. Better yet, some outlets are now saying “maybe the game has problem but its still art” from the precedent message “best game ever.” That won’t fly with the mainstream. If its one thing they know is that when “art” hits the marketplace, it is a commodity, nothing more. You’ve changed the countermeasures from "unbiased" critics of the movement into drum beaters simply trying to get you angry. EA’s PR guys probably envy you (grudgingly) atm.  
 
Second, don’t buy the only X people voted in the poll out of 1 billion customers, so they don’t care. That’s bunk. Are there "drum beaters" on both sides of this issue that just want to see controversy, sure. But if I was sitting in an office looking at that Bioware poll, I’d be reaching for a cigarette.
 
Finally remember, they have much more data at their disposal. They know how sales are going, how much time people are playing that are synced into Origin, etc. They will watch those numbers this weekend. If sales slow, watch for price cutting within 10 days (just over the two week US release date). It will mean that retailers are getting nervous and will slow new unit orders. As I’ve said before, this will come down to hard currency. If the protests start having an effect on that front, the response will come.
 
I’m an older gamer and again appreciate the repost. To everyone (on both sides) continue to let your voices be heard. You are consumers and have every right to engage in this discourse. The boards being locked yesterday proves someone is watching and knows this is an issue.  I'm in the hated-ending camp to be sure, but I admire everyone one of you who is arguing for what believe on both sides!

Cheers.

Many men may be willing to die heroically for a noble cause, but few men will live humbly for one.  Wilhelm Stekel   
 

Very informative and also very reassuring. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this with us.

Also found this extremely reassuring and insightful. Really makes me feel that all this isn't for nothing.

This.

[iiTzCyAniiDe]

hold the line

[irishScott3]

Reposted to a couple of gaming-oriented forums I frequent. Great info!

Hold the line!

[AJanitor]

Great post, what would you say about amassing some sort of publicity stunt/protest at the Pax panel? Effective? What would be the most effective execution for that?

[Xaijin]

Aesieru wrote...

M U P P 3 T Z wrote...

Harbinger of Hope wrote...

This N7 bulls**t is the first step of many to roping you poor suckers back into the Bio-Cult. Next they will offer some crappy free multiplayer or squadmate skins DLC as a "Thank you to their loyal fans". I honestly can't believe this "movement". They complain about the game and say they are done with BioWare games while at the same time coming back to it. If you aren't going to f***ing commit then just stop. You can't "Hold the Line" while at the same time putting your toe over it.

Be a little more consistent.  People were playing MP waaaay before the events were announced... were they not "holding the line" then?  The MP is nothing more than a weekend event that gives the opportunity for some people to actually ENJOY the game again, if even for a little while.  It does not directly fund revenue to the company and is merely just an aspect that was already provided for free with the $80 game.  If someone wants to partake in the event, there's nothing wrong with that.  It has NOTHING to do with them being less vocal or angry about the endings.  If anything, it will just remind them how pointless the game is once the event is over.  Calling them out and insulting them only marginalizes fellow protestors.

But, if the community can be made to seem more appeased than they are, the corporate policy will maintain they just keep distracting.

Pretty much. EA is NOT going to pay for new endings.

[Dae0]

Ok, I have to ask, the "DA2 Fiasco", I keep seeing it referenced and I understand why, sort of.

The thing is, back when that took place, I protested and complained, but it seemed like I was flamed more than agreed with. So where was this major outcry over DA2? Cause I sure wasn't able to find it.

[Scoob]

Thanks for the insight atghunter

[Ianamus]

I see what's going on, and it's why i'm tempted to give up with the multiplayer altogether. We can't lay off the pressure, not until this whole disaster is over.