[To the Devs] Character Transfer Service

[Dekoda]

EDIT: After a bit of discussion, the idea of simultaneously logging in on two (or more) characters on the same account came up. This would eliminate concerns of RMT activity and any other minor complications that may come from a transfer service. On paper, it would seem easier to implement and understand, making it more user friendly. As a player, I personally have no preference over either method as long as one gets added. Also note this would probably come with some sort of subscription fee to use.

Over the years, there's nothing I've wanted to see more in FFXI than the ability to transfer a character from one account to another. At the very least, the ability to "separate" a character from an account (to create a new account) would be welcomed as well. I feel that not being able to play two characters simultaneously has hindered my play experience.

Obviously, this has been a concern in the past as well (as shown here):

http://support.na.square-enix.com/faqarticle.php?kid=12221&id=20&la=1&ret=faq&pv=10&page=2&c=0&sc=0&so=4&q=transfer

I found it interesting that the phrase "currently" is used, as if it were a possibility in the future to see this kind of service included.

I have submitted this request in the form of a suggestion before, but I have never gotten any replies. Is there (or will there ever be) any hope for this kind of service? The link suggests purchasing another Content ID to play another character simultaneously. I tried that but my other character is Lv.90 right now with several quests completed and equipment acquired, so I was quickly unmotivated to make any progress when I tried starting a new character.

I would gladly pay some kind of fee for a service like this, as well as purchase anything necessary in order to transfer a character (Content ID, Expansions, Add-ons, etc). The presence of this request in the Square Enix Support Center's FAQ sections shows I'm not alone, and I've heard players both on FFXI and on other message boards in similar situations.

Those I've encountered in game have been hesitant to speak up and make suggestions themselves because they share an account with a family member (in violation of the ToS) but would like to experience the game by playing with each other simultaneously. I believe this kind of service would be an effective solution to create such an experience and allow players to have legitimate account activity.

I'd enjoy some sort of response on the matter, I haven't heard anything on it other than what's on the Support Center. Thank you!

[Krisan]

I would actually like to see this happen too, for various reasons.

[Zyeriis]

There is a problem here. Selling characters. Yes this can currently happen by simply selling your account to some one but, that entails giving them your credit card information in the form of credit card registration within the account settings. Being able to transfer a character to a separate account would remove this worry.

That's not to say I wouldn't like such a service, in fact I would like to be able to play on both of my characters at the same time. This, however, is impossible due to the way they set up security by not allowing one account to be logged into, at 2 different locations. Basically, this is a playonline issue that prevents us from using 2 characters on 1 account simultaneously. If they could fix that, it would still allow us to achieve what you want without the potential for rmts to come back in and start selling characters pre-leveled.

Basically: Allow us to log in with any number of our own characters at any given time.

They probably won't do that for either A) Technical Reasons (Playonline) or B) they want more money (rather than you have 2 accounts at full price you would have 1 account that only costs $1 extra a month).

[Krisan]

You can't see prior credit card information in the account management section of POL. At the most you get the last four digits, which isn't putting you in any danger. As far as someone not changing it and charging the game off your card goes too, can dispute the charges easily enough and lock it out altogether.

Likewise you could just add a prepaid card to the account before you sell it if you're really worried about security.. It's not even inconvenient to do it that way. >_>

[Zyeriis]

You can't see prior credit card information in the account management section of POL. At the most you get the last four digits, which isn't putting you in any danger. As far as someone not changing it and charging the game off your card goes too, can dispute the charges easily enough and lock it out altogether.

Likewise you could just add a prepaid card to the account before you sell it if you're really worried about security.. It's not even inconvenient to do it that way. >_>

Because if they can't directly see it, then theres no way to get to it, right?

"Oh no! I want to commit a crime but there are *'s where the credit card numbers should be! *gives up*"

Not going to argue this for a lot of reasons.

[Ravenmore]

Another thing that could make it hard for them is that once you buy a expansion its good for all char on your account. Think that could be the line they would take. they could also say PoL like whats been said would have to give the new account a PoL ID and password while keeping all the progress on the char.

[Krisan]

Because if they can't directly see it, then theres no way to get to it, right?

"Oh no! I want to commit a crime but there are *'s where the credit card numbers should be! *gives up*"

Not going to argue this for a lot of reasons.
There's.. really no way to figure that out short of brute forcing two thirds of the credit card. And I'm not going to argue this either for quite a few reasons. You also conveniently ignored the fact that I said you can add a prepaid card to account with zero hassle and eliminate the scenario you presented entirely.

