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'Mass Effect Andromeda' Developer Bioware Shuts Down 'Toxic' Community Forums

'Mass Effect Andromeda' Developer Bioware Shuts Down 'Toxic' Community Forums

Jazz Rosin

Game developer Bioware is shutting down its community forums towards the end of the month.

According to a statement released by Bioware, the developer plans to permanently close its public boards for its popular titles such as the "Mass Effect" series, "Dragon Age," and other legacy Bioware games.

"This wasn't an easy decision," Bioware lead community manager Conal Pierse said on the Bioware blog. "Our players are important to us. Your feedback, stories, and love for our games drive and inspire us."

The developer cited its various other social media channels and its growing presence in conventions and other fan gatherings as a reason for the official forum closing down.

"In the past, our forums were the only way we could speak to you directly," Pierse said. "Now we can travel around the world, meeting with you face-to-face at events like PAX, SDCC, and even shows in our own backyard."

"We can share stories with you on the go," he continued, "giving you a look behind the scenes on sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram."

He also cited the fans' dedication to its massive franchises through the various Reddit, Wikis, and Tumblr fan accounts, as well as through impressive fan arts and cosplays.

However, according to Forbes, the other likely reason that Bioware did not mention is that these other communities are less toxic than the official boards itself, and is trying to avoid dealing with more angry forum posts when "Mass Effect Andromeda" or other new games come out.

Either way, the official public boards will be shut down on August 26, and will be in a read-only state for two months. The forums will then be completely wiped out after that, keeping only a few private forums for future projects. The "Star Wars: The Old Republic" forum, however, will remain alive.

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