What was the reason given for closing console versions of ffxi?

[Castanica]

I know they are stopping updates, that doesn't warrant closure of console versions however. Was a specific reason given?

[Zeargi]

The reason is that Microsoft and Sony are ending the services. Sony is keeping their PS2 service open for this game solely, and Microsoft will be ending the Live Service for 360 much like the did for the OG Xbox when the Xbox 360 came out. Sony and Microsoft want people to buy their new consoles. So, SE is being nice and closing the service since there won't be any more updates and allow the respected companies to do what they have to do.

[Castanica]

The reason is that Microsoft and Sony are ending the services. Sony is keeping their PS2 service open for this game solely, and Microsoft will be ending the Live Service for 360 much like the did for the OG Xbox when the Xbox 360 came out. Sony and Microsoft want people to buy their new consoles. So, SE is being nice and closing the service since there won't be any more updates and allow the respected companies to do what they have to do.

I haven't seen anything online that states that, only that Square Enix are closing Xbox 360 and PS2 FFXI functionality down.

Online titles on those platforms will continue to run.

[Zeargi]

I haven't seen anything online that states that, only that Square Enix are closing Xbox 360 and PS2 FFXI functionality down.

Online titles on those platforms will continue to run.

Believe what you want, but next year the 360 is losing it's live support. If I had to guess, it'd be next November much like the the Original Xbox. Right before the Christmas Rush.

http://gamerant.com/microsoft-xbox-3...cycle-support/

[Castanica]

Believe what you want, but next year the 360 is losing it's live support. If I had to guess, it'd be next November much like the the Original Xbox. Right before the Christmas Rush.

http://gamerant.com/microsoft-xbox-3...cycle-support/

Well that doesn't cover PS2 and that just says new games.

I've looked and haven't seen anything stating servers and online access will cease for any games on those platforms other than FFXI in 2016.

[Isal]

It feels like SE is trying to minimize the cost of keeping FFXI alive without shutting it down altogether. Between winding down the story by announcing its conclusion, the announcement of two different mobile releases (the "client" of which is actually being developed by Nexon, not SE directly), and the end of the console support seems to point towards this.

I don't know anything myself, but I'm under the impression SE was having to pay Sony and Microsoft a certain amount on a recurring basis to continue to have their game accessible through the respective companies' console servers. I could be wrong? But if not, then it would explain SE's motivation to end console support for FFXI. (Fairly sure they're already planning to end support for FFXIV on the PS3 some time after the Heavensward expansion releases as well)

[InpendingDeath]

Because they should have done this 5 years ago and just now realize it. PS2 and 360 should be gone doesn't matter if there is a reason or not.

But yeah what Zeargi said he is correct.

[YosemiteYogorockBlondelle]

They may not of fully stated it under this version of Freshly Picked Vana'diel 17 Digest thread but you can read it if you missed it and there up to 18 now for june's stuff..

[Castanica]

Because they should have done this 5 years ago and just now realize it. PS2 and 360 should be gone doesn't matter if there is a reason or not.

But yeah what Zeargi said he is correct.

The funny part of what you said is that players wanted them to stop support on PS2 so they could offer higher quality updates. Since we aren't getting any more updates this only hurts the game now.

To me it possibly points at a future plan that they don't want to talk about at this point.

[Isal]

Thanks for the link, YosemiteYogorockBlondelle, definitely cleared some things up for me.

Console service doesn't get cut until the conclusion of RoV. It sounds like it isn't related to any kind of support ending, but simply because QoL adjustments have required taking the PS2 and 360's limited memory into account. So, if you want the short and cynical version: PC master race. Their goal is to keep FFXI running for as long as possible past November, and will focus on keeping it as appealing and accessible as possible, and it'll be easier to make adjustments towards that end without having to take the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 hardware into consideration.

As it stands, a console player can download the full client for free on a PC and access their same account at no extra charge, it's just a question of having a PC to run the game on which, silver lining, wouldn't have to be even remotely as powerful as is necessary for today's games.