What has been 2012’s most histrionic controversy may be coming to close on June 26th (July 4th for internal PS3 owners). Bioware has confirmed that date as the release of Mass Effect 3‘s “Extended Cut” DLC, which adds “additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes” to the closing chapter of Shepard’s space opera. The download will be available for free across PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. Bioware has also provided an FAQ and informational podcast (above) regarding the DLC.
Bioware is likely hoping its “Extended Cut” will be the end to one of the top stories of the year. Whether the dissatisfied fans of the series appeared as over-entitled whiners or dedicated consumers to you, the tale of the “Retake Mass Effect“ campaign and its many offshoots – from charity to cupcakes – dominated the game industry’s headlines for months following Mass Effect 3‘s March launch. Complaints were ultimately filed with the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau in the States, a representative of the latter agreed with fans’ claims of misleading advertising, and the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency, which recently did not.