156 réponses à ce sujet

[Jessica Merizan]

Delerius_Jedi wrote...

If your intent is to make the BSN a better place for discussions, the developers in charge need to be willing to come on here, be honest about what their intent on certain issues were and maybe even acknowledge that people who did not share their specific interpretation of the material, ended up with content that ended up contradicting the rest of their experience. It's the only way to clear the air.

Yup, our intention is to build the processes and structures in order to facilitate that and more direct communication between everyone in the studio and the fans. That will hopefully address the OP's concern as well as some related issues that are popping up in this thread and others. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak more directly about this project in the near future - but it's not a small task. 

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here. :happy:

[Iakus]

Jessica Merizan wrote...

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here. :happy:

Well, yes.  But then Han'Gerrel and Zaal'Koris were on the same side as well

[AresKeith]

Can I have $60 Jess? Lol

[Silcron]

Ninja Stan wrote...

Fawx9 wrote...

Maybe I'm missing something, but I feel the OP does have a point, expecially when it comes to known DLC releases.

You can't tell me Bioware didn't hear the rumblings of a new hub, or new squad mates (Aria, or the Turian). Would it have been so hard to come out earlier and go " look I know some of you want new squad mates, but that just isn't in the cards" .

Instead it boils, and then on days like this we end up with expectations dashed and people let down (be that their fault or not I'm not going to get into).

Sure it would be unreasonable for them to answer every little question, but I think that level of detail wouldn't hurt to be put out a bit earlier.

So... if they have no information to share, they have to come right out and say they have no information to share? Wouldn't it be easier for all the people clamouring for information to assume they have nothing to share until and unless they share something? This is precisely the kind of dozens of individuals asking the same question I was referring to earlier. Even if they did say what you want them to say, there will be people who don't see it and will continue to ask, leading to exactly the same level of frustration until they come out again and say it. Then, a few weks later, they will say the same thing again.

The alternative is that people accept that BioWare can't always answer every question all the time, and sometimes can't/won't answer any questions, and be patient. Would it have been so hard to accept that BioWare didn't/won't necessarily answer the questions you want them to, in the manner you want them to? should it be their responsibility to find out how to not answer questions in such a way as to satisfy thousands of different individuals?

I think ninja has a point here. And so far I've seen Bioware answering, either with actions or other sources. I just got a lot of information about Omega from watching both the IGN and Gamespot Omega Demo video on youtube, and the one playing I think is a developer, and he does a good job at answering questions while playing it.

I now know about a new enemy I could never evne think of, I know a bit about Nyreen and Aria, how Omega works as a hub world...

I think Bioware does respond wiht words, you just have to look for interviews, either done by magazines or in gaming festivals (like E3)

That said I don't visit this forums much, so I may be wrong on how much they answer here. (thought it was important to point this out)

[Mr.BlazenGlazen]

Jessica Merizan wrote...

Delerius_Jedi wrote...

If your intent is to make the BSN a better place for discussions, the developers in charge need to be willing to come on here, be honest about what their intent on certain issues were and maybe even acknowledge that people who did not share their specific interpretation of the material, ended up with content that ended up contradicting the rest of their experience. It's the only way to clear the air.

Yup, our intention is to build the processes and structures in order to facilitate that and more direct communication between everyone in the studio and the fans. That will hopefully address the OP's concern as well as some related issues that are popping up in this thread and others. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak more directly about this project in the near future - but it's not a small task. 

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here. :happy:

I want you guys to be on the same side. I can tell that you care about the community. But the rest of bioware needs to actually proove to us that they are  taking our feedback into account. And no, the Extended Cut doesn't really count as an example.

Let's talk about Omega for a second. People like me are skeptical about how it's only a temporary hub, with only temporary squadmates (no normandy characters are involved), and no involvement of Harbringer or collectors. If these end up being the most frequent complaint when Omega releases, then for the next DLC you guys should address some of these issues. Otherwise. it'll just seem like you guys are saying "we're listening and taking feedback" but in reality you aren't.

Modifié par Mr.BlazenGlazen, 12 novembre 2012 - 10:17 .

[TheRealJayDee]

iakus wrote...

Communication goes both ways.  I've seen many a very thoughtful critique get debated and argued over by posters, but we have no idea if any attention was paid attention to by devs.  Well, unless the thread gets locked (hi, there "One Last Plea", thread!)

The lockdown on the 'One Last Plea' thread reminded why I stopped spending much time on the BSN...

