your thoughts on the future of ffxi

I'd like to see it last as long as possible, FFXI is a special MMO for me and i wish for HD version or XI-2 for it.

i just drooped out of FFXIV because i felt it was boring and has stupid movement animation, instance everything, SMN looks like a warlock, etc...

I liked FFXIV a lot when I played it, the combat system for the most part was a lot more interesting than FFXIs engage and hit.

Yet, I can't get over no gearswaps in FFXIV. Everything is literally a vertical climb, and it outdates content so quickly.. I'd love any other mmo to tackle it. FFXIV could handle it quite well, but there's an established system in place, to include it now would invalidate so much.

If we ever got a FFXI-2 I would hope that they'd update the engine to alway for more dynamic fights while also allowing for gearswaps. I doubt that'll happen though..

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Originally Posted by Balloon

I liked FFXIV a lot when I played it, the combat system for the most part was a lot more interesting than FFXIs engage and hit.

Yet, I can't get over no gearswaps in FFXIV. Everything is literally a vertical climb, and it outdates content so quickly.. I'd love any other mmo to tackle it. FFXIV could handle it quite well, but there's an established system in place, to include it now would invalidate so much.

If we ever got a FFXI-2 I would hope that they'd update the engine to alway for more dynamic fights while also allowing for gearswaps. I doubt that'll happen though..

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Please no to the 'engaging' combat. Part of XI's charm is the slower pace where JAs matter, and you actually have to use tactics that don't revolve around 'frantically look around for a red circle on the floor, then move!".

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Originally Posted by Deirdre

Please no to the 'engaging' combat. Part of XI's charm is the slower pace where JAs matter, and you actually have to use tactics that don't revolve around 'frantically look around for a red circle on the floor, then move!".

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This.

FFXIV's combat is not engaging. There's no random elements.. nothing is put to chance in bossfights. It's all incredibly mechanical, especially with the entire battle system based on dodging giant floor markers to avoid AoE attacks.

Besides, I like being able to play a different kind of MMO that doesn't involve flooding my damn screen with a million icons that I need to mash, mash, and mash more; I like playing FFXI.

While FF14 provides a more updated visual experience and has a lot of quality of life enhancements over FFXI... I still find FFXI the superior game. For reasons already noted, FFXI has a more engaging combat system and the sub-job system far surpasses the armory system in terms of both flavor and function.

So long as FF14 focuses on providing a very streamlined MMO experience, I think FF11 has a good number of years left. Even with its warts and missteps, not one modern MMO has yet to provide the depth and mystery that older MMOs provided.

I could not agree with the last 3 posts more, nails on the head, I would love more Quality of Life updates, maybe an Engine Revamp and a Visual update, but, even if those things don't happen, FFXI still has some wonderful things that no other game does quite as well at the moment.

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Originally Posted by Deirdre

Please no to the 'engaging' combat. Part of XI's charm is the slower pace where JAs matter, and you actually have to use tactics that don't revolve around 'frantically look around for a red circle on the floor, then move!".

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Originally Posted by Arbalest

This.

FFXIV's combat is not engaging. There's no random elements.. nothing is put to chance in bossfights. It's all incredibly mechanical, especially with the entire battle system based on dodging giant floor markers to avoid AoE attacks.

Besides, I like being able to play a different kind of MMO that doesn't involve flooding my damn screen with a million icons that I need to mash, mash, and mash more; I like playing FFXI.

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Originally Posted by deeg

While FF14 provides a more updated visual experience and has a lot of quality of life enhancements over FFXI... I still find FFXI the superior game. For reasons already noted, FFXI has a more engaging combat system and the sub-job system far surpasses the armory system in terms of both flavor and function.

So long as FF14 focuses on providing a very streamlined MMO experience, I think FF11 has a good number of years left. Even with its warts and missteps, not one modern MMO has yet to provide the depth and mystery that older MMOs provided.

