At My Limit: Mass Effect and the 5 Stages of Grief

I've been playing Mass Effect a lot recently. In fact that's pretty much all I've been playing. And whenever I look to discuss Mass Effect with other players, the discussion always comes to the topic of the end of the trilogy. Yesterday, I came to the realization that Mass Effect fans are so stuck on the end of the trilogy because they are actually grieving the end of the series.

Now, before you start talking about how its a game, its not like a person died or anything, just stop and think about it. Commander Shepard, the main character, is a reflection of who we are as a person. A part of us is always put into the character that is molded with our hands through the trilogy. It is only natural that we grow attached to the character because playing the character requires you to create a bond with him or her.

Now that we've established this, I submit to you that the reason why there is such a harsh reaction to the end  is because the players are actually experiencing the five stages of grief. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. This may seem far-fetched to most of you but if you really look at the overall reaction of fans its actually quite obvious. How about we go through each individual stage and compare them to the fan's reactions.

DENIAL

Within a week of release there was an outrage across the internet. Fans of Mass Effect could not believe the outcome of the final instalment of the trilogy. And they were rightfully disappointed. The original end was filled with unexplained occurrences that created many plot holes. However, with the release of the extended cut many of these holes were mended. Still, fans do not accept this new ending. They still demand more details, and even more changes to the game itself to fit their desires.

Another example, is the trilogy itself. When the writers began talking about the first Mass Effect game, they said that Commander Shepard's story would only be covered in a trilogy. Once again, fans seem to be missing the memo. I can't count how many threads I've seen on the internet about how hopeful people are that Shepard remains the main character for the next game.

And then there's the Indoctrination Theory. This is a popular theory that fan's are using to satisfy their own desires for a different explanation. It basically says that Shepard was partially under the control of the Reapers and most of the end sequence to the game was a dream. Bioware outright denied that this was the intended story. Those who subscribe to the Indoctrination Theory still try and justify it, even though the Extended Cut adds details that deny it. Some of those people also consider fans who accept the official endings of Mass Effect 3 to be narrow minded and unimaginative for taking things at face value.

ANGER

This step is the most evident of all of them. At almost every turn, many fans have raged at Mass Effect 3's endings. It has ranged from calculated passive aggressive criticism of Bioware, to outright immature name calling. Even after the Extended Cut. Even after DLC packs that add a new perspective to the story. Fans have still not been satisfied, and have launched many verbal attacks against the lead writer of Mass Effect 3.

After such a Negative Reaction to the 3rd game, many representatives of Bioware tried to answer the fan's questions, and calm their frustration. Instead of being met with appreciation for their concern, they were met with hostility and rage. They became prime targets for fan's to point the finger and say "Its you're fault I'm not happy!". Needless to say, Bioware's attempts to reach out to fans did not last long. Now, the fans still want more answers, and they expect Bioware to answer them. Instead, Bioware sits out and lets them simmer, not eager to be targeted by the immature anger of unsatisfied fans. And instead of pointing the finger back at themselves, some fans are now even more angry at Bioware for "abandoning" them.

BARGAINING

After seeing the original, and even extended ending for Mass Effect 3, many fans wanted a new ending. Some of these fans were even willing to pay for it. There were even offers made to Bioware to raise the money required to remake the end of the trilogy. To me, this is shocking. I mean, you can dislike an ending, and you can get upset about it, but to try and bribe a writer to change their ending is a little ridiculous. Bioware rejected their offer claiming it would injure their "artistic integrity", and needless to say, they were criticized for it.

DEPRESSION

I, and many people that I know who played through Commander Shepard's final chapter felt some sort of solemn remorse at the end. Over the next day or so, a wave of apathy hit me and I couldn't stop thinking about the game, but at the same time, couldn't think positively about it. It wasn't that I was upset, it was just a weird feeling. The best emotion that I can compare it to is depression. I don't know how many others experienced something similar, but that is my own example.

ACCEPTANCE

Over time, and with the aid of the expanded endings, many fans have come to the point of accepting and enjoying the series as a whole, including the end. Many people who have reached this point are turned off by the people who are still complaining about the end of the trilogy. I sincerely hope that everyone can reach this point eventually.

Please take into account that this is not actually a psychological analysis of Mass Effect players. Its something that I noticed and wanted to compare the reactions of players to the 5 stages of guild. ]Though there are a lot of parallels I wouldn't say that players are grieving over Mass Effect, though it is a funny idea. I hope it was an enjoyable read and it got you to think.