[ElectronicPostingInterface]

They listen but they also have creative desires and personalities of their own. They don't want to be glorified fanfiction authors.

On the other hand, they are rather terrible at managing expectations - if you give us choices, we expect to have a larger influence on the narrative than normal. Especially when things are implied - that sort of becomes a "promise" that it will happen, in the eyes of the player having to make choices anyway. So some element of your artistic vision needs to buckle if you want to involve the player in choices, even if you find it less appealing as a piece of art.

If people input decisions into a giant "matrix" of a game series for 100 hours, they expect all possibilities to appear on a range of horrible bleakness to sugary, almost embarassing happiness. 

IMO if Bioware has a very strict artistic vision they want to stick to they should make their games more linear and give us less control over what happens. To do otherwise is to send a mixed message.

Modifié par PKchu, 12 novembre 2012 - 11:02 .

[Versus Omnibus]

Jessica, I would just like to say thank you for taking the time to respond to the topic. The silence from you guys was understandable, and I do hope to see you more often in the forums addressing fan feedback. For a long time most of the feedback or suggestions I provided seemed to have gone ignored, leaving me in limbo over their exact fate. I'm hoping you guys can be more interactive on the forums soon.

[CDRSkyShepard]

Jessica Merizan wrote...

Fandango9641 wrote...

I can accept that Jessica, but let’s just remember that respect is a two way street and misrepresenting a product prior to release will likely lead to a harsh word or three (and with good reason). In any case, kudos to you for offering your thoughts on the BSN - it's appreciated.

Going back to the OP's request - very often, we are quiet about things because change is inevitable and we don't want to say something that could become untrue later. I can't speak for everyone in the studio, but the community team is taking extra care to ensure that everything we say from this point out is accurate and fixed information. Unfortunately, it means we won't comment on something or we have to let people speculate. And as frustrating as that is, it's out of respect. Re-building rapport and trust with you guys is important to me and the team. 

I just want to say that if there were such a function, I'd be mashing the "like" button like crazy.

What I like about this is two-fold: not only are problems being worked on, but they're being percieved as problems in the first place. For a while there, a lot of us felt like BioWare was either completely oblivious or not accepting that there was a problem with communication. Whether it was something someone said that didn't live up to expectations or the fact fans feel left in the dark, we weren't sure BioWare knew there was a problem. This (and other posts you have made) confirms it, at least the way I read it, and I want to thank you profusely for that.

I also want to credit the teams with being candid in their interactions with fans when they do happen. Both you and Jos have done that in this thread. Whenever anyone interacts with you at a convention, it's refreshing how open and friendly the staff is and how willing they are to listen. I can't say I've ever met anyone who has actually spoken to anyone at BioWare in person that has a negative attitude about how you guys conduct your fan interactions. However, not everyone has that opportunity, so I can see why people who just roam around here in the forums can feel left out of the loop. It doesn't even necessarily mean that we want more information as soon as it's available, we just want to be talked to. Sometimes that's all it takes. I know from personal experience that talking to the staff in person at SDCC calmed a lot of my fears about the whole "are they *really* listening?" issue. Putting as much time aside as you can afford to come into a thread and respond every once in a while helps a lot, even if you have nothing "newsy" to share. Wow, I just realized I made the fanbase sound very needy. But I guess it is, fans are such needy folk when it comes to our favorite franchises. XD

Good to hear re-building trust is important to you guys, too. I'll be keeping up-to-date with the going's-on.

[RiptideX1090]

There is a lot of trust to rebuild, Miss Merizan. I for one would welcome it, however. This whole thing with the endings has left a sour taste in everyone's mouths, not to mention the things promised before launch, that ended up being blatantly untrue. Developer silence regarding the endings and the uncertainty of the future of the series has also only exacerbated the turbulence.

I would like for the developers to be able to be more open and willing to speak with the fans. Clear up some of these negative feelings, maybe get things back on the right track, for all of us and all of you. I know the general reaction to the game must have been disheartening from your POV. Honest communication, none of that 'Roadmap to Love and Happiness' garbage. And I am glad to hear you're going to be policing what you say a little better, as well. Less hurt feelings in the long run should you guys have to go back on promises, less disappointment on our end.

I will remain cautiously optimistic for a change of this toxic atmosphere as we move forward to a new (and hopefully not a prequel) Mass Effect game.

Thank you for speaking with us, Miss Merizan.

[RiptideX1090]

PKchu wrote...
IMO if Bioware has a very strict artistic vision they want to stick to they should make their games more linear and give us less control over what happens. To do otherwise is to send a mixed message.

