BioWare defends day-one Mass Effect 3 DLC

BioWare is defending day-one downloadable content for its March 6-dated spacefaring role-playing game Mass Effect 3. Writing on Twitter, executive producer Casey Hudson explained the developer did not work on the From Ashes DLC until after the main game was completed.

"On [Mass Effect 3], content creators completed the game in January & moved onto the "From Ashes" DLC, free w/ the [Collector's Edition] or you can buy seperately [sic]," he wrote.

"It takes about 3 months from 'content complete' to bug-fix, certify, manufacture, and ship game discs," he added. "In that time we work on DLC. DLC has fast [certification] and no [manufacturing], so if a team works very hard, they can get a DLC done in time to enjoy it with your first playthrough on day one."

As for the From Ashes content for Mass Effect 3, BioWare recently revealed on its official forums that the DLC includes a Prothean squadmate, a mission on Eden Prime, a new weapon, and an alternate appearance option for every team member. It is included with the Mass Effect 3 Collector's Edition and will be available for separate purchase on March 6.

Developed by BioWare, Mass Effect 3 is the final entry in the Mass Effect 3 trilogy but not necessarily the last title set in the game's universe. For more on Mass Effect 3, check out GameSpot's latest hands-on preview.