What's a week in the gaming industry without Wedbush Morgan Securities Analyst Michael Pachter saying something ridiculous? Well, this week is definitely no exception, and this time around his comments come as a result of the Mass Effect 3 ending fiasco that has been unrelenting since last month.
Michael Pachter spoke his mind to Forbes this week, and it was nothing short of predictable. Not only does he think that the mass upheaval over Mass Effect 3's ending is petty, but that gamers feel way too entitled. He stated:
As far as I can tell, it was a vocal minority of several thousand, but given that the game shipped 3.5 million units and likely sold through 2.8 million, I can’t believe that the backlash comprised more than 10 percent of consumers, and think it’s more likely closer to 1 percent.
I don't know Pachter, I have only met a couple people who weren't left with a bad taste in their mouth after seeing Mass Effect 3's ending, and I'm not one of them.
He continued:
That incident was a great example of what a whiny group gamers are in general.
Wait, aren't you technically whining about whiners? And who's to generalize all gamers as whiny anyway?
So here's the scoop: Yes, the discussion has gotten out of hand and personal threats are never good, but the disappointment has plenty of basis. We were led to believe after playing each Mass Effect title that our actions were important, and that there were these grand mysteries left to be revealed. After seeing such a soft and half-assed ending, it's only natural to start discussion and of course direct some of that at the developer of the game.
Oh, and if you're wondering what Pachter thinks about EA winning Consumerist.com's Worst Company award, check out what he said:
It’s not particularly scientific, and given that gamers are far more vocal (and bitter) than any other broad consumer group, it’s surprising to me that a game publisher doesn’t end up at the top of the list every year.
So we're whiny and bitter. Good to know.