They need to be honest in the future. That Trailer showing player choice on Thessia was so decietful. Not to mention the bits about sixteen endings and no shoehorned ABC choices for the end.

Being more cautious of what they say is a step in the right direction, so that's definitely good to hear.

[Dominus]

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here.

I'm glad that we can at least try to find some middle ground for the current status of the message board. I don't have all the answers to what the 'golden cure' is for bringing the current relationship to a higher juncture than what we're currently at. Improving the line of communication here would be an apt location.

I definitely get what Jos Hendricks was trying to say. It would be selfish of me to ask someone that racked on time to stress themselves further for the sole purpose of appeasing fans on the internet.

As has been iterated before by others, many thanks towards the responses from Jessica, Stan, Jos, and the fans as well.

Modifié par DominusVita, 13 novembre 2012 - 02:17 .

[Lion Martinez]

Hi guys,

Please remember that the community team is part of BioWare, an integral part in fact. And as we listen and bring your feedback to the producers and designers, BioWare is listening and reacting to your needs.

I understand that you would like more interaction from people like Casey. However also please understand that these guys's work load is massive. It's easy to think that taking a few minutes to post something would be simple enough but since whatever they say have a huge impact it's hard to find time to be as detailed and correct as you would expect along with staying for the conversation when they also need to be able to go home and see family and friends just like the rest of us when they can.

I know for a fact though that the producers and designers carry a genuine interest and we do get asked spontaneous questions around the hall ways about what you the fans are saying and wanting. This outside regular internal communications.

I emplore you to keep giving us feedback on all areas and we will make sure to make our best efforts to meet your expectations.

[RiptideX1090]

Lion Martinez wrote...

Hi guys,

Please remember that the community team is part of BioWare, an integral part in fact. And as we listen and bring your feedback to the producers and designers, BioWare is listening and reacting to your needs.

I understand that you would like more interaction from people like Casey. However also please understand that these guys's work load is massive. It's easy to think that taking a few minutes to post something would be simple enough but since whatever they say have a huge impact it's hard to find time to be as detailed and correct as you would expect along with staying for the conversation when they also need to be able to go home and see family and friends just like the rest of us when they can.

I know for a fact though that the producers and designers carry a genuine interest and we do get asked spontaneous questions around the hall ways about what you the fans are saying and wanting. This outside regular internal communications.

I emplore you to keep giving us feedback on all areas and we will make sure to make our best efforts to meet your expectations.

I think it might help if you guys organized the feedback we gave you, now that I think of it.

I mean, as it stands you guys kind of have to wander the forums, and being developers you're constantly pressed for time.

I think it might be worth making a new section for the forums, similar to how we have a section for general discussion and another for multiplayer, a section for the sole purpose of feedback. Several threads in said section would make it easier for developers to look up feedback on a given thing.

A thead for story, so the writers know where to go to get ideas. A thread for gameplay, so level and gameplay design know where to get ideas for their stuff, ect. That way, instead of pouring through the forums, if a dev wants to get ideas for whatever they're working on, you can do so easily, and if we have ideas to share, we can put them in a place we know they'll be heard.

[Estelindis]

Given that there has been a great deal of unhappy fan reaction to the fact that many of Bioware's pre-release statements about the ending of ME3 were demonstrably false, I've wondered if Bioware has decided to remain more silent in future so that fans can't quote devs back later. Accordingly, it's good to see some communication in this thread.

I hope that trust can be rebuilt and channels of discussion reopened. There was a time when I would have automatically bought any Bioware game because the simple fact of being made by Bioware would ensure its awesomeness. I would like that to be the case again. I think that being more guarded with publicity statements, refraining from saying anything about the games unless they are true rather than over-hyping things, is a good step forwards. Hopefully it will help to rebuild a relationship of mutual trust between devs and fans.

Whatever Bioware chooses to work on in future, I just have one request: please, never disappoint me the way you did with the endings of ME3. I don't know why so much amazing build-up was squandered in only a few in-game minutes but I really hope that Bioware learns from the experience. Honestly, there isn't a lot that's happened so far that indicates to me that Bioware have learned. There's been a lot of defence of the endings, a lot of talk of "artistic integrity," and almost no acknowledgement of the deep narrative, emotional and ethical failures of the writing. I don't know why there hasn't been deeper engagement with fans on the part of whichever writers handled the ending. I would think that if said writers were really proud of their work that they would be interested in discussing it and debunking fan criticisms. If they can't do that, then they need to accept that the endings were seriously flawed and resolve to have better internal peer review and test audience processes on story endings in future.

