The mysterious timer on various Bioware-websites turned out to be a countdown to the so-called Bioware Bazaar - a contest in the shape of an auction, where fans can do various challenges and earn tokens they then can use to bid on various prizes. The contest, according to Bioware, is a way for them to show "appreciation of fan support over the last 15 years".
Bioware Bazaar is only available for residents of the US (except if you live in New York or Florida, sorry), though. Which meant the whole thing was a nerd rage powder keg ready to go off. Which it did, after fans in other parts of the world felt slighted. To say the least - some even created "I used to be part of the [Bioware] community, now I'm just European"-banner.
Oh, Internet. You lovely place, filled with so much anger. Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, co-founders of Bioware, have now stepped up and posted a formal apology to all the fans that were rubbed the wrong way. They write:
"BioWare definitely really values all members of our world-wide Community, no matter where you live. Accordingly, in the coming weeks, we will be announcing details about future events specifically for fans living in those territories which were excluded from participating in the first BioWare Bazaar. The future events will be a bit different from the first Bazaar in how they're set up and structured, but our goal is to feature the same caliber of awesome prizes and great BioWare collectibles. We'll announce more details in the coming weeks."
Are we good? Can we love each other again like one giant, global community? Good, glad that's settled.
<bild>Sorry guys, you're certainly not from the US. No token-hunting for you.</bild>