The level of acrimony concerning the downloadable content situation with Mass Effect 3 has hit a breaking point with BioWare, who have instituted a strict new policy regarding ”harassment of staff members”.
Gamers who have visited the BioWare forums may have already seen the warning, which states:
Effective immediately there is a zero tolerance policy on any form of abuse towards staff, moderators or other Community members.
Anyone posting a personal attack on staff, moderators or other Community members will, at the sole discretion of staff or moderators, be banned from the BioWare Social Network without notice and is no longer welcomed.
While we continue to value all of our customers and fans, participation in the BSN and engaging with staff and like-minded community members is - to be abundantly clear - a privilege, and not a right. Members may continue to discuss and critique our games and products in a civil manner, but any form of discussion targeted at an individual will not be tolerated. New and existing members who cannot adhere to the code of conduct, or maintain a civil demeanor at all times, are encouraged instead to contact customer support for any game related issues they may have.
Much of the outcry on the forums have been gamers accusing BioWare of deliberately removing content from Mass Effect 3 to sell as downloadable content, while others are angry that if they don’t buy the collector’s edition or buy the DLC they won’t be able to enjoy full content.
Mass Effect 3 will be released next week on the 6th March in North America, and the 9th March in Europe, for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