[OMGsideboob]

I have to say I appreciate how active this community is and how much the mods and people at Bioware try to appease their fanbase, even if the result isnt as desired as one would want.

And this thread is one of those nice informative threads that helps you understand the braintrust behind the games...

Jessica Merizan wrote...
Going back to the OP's request - very
often, we are quiet about things because change is inevitable and we
don't want to say something that could become untrue later. I can't
speak for everyone in the studio, but the community team is taking extra
care to ensure that everything we say from this point out is accurate
and fixed information. Unfortunately, it means we won't comment on
something or we have to let people speculate. And as frustrating as that
is, it's out of respect. Re-building rapport and trust with you guys is
important to me and the team. 

^^ Reads like they know they made some mistakes before 3 with many of the quotes people have used against them like daggers and are working to fix them... Maybe its me jumping to conclusions, but it's what I see...

Modifié par OMGsideboob, 14 novembre 2012 - 04:26 .

[mjb203]

I just want to put in my thanks for this thread as well. I think that the idea of a specific "Feedback" forum, as put forth by RiptideX1090, would be a great idea and a great way of organizing fan feedback for specific parts of the game (story, gameplay, etc.).

Like many others, I was one who was severly disappointed with the way the endings to ME3 turned out, and was also one of the ones dissatisfied with DA2. I would love for Bioware to again be a developer that is one that I feel confident pre-ordering from, but sadly that is no longer the case due to pre-release statements and hype that didn't live up to what the finished product turned out to be.

I'm looking forward to seeing more dev interaction with the fans once this new system gets up and going, and I'm also glad to hear that you guys are going to be more guarded in the statements you make concerning future products. I truly hope you guys will once again become a brand I feel confident purchasing from, because right now, you all are on my "wait and see" list.

But thank you to Jessica, Lion, and the other Bioware employees who have commented in this thread and working to rebuild the trust with fans!

[spirosz]

Estelindis wrote...

I would have automatically bought any Bioware game because the simple fact of being made by Bioware would ensure its awesomeness. I would like that to be the case again

You don't know how much I miss that feeling.  

[TacticalAce]

Its funny because I've seen more dev's post on this forum then I do at bethesda's forums. You guys shouldn't take it for granted. You dont know how much I would like for BGS devs to respond to my threads, but here its almost as if its a common occurrence.

Having that said I do think pushing the dev's to be more active on their forums or other social outlets is a good thing. It actually may very well be the wave of the future in the form of a more focused effort for not only this company but the industry in general. It can be considered as research for Dev's.

It would be amazing to see developers in the future to kind of have some sort of documentary of their game as they are making it. Yeah we seen developers diarys before but not on a consistent basis. I know some of you are thinking that would never happen because dev's dont want to spoil their game. But I'm pretty sure they could find things to talk about without regarding specifics. I dont know maybe I'm crazy to think of such a thing.

[TacticalAce]

Jessica Merizan wrote...

Delerius_Jedi wrote...

If your intent is to make the BSN a better place for discussions, the developers in charge need to be willing to come on here, be honest about what their intent on certain issues were and maybe even acknowledge that people who did not share their specific interpretation of the material, ended up with content that ended up contradicting the rest of their experience. It's the only way to clear the air.

Yup, our intention is to build the processes and structures in order to facilitate that and more direct communication between everyone in the studio and the fans. That will hopefully address the OP's concern as well as some related issues that are popping up in this thread and others. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak more directly about this project in the near future - but it's not a small task. 

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here. :happy:

Sounds like you guys/gals might have something to say at the VGA's

[Sarah Knight]

honestly i wont Lie that i hate the ending but They Added something that Semi pleases me to the point that i'll let it slide but i know with EA and BW's budget "going with accordance to stock markets and so on" they have Limited resources and are doing the best they can to stay in and please all of us Sure they'll ignore them honestly i do work on Games my self that are still in Dev that like one person here stated im under contract to not talk about it "also its not ME franchise Mind you"

or anything from EA/BW but i am with the Mod that posted here it would overwhelm the devs such as myself to the point that we'd litterally have a breakdown or forget what our creative minds want in the said game Sure DA3 Dev's answer here and their but you gotta see the negative backlash that could and eventually does happen i've got flamed death threats basically anything you loyal fans would think of Yet i spend all of my time on my work just to try to please you heh but still don't be So hard on EA/BW for not being so forthcoming about their plans we can and eventually some times do Change our minds at the last minute due to budget cuts or the data being to much for your Consoles to be able to comprehend hence the "Two disc" feature which we devs found was a better idea for the fans if you seen how much FFXIII has and PT2 both have the same disc >_< which is allot of data and coding.