[Zyeriis]

Another thing that could make it hard for them is that once you buy a expansion its good for all char on your account. Think that could be the line they would take. they could also say PoL like whats been said would have to give the new account a PoL ID and password while keeping all the progress on the char.

Hmm yes, what about the registration of additional services (expansion packs). Would these get transfered to the secondary account because the original account used these to level up that character? (Would content be connected to character rather than account). In the case that it isn't carried over that would mean you would have to purchase the game again (which is fair and all) but would enough people be willing to do that for this to be relevant enough to warrant SE's time and "money"? If the case is that content gets carried over, that would increase the potential for the rmt sales of characters by being able to sell characters with full content access from a single account (then make new characters and repeat the process over and over) thus resulting in a decline in sales for the actual content. The latter is highly unlikely I'm aware but either way it is potentially flawed here.

[Zyeriis]

There's.. really no way to figure that out short of brute forcing two thirds of the credit card. And I'm not going to argue this either for quite a few reasons. You also conveniently ignored the fact that I said you can add a prepaid card to account with zero hassle and eliminate the scenario you presented entirely.

Ignored it? Just because I didn't clarify that it was an option does not mean I ignored it. Do I need to clarify my position on all of your points to satisfy you? You stated the obvious, nothing more needed to be said.

[Krisan]

Another thing that could make it hard for them is that once you buy a expansion its good for all char on your account. Think that could be the line they would take. they could also say PoL like whats been said would have to give the new account a PoL ID and password while keeping all the progress on the char.
Since we're talking about character transfers to different accounts, I'd assume you'd only have access to the expansions registered on the account you moved your character to. This would honestly make the most sense.

[Dekoda]

Thank you for your insight, Zyeriis. RMT did come across my mind when suggesting this, but I think some countermeasures could be put in place. For example, perhaps to ensure that both accounts are owned by the same individual, they must both be paid with the same credit card? Or even better (if it is possible), you can only transfer characters to accounts linked under the same Square Enix ID and you would pay for your services through your Square Enix account? Just some thoughts.

However, like you said, as long as I get to play on my 2 characters that are currently under the same account, it doesn't matter how its done. I think it could be a good business move too because of 1.) fees for using the transferring service, 2.) the character's monthly fee effectively went from $1.00 a month on the old account to $12.95 on the new account, 3.) selling additional Content ID's (expansions, etc) for the new account and 4.) satisfied costumers.

Ravenmore, at first I thought expansions and add-ons would be an issue... but we are still able to guest login on a machine that does not have any expansions or add-on content installed. The content (areas, etc) is simply off limits. Perhaps a similar approach can be taken on accounts that a character that is being transferred is put on to. All progress in expansion related missions and quests is kept, but you are not allowed to enter any areas until appropriate Content ID's are purchased.

[Ravenmore]

What would stop RMTing chars with complete mission gained access, theres just to many ways this could back fire that would not be worth the time SE would have to comment to come up with countermeasures to prevent it.

With leveling being as easy and fast as it is now and a new collection with all 3 abyssea add-ons coming in a couple of weeks this is a none issue. Only road block of a fresh accout would be maat fight but guessing most would level whm for a duel box char its a easy fight.

Sorry watching TV didn't see response sorry.

[Dekoda]

I don't see how there could be much of an increase in any RMT activity. The reasons you give to sell a character would be the same whether there was a transfer service or not.

Also, I was thinking if you simply allow a character to "separate" from an account, becoming the first character on a new account... there's no issue. By disallowing players to "merge" a collection of characters (from multiple accounts) on to one account, it would discourage RMT activity.

I don't think moving a character from one existing account to another would be the best way to do it, but I think some sort of service can be done without "back fires" nonetheless.

[Ravenmore]

I'm just trying to point out what SE will say if a rep comments on this. It'll either be possible RMT or cost/reward for SE. Where we could see the increase in fees for SE they might not want to gamble on enough fees to cover the cost and it could still fall to PoL being the major road block to it all. Don't get me wrong I like this idea but I don't know any other MMO that allows this. The server transers were part of other MMOs and SE followed the leader on it.