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Originally Posted by Selindrile

I could not agree with the last 3 posts more, nails on the head, I would love more Quality of Life updates, maybe an Engine Revamp and a Visual update, but, even if those things don't happen, FFXI still has some wonderful things that no other game does quite as well at the moment.

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I couldn't agree more, I know there,s more posts like these just didn't want to make a wall-o-text post, 14 maybe for others, for me there was no fun factor, my Wife and I can enjoy 11, home sweet home Vana'diel is where are hearts are.

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Originally Posted by Rubicant82

I see FFXI as one of the MMOs that go on and on ....
DAoC & the original Everquest are still going! why? Because people still play them. It was mentioned a few time that as long as there are people who keep playing and that SE is making a profit most likely they will keep at least 1 sever going until the point that they start losing money, and even then depending on how much they lose they might keep it going for a little while longer. But with as many people that still play I do not see FFXI going anywhere anytime soon.

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#1: ^I can't like this post enough times. Amen. FFXI isn't going anywhere. For my money, it's still the best MMO on the market. The job/subjob system alone makes for the widest array of gameplay options on a single character of any game I've ever played. The level of customization within a single job isn't as high as WoW, but who cares, WoW sucks. I can't wait for all the game jumpers who go to whatever MMO is new and exciting to drop FFXIV:ARR like rats fleeing a sinking ship, and for it to fail just like EQ2 so we get some of our staff back.

#2. Most people think they would have to discontinue ps2 support. Considering playstation is on ps4 now, that could be a possibility in the future, surely by the time there's a PS-5. However, IIRC there was an optional graphics upgrade released for everquest, so I don't see why they can't do the same. Some people don't want a graphics upgrade because they play this game for nostalgia, or because they have ancient computers or love their ps2's. For so many reasons it would have to be optional, and that just doesn't strike me as their style. But we can hope.

also yes, merge some servers already, jeez. With the decreased cost and waiting period for server transfers, people will sort of clump together on the bigger servers. Make your money off that business and then start merging smaller servers together.

This Final Fantasy in my humble opinion is the GREATEST Final Fantasy EVER! Here are my reasons for my statement:


- The first Final Fantasy where you could truely create your own character.

- The story and worlds lore is second to none in terms of playablility.

- With recent "Trust Magic", players can create their own party?! YES PLEASE!

- I cannot stress enough about GEOMANCER people. Loved that class since I was a kid.

- Combat is awsome as well.

With all these points in mind. If the day should ever come where SE has to shut down FFXI. I would absolutly 1000% buy a single player HD version of FFXI. This can work 2 ways.

1. People who had never played the game can play by themselves or invite a friend to play through a personal server.

2. People can opt in and pay a monthly fee to SE to rent a server for a large group of players.

This game still has a bright future even if the MMO is done. and Like I said even if they shut down support I would re-buy a Offline HD version for SteamOS ;)

The real reason they didn't port FFXI to the PS3 was because of Sony's policy that PS2 games ported to the PS3 must be given a graphics update.

I don't think you will see a complete overhaul but updating the graphics engine to DirectX 11 would be possible. This wouldn't require a complete overhaul of the content, just update the graphics engine and use the same models and zones. A few updated graphics effects like global shadows updated water effects and 60fps wouldn't be too much work either. Also I'm certain they have high res versions of the textures, texture artists don't typically work with 128x128 postage stamps they draw the textures at a higher resolution and then scale them down.

I can't think of one valid reason a company would close down an mmo like ffxi.

Cheap to run, cheap to produce content for and a large playerbase (by most mmo standards).

No matter what FFXIV does it has no relevence to FFXI, they are pretty much now hitting different audiences. They would do more damage than good by closing down a game people still like and play, especially JP players. Did you see the rage and hatred to the publisher when they closed down city of heroes? Even players that don't play FFXI anymore would be angry at Square for closing down an mmo they have such feelings for as they do with this one.

