[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/fa...o=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).

[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.

[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

[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.

[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]

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.