[Dekoda]

I'm glad that you're trying to expose both sides of the matter. However, I thought World of Warcraft had a paid character transfer service that allowed you to move a character on one account to another? I did a quick Google search and didn't find anything that said otherwise. If it isn't a problem for them, Square Enix could follow their lead, too.

Plus, if RMT was ever a concern, the server transfer service arguably encourages RMT activity too by allowing sales cross servers

I can understand Square Enix not wanting to gamble. Thus far, though, everyone seems to be in favor of a transfer service.

[Ravenmore]

I haven't messed with WoW for a long time if they did add it it was long after I tried it. Another thing was the wanted section on AH thread everyone like that even the water down version of it but SE pulled the cost/dev time card. Another thing was the Windowed mode everyone wanted it but SE found a way to mess that up. I really hate going to this but its looking more and more like the case FF14 sucking up to much of SE resources.

They are also going to start allowing us to send ra/ex items to char on the same account. Just one more thing they could point to and say no go cause of.

[Dekoda]

Yeah I thought about the Ra/Ex sending thing too. It's a nice feature because I have two high level characters I can exchange Ra/Ex gear to and from. I was afraid when I heard its announcement, though, because I thought it would put a character transfer service further off.

This is another reason why they could implement the "separation" method I spoke of if they decide to create a service at all. It would make it impossible to get a Ra/Ex item from one existing account to another, the items could only make it on to new accounts. Still, as Zyeriis said, these kinds of complications are avoidable altogether if we are just allowed to play on multiple characters simultaneously on the same account. I would be all for that.

[Ravenmore]

I would be all for playing simultaneously even limiting it to only two, mabye even giving the other char a ID ext to get around PoL. That would prevent any atemps at RMT.

[Chiibi]

i'd gladly pay £20 to move my second character to another account xD

[Dekka]

i remember writing an email to SE 7 or so years ago asking to have my brothers character seperated so we could play together. I really wished they let us do something like that just so we could play together. Was willing to buy the game and expansions again as neither of us at the time didnt want to start alllllll over again. Allowing players to do this wouldnt help RMT in any way except maybe cut down on some costs with characters but who cares right?

[SHJcules]

SHJ approves of this message.

It is all too often that people, like me; with multiple personality disorder, create a multitude of characters from day one to help service and express ourselves. Then years later, as each becomes their own persona manifesto, it is asking to much to bind so much into one pixelated body. Much like how Superman/Clark Kent/Dean Cain are forced into only being at one place at a time, when eventually they must be torn apart and given their own lives.

..Cliches aside, I would really enjoy this feature personally. There is a plethora of reasons why it would be a welcome feature to many of us, each pertaining to ones own story stemming from their creation many years ago, when they were first born into Vana'diel.

[darkscyther]

i would like to see such services being implement as well as i have friends who are in the same situation as the author...

some of them quit because they cant get to play with their family memebrs as they are sharing the same account... thus to prevent such things from happening i hope SE would think through the service thoroughly

[GlobalVariable]

There is a problem here. Selling characters.Because of this, I propose an alternative: purchasing 2nd login on the same account, basically a content ID upgrade, so that content ID would cost the full 12.95 like your 1st one instead of 1.00

[Alhanelem]

Will never happen, because then people will start selling individual characters on accounts.

[Dekoda]

As proposed, we still have the alternative of allowing two characters on the same account to be logged in simultaneously. I have no preference either way, I would just enjoy being able to play both of my characters at the same time in any way possible. It seems like many other people would prefer the option as well, and would readily pay a fee.

I chose the character transfer service method because that is the only thing currently proposed in the Square Enix Support Center FAQ (as shown in the OP). For the sake of feedback, Alhanelem, would you be for or against either 1.) Simultaneous log-ins and/or 2.) Character transfer service, if RMT countermeasures are employed?

There's a bit of discussion over RMT countermeasures in the topic, if there's anything I've missed that would still promote RMT activity feel free to bring it up for the sake of discussion.

[Lexin]

I would much rather see the ability to play 2 characters on the same account at the same time.

[Dekoda]

The simultaneously log in option may even be a bit more user friendly and easier to understand, that would probably make the developers less hesitant to implement something like this. That, and whatever takes less effort and creates minimal complications.

Like I said, though, either way works.

