For those of us who still support the PS2 version of FFXI

[Ilax]

This has nothing to do with ps2 limitations.

is all about it. Texture/wire mesh/music, they can't afford to do much anymore, so they recycle the current data.

[PizzaTheHut]

The PS2 is 11 years old, I find it absolutely ridiculous that SE is still supporting it. Simply give all PS2 players a free 360/PC client and drop it completely. Just imagine a what can be done without those limitations! Most PS2 players have a PC anyways.

If anyone wants this game to live longer, SE MUST drop support for the PS2 and move on to better things.

No company is dumb enough to drop large sources of income.

[thefinalrune]

PS2 user can still access their accounts if they ever switch to PC or XBox. I'm proof of that cuz i didn't want to go through of the hassle of buying outdated hardware. I'm a believer that outdated hardware will soon disappear from FFXI

Indeed you are correct. Accounts are for your POL ID, not which console or machine you play through.

However, on the subject that's been brought up about dropping the PS2 support I do have this to say: Without a doubt the limited hardware of the sadly long forgotten and unsupported PS2 HDD is hampering the progression and future development of Final Fantasy in a great and striking way. Given the unfortunate turn of events surrounding FFXIV and its horribly small and continually dwindling player base I imagine SE is all the more desperate and reliant on the income that FFXI provides.

Its no secret that SE made considerably less during the last year than they anticipated (about 12% of their projected financial gain). Cutting PS2 support would only cost them dearly given how popular the platform is for use in Japan. However, I could see a phasing out plan as being vastly useful in the long run.

Perhaps by setting a timeline, say a year, for a planned drop of PS2 support along with an offering of a free digital download of the PC version of FFXI to any and all players with valid registration codes would set up a proper standing for being able to truly increase the content and capabilities of Final Fantasy XI. Without a doubt, both from a visual standpoint and a content standpoint leaving behind the PS2 would open many many doors of expansion potential. Of course, with this change should also come about greater marketing to renew people's interest in FFXI.

Its simply not something that can be done quickly or without care, but eventually, for the sake of the game and given its age, not removing support for the outdated system will only damage FFXI's growth to the point that it will eventually fall to the low numbers FFXIV is now supporting (which is approximately a meager 15k users, supposedly).

[rog]

is all about it. Texture/wire mesh/music, they can't afford to do much anymore, so they recycle the current data.

Recycling it uses the same resources as new data would. They remake the same zones because it's easier to do so with minimal effort. It has nothing to do with the ps2.

[Juri_Licious]

No company is dumb enough to drop large sources of income.

Out of all my time on FFXI, i've never run into a single PS2 player on FFXI.
I doubt it's a large source of income.

Speaking of income, they'd get so much more if they were capable of doing more advanced updates if it were not for the PS2's limitations.

[Shewp]

Out of all my time on FFXI, i've never run into a single PS2 player on FFXI.
I doubt it's a large source of income.

Speaking of income, they'd get so much more if they were capable of doing more advanced updates if it were not for the PS2's limitations.

I agree completely, how many FFXI players use the PS2? How many of those players have a PC? The income gained by dropping the PS2 will probably be higher than the income if they simply rot with the PS2.

Of course, only SE knows the actual numbers, which is why we need a dev response!

[Ilax]

No company is dumb enough to drop large sources of income.

Large sources of income?

Enhance the game and have more ready to join would increase they income.

Support the last 1200 player still on PS2, won't go anywhere, I would like to see a chart of how many still play on PS2.

Like i say i am in to Chip a dollar per month for 2yr just to upgrade these PS2 player lol.

[Odintius]

Let them hit the ps2 limitation threshold and then just keep adding content for pc xbox360 and see the ps2 user's either quit or go out and get a cheap system the game still support's dail up for crying out loud. Just my 2 cent's :P

[Ilax]

Recycling it uses the same resources as new data would. They remake the same zones because it's easier to do so with minimal effort. It has nothing to do with the ps2.

i am not going to explain it again just a duped zone (mean they reused the same data + added 9~10 sound track) made PS2 HDD too full.... imagine if they add a new zone now... I agree it made easier for SE too, but no way it cost that much to SE to create a new zone >< Is actually what they did before reach limitation of PS2 (Zilard, CoP, Aht Urhgan)

[rog]

i am not going to explain it again just a duped zone (mean they reused the same data + added 9~10 sound track) made PS2 HDD too full.... imagine if they add a new zone now... I agree it made easier for SE too, but no way it cost that much to SE to create a new zone >< Is actually what they did before reach limitation of PS2 (Zilard, CoP, Aht Urhgan)

The HDD is not actually full, it's still got tons of space. The problem with the ps2 was that the partition used by ffxi was too small, so it couldn't use the rest of the HDD.