Classic Server

[Ris]

I don't know, I would prefer the devs' limited time and resources be put into the mainstream FFXI.

They probably do have the old versions' archives but it's not as simple as just throwing it on some server somewhere. People will still expect support, and if it catches on they'll want seasonal events and other content ported to it... And isn't there a lot of long term progression goals in FFXI right now for people that want to do that kind of thing?

[Natasha]

I don't know, I would prefer the devs' limited time and resources be put into the mainstream FFXI.

They probably do have the old versions' archives but it's not as simple as just throwing it on some server somewhere. People will still expect support, and if it catches on they'll want seasonal events and other content ported to it... And isn't there a lot of long term progression goals in FFXI right now for people that want to do that kind of thing?

As stated above, refrain from assuming the devs do not have the resources for the project as none of us know exactly what resources they have available. It would probably be better to state something like "I'm not against it as long as it doesn't interfere with the main version of the game." as that states your position while still holding the provision of 'don't do it if the cost is too great'.

As for the second statement, FFXI right now is a very different kind of game from the final fantasy of old. Long term progression or not it isn't offering the experience that I expect from FFXI, and there are others who share this view. Not to condemn current FFXI if you like it, but its not the game I loved for many years.

[Ris]

As stated above, refrain from assuming the devs do not have the resources for the project as none of us know exactly what resources they have available. It would probably be better to state something like "I'm not against it as long as it doesn't interfere with the main version of the game."

I guess I can't really complain when you say it like that, but even if the cost is small... I don't mean that they don't have the resources, but I do think that those resources would come out of FFXI's total budget. Like they're not going to hire anyone new for it...

So my feedback to the devs is please keep focusing on the mainstream game (unless you could hire someone new to work on side projects that don't add to the main game).

[PlumbGame]

I don't know, I would prefer the devs' limited time and resources be put into the mainstream FFXI.

They probably do have the old versions' archives but it's not as simple as just throwing it on some server somewhere. People will still expect support, and if it catches on they'll want seasonal events and other content ported to it... And isn't there a lot of long term progression goals in FFXI right now for people that want to do that kind of thing?

This is the biggest issue I see. Would releasing said servers prevent resources from being put into mainstream FFXI? This isn't really something we can answer, because we don't really know. Like I pointed out in previous comments though, you can use what we do know from other games that have done some type of suggested server for a basis. I feel it wouldn't, because if these servers were successful, it would allow the resources to use people specifically for those servers rather than using current staff. Now, that isn't to say SE would do that, and in fact it would probably be smarter to not do that since everything is already in place if some sort of "back ups" really do exist. All they basically need to do is flip a switch. It may come with bugs which is another story, but that is also under the assumption that those bugs didn't already have some sort of fix already. Since we live in a different era though with different operating systems etc. It would be safe to assume that something may be possibly bugged, though there also exists the chance that it's not. Considering though that FFXI is still alive and going, if something WAS bugged, the fixes would be phenomenally faster since there is a version of FFXI that already doesn't have said bugs.

Also, stuff like GMs and things use to be volunteered. I don't know if that is the case anymore, and don't really care to find out, but if that is still the case, even GM activity is void. Seasonal events? How is that even an issue, most the seasonal events existed back in the days that exist now, your saying it would be harder to give said server a Christmas event over normal servers?

Long term progression goals? I don't quite understand what you mean by this. Are you referring that people can create basically their own progression LS? If so, that is possible in a game like FFXI since nothing has been removed (well besides things like not being forced to lvl down for certain content which makes certain things basically impossible to relive), but it's just different. It's really hard to explain, and different for every person. For me, a big problem is not everyone else around me is doing the same thing, so it ruins my experience, almost like whats the point. Also, given the choice, I would rather take the easier route than make my life harder. The game, although content still exists, has significantly changed, from certain unique NMs have significantly reduced spawn timers, and exp rates through the roof, even just grinding mobs, 25% increased base movement etc. A lot of that stuff can't just be removed trying to create your own time-locked expansion LS or something.