[GlobalVariable]

There is already a check to ensure the same character isn't logged in, and when I've re-logged in fast enough after a dc I've been able to /poke to my red dotted mule, so really should in theory only require some minor pol client changes and a change to the billing system to have 2 full price content IDs and 2 characters in game at once.

[Zyeriis]

There is already a check to ensure the same character isn't logged in, and when I've re-logged in fast enough after a dc I've been able to /poke to my red dotted mule, so really should in theory only require some minor pol client changes and a change to the billing system to have 2 full price content IDs and 2 characters in game at once.

Yes, I see no reason why theres the restriction. The restriction is tied pretty much entirely to playonline, they just need to flip a switch.

[GlobalVariable]

Yes, I see no reason why theres the restriction. The restriction is tied pretty much entirely to playonline, they just need to flip a switch.Flipping a switch is oversimplifying a tad, but it shouldn't be excessively difficult to have it check a server side value for allowed characters instead of just checking if any are on.

I think they have problems with thier new programmers understanding what their old programmers made however so you never know...We'll have to wait and hope they decide to tell us if its possible.

I suspect there is some obfuscating or lack of commented code or both going on, with the number of things they tell us aren't possible even when examples of it already exist elswhere in game (assault tags and traverser stones come to mind).

[Dekoda]

^ What was the example with the tags/stones?

[GlobalVariable]

They said they couldn't make assault tags work like traverser stones.

[svengalis]

Over the years, there's nothing I've wanted to see more in FFXI than the ability to transfer a character from one account to another. At the very least, the ability to "separate" a character from an account (to create a new account) would be welcomed as well. I feel that not being able to play two characters simultaneously has hindered my play experience.

Obviously, this has been a concern in the past as well (as shown here):

http://support.na.square-enix.com/faqarticle.php?kid=12221&id=20&la=1&ret=faq&pv=10&page=2&c=0&sc=0&so=4&q=transfer

I found it interesting that the phrase "currently" is used, as if it were a possibility in the future to see this kind of service included.

I have submitted this request in the form of a suggestion before, but I have never gotten any replies. Is there (or will there ever be) any hope for this kind of service? The link suggests purchasing another Content ID to play another character simultaneously. I tried that but my other character is Lv.90 right now with several quests completed and equipment acquired, so I was quickly unmotivated to make any progress when I tried starting a new character.

I would gladly pay some kind of fee for a service like this, as well as purchase anything necessary in order to transfer a character (Content ID, Expansions, Add-ons, etc). The presence of this request in the Square Enix Support Center's FAQ sections shows I'm not alone, and I've heard players both on FFXI and on other message boards in similar situations.

Those I've encountered in game have been hesitant to speak up and make suggestions themselves because they share an account with a family member (in violation of the ToS) but would like to experience the game by playing with each other simultaneously. I believe this kind of service would be an effective solution to create such an experience and allow players to have legitimate account activity.

I'd enjoy some sort of response on the matter, I haven't heard anything on it other than what's on the Support Center. Thank you!

NOTE: If anyone else has an opinion concerning this matter, please feel free to share!

They would loose alot of sub if they did this. I know this guy who had his whole family playing the game. 5 different accounts.

[Dekoda]

Hence why I'm beginning to lean towards a simultaneous log in service, it would put to rest these kinds of complications (and others that may arise with the new ability to transfer EX items between characters on the same account).

I also suggested only a "separation" method of transfer service where the newly transferred character is placed as the first character on a new account... this would disallow "merging" accounts (which would cause profit loss in a case like you mentioned, with 5 separate accounts).

Still, if a separation service is included, I see no reason it would hurt subscriptions. I don't suggest implementing both. Thus even if an account "merged" 5 separate accounts, they still couldn't play simultaneously.

[Tsukino_Kaji]

I've talked to customer service about seperating characters. They said, and I quote, "no."

[Dekoda]

I have too, over the phone =/ However, I was told that it was because it was "impossible" to perform. In other words, it would need to be a decision made by the developers if anything were ever to happen.

After repeated suggestions sent to Square Enix, I decided to try my luck with this thread. If it were hypothetically possible to implement with no difficulties (due to RMT, subscription fees, add-on/expansion content, etc), I haven't heard anyone express negative feedback on the matter (both on the game and so far on here). After some people here suggested simultaneous log ins, I don't think any of those difficulties would even exist.