Anyway to answer the question, once you see development stop it has a few years left at that point. A company that has put an mmo out to pasture is one they stop spending money developing. Since it still gets regular updates it has many many years left in it. They will close it down when it doesn't have enough players to sustain its cost. Most mmo titles run and are profitable with 2-3 servers.

FFXIV players should be more worried honestly, since that game is now seemingly not profitable enough to sustain itself without the desperate move of adding a cash shop (Selling mounts for $25 lol). Something FFXI has run just fine without for 12 years now.

In my dreams FFXI gets an expansion which updates the physics to add flying and swimming.

In reality, it will keep running for at least another 5 years, with a slowly declining population.

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Originally Posted by Olor

In my dreams FFXI gets an expansion which updates the physics to add flying and swimming.

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As we still get stopped by 3 inches of snow in Xarcabard and inivsible walls in Jeuno, I don't see this happen very soon.

The game has another expansion coming, just watch.

I don't want this game to die until I see the Mithran homeland ...

I think you mean the far east, who cares about Mithra! I wanna see Phoenix and Tenzen.

Orcish empire

1. Yes, and even if people stopped playing, they would keep merging and merging until there were maybe 2 servers left. Question would be: Would there be any more good updates and tweaks to problems after that.

2. Hell no. This game looks great for its graphics. I have no idea why people need games to keep having better and better graphics. The fact that you can easily see chat font and your character's eyes blinks and a breathing-motion is awesome. No facelift please. Es purfect!

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Originally Posted by Numquam

1. Yes, and even if people stopped playing, they would keep merging and merging until there were maybe 2 servers left. Question would be: Would there be any more good updates and tweaks to problems after that.

2. Hell no. This game looks great for its graphics. I have no idea why people need games to keep having better and better graphics. The fact that you can easily see chat font and your character's eyes blinks and a breathing-motion is awesome. No facelift please. Es purfect!

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I agree that the graphics are fine. I actually prefer them over Final Fantasy 14's graphics to be honest with you (I know that may sound weird but it's true). They are also easier on my hardware too and less likely to cause performance problems.

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Originally Posted by Draylo

I think you mean the far east, who cares about Mithra! I wanna see Phoenix and Tenzen.

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Ok, ok, I want to see them too. ;p

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Originally Posted by Draylo

I think you mean the far east, who cares about Mithra! I wanna see Phoenix and Tenzen.

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While a Far East expansion would be cool, I don't see the appeal of Tenzen at all. Every time I fight him I'm highly disappointed that he doesn't actually die.

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Originally Posted by Draylo

The game has another expansion coming, just watch.

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I really hope you are right. ^^

I haven't been able to pay sub due to lack of paypal. My sub is out. I have called SE I get a rep. that says "They don't know until it's posted on the forums or site" according to them they are as much in the dark as we are, so just like 14 my Wife and I had to quit 11 as well. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Draylo

The game has another expansion coming, just watch.

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It would be nice, but we are aware of that Abyssea killed FFXI and lost thousands of players, SoA barely revived FFXI a very little bit, but it didn't get all players back to FFXI as we kinda expected. I'd be overjoyed if they recreated FFXI (and kept it classy such as the battle system and others.) This will get many returning players back (and get more new players too.)


EDIT: My girlfriend and I were having a little chit-chat about remaking FFXI, and I want to show y'all one of her texts:

"yeah we tend to buy remake games rather than next generation games like pokemon remake omega and alpha. I really love those games. A lot of good memories."

Like SE did it to FFXIV and pulled millions of players into the game, so why not for FFXI? SE likes money, right? RIGHT?

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Originally Posted by d3afn3ss1337

It would be nice, but we are aware of that Abyssea killed FFXI and lost thousands of players, SoA barely revived FFXI a very little bit, but it didn't get all players back to FFXI as we kinda expected. I'd be overjoyed if they recreated FFXI (and kept it classy such as the battle system and others.) This will get many returning players back (and get more new players too.)


