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Releasing DLC for the Mass Effect series is a “win-win” situation for BioWare, studio co-founder Dr Ray Muzyka has told VideoGamer.com.
Asked if BioWare has got DLC right yet, Muzyka said: “We always feel like we can get better. I think more telemetry in our game client allows us to see what players are actually doing, as well as listening to press feedback and fan feedback on the forums.”
“We’re targeting different audiences with different DLC, and we actually use them as a test bed for innovation too – we try out new things sometimes. It’s exciting to see the ones that appeal to a vast audience. It’s challenging for the team sometimes to see the ones that don’t appeal as much – but we learn from that. We make it get better, and we’re always striving to make great content no matter whether it’s small, big, whether it’s play-for-free or social, HD console RPGs, or MMOs – we’re always striving for high quality in whatever form that takes.”
Speaking about the importance of DLC for the studio, Muzyka added: “Well, it’s an online extension to the game, so we have a goal of having an IP universe, pre and post launch, and sustaining the experience so players remain engaged with the franchise for a very long time – but I think what you’re seeing today is the beginning of more in the future. We’re definitely taking lessons, and we’re trying to make a universe that players feel like they can be a part of for a very long time.
“With online connectivity of any sort, we want to give players a reason to believe long-term, and feel like they’re the ones that want to keep it for a long time, and not trade it in. Instead feel like they want to play it online with friends, or share their Achievements with friends, or downloadable content.”
And what of the Cerberus Network introduced by Mass Effect 2 – was it a success?
“I think so, yeah. We got a lot of engagement from players, and certainly a lot of people who write on the forum gave a lot of great feedback on that.
“So, DLC, It’s a win-win situation for us.”
Despite its success Muzyka wouldn’t say if a similar service will be available for Mass Effect 3, stating there has been no announcement “about that yet”.
Mass Effect 3 will be released March 9, 2012 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