[Octaviane]

I don't see where a problem would exist, except for husbands/wives/family splitting up in which case one would hope that there would be a decision made by everyone using the primary card to cancel any other accounts on that card. As far as I can see, all that needs to happen is that a separate Content ID plus a Security Token be purchased for the family member(s). Assuming no mules, an extra $12.95 per month plus the cost of the token. Perhaps the extra token would not be necessary, not really sure. Maybe the extra money each month is not possible for a lot of people, but I do know quite a few players who can't play simultaneously because of this limitation and one in particular who got so frustrated by the negative responses from Customer Service that they bought a new system, new game and add-ons and started over.

[Dekoda]

Well from responses so far in this thread, it sounds like most people would be willing to pay for the service. Obviously, the the feature should be optionally activated in general (either per each character you would wish to play simultaneously or for the entire account with the ability to log in with 2 or more characters) otherwise there'd be a problem with mules.

I have respect for people who are willing to restart all over again, but I really don't have that kind of time to relevel, unlock all areas, finish missions, etc. Plus, it would always annoy me that I have a level 90 character sitting on my other account that I still couldn't play =/

[Chinzu]

this is something i would like to see. a friend i know shares an account with his brother, and they always have to do stuff like atma NM twice for each chara. i have known other people that would have used this kind of service but they quit.

as someone who duo boxes, i would like to keep everything on one account. i can still pay for both chara, but it would be simpler to use both from one account. a lot of people duo box nowadays.

[Dekoda]

Hadn't been able to check back on this thread because of finals, so sorry for the necro-bump lol. I updated the OP to show the alternative option of being able to simultaneously log in. I think that should create less confusion for those unable to read the entire thread thus far.

[Alhanelem]

i remember writing an email to SE 7 or so years ago asking to have my brothers character seperated so we could play together.You should have made seperate accounts to begin with.

[Dekoda]

You should have made seperate accounts to begin with.

I feel the same way... but there's nothing you can do about it now ><

[Dekoda]

Okay... sorry for the amazing necro bump but I wanted to try this out one more time. Having to select my "main" character reminded me of it, since I have two "mains" lol

But seriously it would be nice to hear from the Dev team if this ever could happen.

[Alhanelem]

they already said a long time ago that they have no plans of doing this.

The reasons are obvious. It would essentially be enabling the buying/selling/trading of single characters.

[Dekoda]

Hence the edit in the OP:


After a bit of discussion, the idea of simultaneously logging in on two (or more) characters on the same account came up. This would eliminate concerns of RMT activity and any other minor complications that may come from a transfer service. On paper, it would seem easier to implement and understand, making it more user friendly. As a player, I personally have no preference over either method as long as one gets added. Also note this would probably come with some sort of subscription fee to use.

I just wanted to know if this were technologically possible. I realize this is different than a transfer service, and instead a simultaneous log in.

Still, I don't recall them saying they have no plans of doing a transfer service ever, unless you could kindly point out where they did. It simply says there is currently no way to transfer characters. However this does indicate that they were aware of some sort of demand.

[Reiterpallasch]

they already said a long time ago that they have no plans of doing this.
They also said they'd never EVER raise the lvl cap. 20 lvls later, here we are.

I'm all for the idea myself.

[Alhanelem]

Just because they did one thing they said they're never going to do, doesn't mean that every other thing they've said they won't do is on the table.

And you'd better stop abusing my user name.

I'd be all for a solution that doesn't enable character trading. Logging in multiple characters on the same account would be the better solution.

[Reiterpallasch]

JAnd you'd better stop abusing my user name.
But I have ADD and therefore can't type, I get names wrong, I start stupid threads, and spew BS all around the forums. HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF MY DISABILITY! STOP TROLLING ME!

Wait, is that still the going excuse on here, or is there a new one I don't know about?

[Alhanelem]

But I have ADD and therefore can't type, I get names wrong, I start stupid threads, and spew BS all around the forums. HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF MY DISABILITY! STOP TROLLING ME!

Wait, is that still the going excuse on here, or is there a new one I don't know about?That excuse was never used, by me or anybody. I explained my condition, which is somewhat obscure, one single time to certain people in an (apparently futile) effort to allow a better understanding of how my mind works. Not once did I ever use it as an excuse, or ever even bring it up again except as a response to a post like this one.

If you can't type people's names, use copy and paste (which is what I usually do with hard to type names), instead of doing something that looks very much like an intentional abuse, even if you're saying its not.