EDIT: My girlfriend and I were having a little chit-chat about remaking FFXI, and I want to show y'all one of her texts:

"yeah we tend to buy remake games rather than next generation games like pokemon remake omega and alpha. I really love those games. A lot of good memories."

Like SE did it to FFXIV and pulled millions of players into the game, so why not for FFXI? SE likes money, right? RIGHT?

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FFXIV doesn't have millions of players.

Also the problem with remaking FFXI is that you could damage the thing you're trying to make better, the niche FFXI has is that it plays on almost anything and people are highly attached to the look of the game. It's incredibly difficult to update graphics without losing the appearl of what you already have, at least form a character perspective.

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Originally Posted by Pixela

FFXIV doesn't have millions of players.

Also the problem with remaking FFXI is that you could damage the thing you're trying to make better, the niche FFXI has is that it plays on almost anything and people are highly attached to the look of the game. It's incredibly difficult to update graphics without losing the appearl of what you already have, at least form a character perspective.

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"Speaking of "people," if you speak of the players who still play, I doubt that ALL of them will lose their interest if there are new graphics, but don't forget about new players it could pull.

I worry more about the beloved gameplay rather than the graphics. Like I said, if they keep it classy.

Speaking of new graphics, they don't have to be like FFXIV, specifically. Maybe more like FF12, but with HD textures which would be very nice.

PS: I didn't mean millions of players as subscribers.

1. Yes absolutely. Just look at the new social features that were added.
2. Would love it, no idea how plausible it is.

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Originally Posted by Pixela

FFXIV doesn't have millions of players.

Also the problem with remaking FFXI is that you could damage the thing you're trying to make better, the niche FFXI has is that it plays on almost anything and people are highly attached to the look of the game. It's incredibly difficult to update graphics without losing the appearl of what you already have, at least form a character perspective.

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It has over 2 million as of April of this year, and is well on its way to hit 3 million pretty soon.

That said, I don't foresee any sort of an FFXI remaster for reasons everyone has stated. I also don't see it dying anytime soon.

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Originally Posted by Fiko

It has over 2 million as of April of this year, and is well on its way to hit 3 million pretty soon.

That said, I don't foresee any sort of an FFXI remaster for reasons everyone has stated. I also don't see it dying anytime soon.

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If I remember correctly, 2M isn't active subscription, it's registered account.

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Originally Posted by Fiko

It has over 2 million as of April of this year, and is well on its way to hit 3 million pretty soon.

That said, I don't foresee any sort of an FFXI remaster for reasons everyone has stated. I also don't see it dying anytime soon.

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As Afania said that's not players, if I had to guess I would say FFXIV at this point probably has around 200k subscribers since the producer said they had 600k subs and lost around 40% within the first 4 months, probably a lot less now actually since the new wow expansion came out and they try to compete directly with wow. Still good numbers but not given how long the game has been out and how much money they sank into it.

Of which is more profitable right now FFXI will be, which is why they will keep pumping out expansions for it.

I don't think people actually realise how profitable old mmo titles are and how a dedicated invested playerbase coupled with easy and cheap to make updates are more profitable than costly and volatile titles.

NCSoft recently put out their financial reports, this is the company that runs Aion, Guild wars 2, Wildstar, blade and soul, Lineage 1 and 2 etc. Guess which game made them the most profit? Lineage 1 (an MMO that people would say is dying/dead since it's nearly 17 years old now), an mmo that came out in 1998 made more profits for the company than wildstar, GW2, blade and soul all put together.

http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/g...-Earnings.html

I hope it has a fair bit of life left. And i'd like to see a new expansion. With the SoE story over i'm not sure how much longer i will play.

My hope is that FF11 is get a spin off one day set in unexplored lands that we havent seen (far east, mithra homeland ect) and maybe even in a different time, like how the ivalice alliance works. 11 has the most interesting world out of every FF by far.