So please don't rage at them for this Dev's like me do and will listen and improve later on if we can we can't promise it because promises can be broken

[Sarah Knight]

TacticalAce wrote...

Jessica Merizan wrote...

Delerius_Jedi wrote...

If your intent is to make the BSN a better place for discussions, the developers in charge need to be willing to come on here, be honest about what their intent on certain issues were and maybe even acknowledge that people who did not share their specific interpretation of the material, ended up with content that ended up contradicting the rest of their experience. It's the only way to clear the air.

Yup, our intention is to build the processes and structures in order to facilitate that and more direct communication between everyone in the studio and the fans. That will hopefully address the OP's concern as well as some related issues that are popping up in this thread and others. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak more directly about this project in the near future - but it's not a small task. 

I do appreciate all the feedback on this and I hope you guys are open to the idea that we're at least all on the same side here. :happy:

Sounds like you guys/gals might have something to say at the VGA's

honestly its a sound idea but  you have to think of the Negative backlash that fans  Can and eventually do if theirs something they don't like in the said game  DA2  ME3  prime examples.

Developers such as my self don't need the negative backlash  because we take pride in the work that we do their are allot of number of factors that eventually will and can happen  in games.

Sure it would be good if  Developers like myself are forthcoming about whats being released but you all need to understand that it can and usually is the factor of the contract that we Sign  when we work with the team  which forbids us  to reveal anything   that we are working on  screen play  words anything that spills  and ruins the project we can't    divulge   or else we get fired for breaching contract.

which i am sure  that person who released the   endings of Me3  and the information.

i work for Two companies  Capcom and  3D realms honestly i  take most of my time trying to   get my  projects up and running  and finished  and then help my other co-workers  in theirs or take up another project within that  said game  but i also  tend to do some PR  for both of them just not as much officially  "also this name i have in my  profile isn't my actual name"   but  all in all it would be better if  the fans never did any form of negative backlash and tries to understand our personal  reasons for not  telling you  of upcoming said  releases/games

[thehomeworld]

RiptideX1090 wrote...

Lion Martinez wrote...

Hi guys,

Please remember that the community team is part of BioWare, an integral part in fact. And as we listen and bring your feedback to the producers and designers, BioWare is listening and reacting to your needs.

I understand that you would like more interaction from people like Casey. However also please understand that these guys's work load is massive. It's easy to think that taking a few minutes to post something would be simple enough but since whatever they say have a huge impact it's hard to find time to be as detailed and correct as you would expect along with staying for the conversation when they also need to be able to go home and see family and friends just like the rest of us when they can.

I know for a fact though that the producers and designers carry a genuine interest and we do get asked spontaneous questions around the hall ways about what you the fans are saying and wanting. This outside regular internal communications.

I emplore you to keep giving us feedback on all areas and we will make sure to make our best efforts to meet your expectations.

......

A thead for story, so the writers know where to go to get ideas. A thread for gameplay, so level and gameplay design know where to get ideas for their stuff, ect. That way, instead of pouring through the forums, if a dev wants to get ideas for whatever they're working on, you can do so easily, and if we have ideas to share, we can put them in a place we know they'll be heard.

The section idea would work in princaple but the problem would then be how to these writers know to look up on the boards for item X and should they then consolt if the boards had an opinion on the matter of y before they even begin the script? It's good on paper but not nessasarily in real life.

[TacticalAce]

If bioware could somehow implement the like/dislike feature to threads I think it would help a lot. For example, a Dev could ask what do you guys think about griffons. The community responds with likes or dislikes and can state their reason why they chose what they chose at the bottom.

I think this way Dev's are in control of pretty much everything without actually disclosing anything and at the same time collecting data on what the "hardcore fanbase" wants. Its kind of like if you seen the PAX video with bioware's panel they would mention a topic and see what the crowd reaction was. Its pretty much the same concept but much more focused.

Now that I think about it I think Bioware should make a Dev sub forum for the specific game. So in this case it would be in the Mass Effect 3 section. So add a new section that is called "Dev Zone" or something like that, and have it so that only Developers can create topics/threads. So whenever a Dev is curious about something and requires community feedback they can post a thread expressing this. Maybe that could build on the relationship between consumer and creator.