@oohhboy
Well, keep in mind that's just my opinion. And while I hate when internet discussions duck behind the "my opinion" shield, in this case, I think it's applicable. Personally, I think that audience feedback can be used to refine and improve the nuts and bolts of a game. But, as far as narrative, even if a game is only 1% "art," I believe the author should keep that 1% loyal to the best interests of the narrative. Not the whims of the (fickle) audience.
Any narrative decision were steered by the audience will trend towards the homogenous and, ultimately, boring. If the audience steered the ship, Aerith never would have died, right? Maybe it would have been a happier ending, but it wouldn't have been as powerful/memorable, right?
But, as I said, this is just my perspective.
And again, the ME3 thing I feel is separate because I believe the issue was with Bioware not making good on a promise of gameplay that was tied to narrative - not the narrative itself. Even though I'm sure plenty of folks complained about that or just never saw the distinguishing line.
@broodwars
I agree, man ... funny how (gaming) media is always willing to look past its own shortcomings for the sake of criticizing others, right?