Can someone tell me why everyone is upset about the logout timer?

Just cause login issues have eased up somewhat now, doesn't mean they won't return. When a big patch or an expac comes out, there will probably be a rush to login again. And even if people AFK'ing weren't causing issues, it was a point of contention for the people who weren't able to login. If you are being told the world is full while your friends are saying there are a ton of zombies just staring at Aetheryte crystals around the world for hours, it is irritating.

Besides the few real flimsy reasons I see for people having "legit" reasons to want to AFK longer than 30 minutes are just that, flimsy. Not worth the angst not having the timer creates.

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Originally Posted by Onimal

The problem with AFK Timers comes in during instances. I have had many times where an FC'er needs to take his kid to school or something, which means he's gone for 30 min. So all of us just take a 1quick break and come back. THis timer will prevent that, which is lame.

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You’re way more patient that I am. If an FC’er asked to take a +30min break in the middle on an instance to run a completely predictable errand, I’d be feeling pretty put off… and you’re saying this happens a lot to you? IMO making your fellow FC’ers wait in instance for +30min is lame and I’m glad this timer will prevent that.

I just hope at a later time they give us the option to turn it off, like they did in FFXI. I'm in a roleplaying linkshell, and while I don't have much time to play myself, I liked to be able to come back and scroll up to read the stories I have missed in the chatlog. It was always like reading a good novel written by my friends ^^

I can't think of any other MMO that doesn't utilize some sort of bazaar feature that doesn't have an auto disconnect timer. With no such feature in the game, there is literally no reason NOT to have it. Even WoW has a 30 min timer, and I never saw anyone complaining about that in all my years of playing.

Now I'm sure people did complain, but they were simply the vast vast minority. Same is the case here. They'll be loud at first but they will die down if people just ignore them.

I agree, 30 min is plenty of time to take a bio, grab a quick bite. if you need more time. LOG OUT!

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Originally Posted by Ratm3000

Because you are paying for the service, hence you should be able to do whatever you want (AFK). SE needs to get better servers, F2P MMOs have better servers then SE. You are basically telling them it's alright for you to have bad servers will still pay for them.

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Not if it makes the experience worse for other paying customers. You're still forgetting that digital sales are restricted. That'll be a whole new wave of players. It's a great precautionary measure and most MMOs already have this feature, some with even shorter timers.

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Originally Posted by Moth

The issue of the server being full has been fixed, so I don't understand why they implemented this auto-timeout feature in the first place. It is pointless. Also, when I am queuing for a duty finder for my DRG, it takes a little while to get one, lately it takes longer than 30 mins. Now i'll have to be worrying about running around every 20 mins so I don't get timed-out of the que.

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If it's like most other games with this feature, you can just walk forward one step. That's all it takes for the game to reset your timer. If you're doing something where it's too much of an inconvenience to poke the "W" key once every thirty minutes, you probably shouldn't be logged into the game in the first place.

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Originally Posted by Moth

I like leaving my character up in the world at night just because it is what I've always done in MMOs. It's just another aspect that makes this game not feel like an MMO anymore, just some dungeon spammer.

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There are a lot of things that make an MMO an MMO, and "being able to stay logged in 24/7 for no real reason, even when I'm out of the house, because I dunno, why not, whatever?" is nowhere on that list to me. It's just common courtesy; especially in light of the 1017 issues, population caps, and server queues (which still happen occasionally on some of the more populated servers). If you're not actively playing, have the decency to log out so other people can get a turn as well.

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Originally Posted by Kanzer

I can't think of any other MMO that doesn't utilize some sort of bazaar feature that doesn't have an auto disconnect timer. With no such feature in the game, there is literally no reason NOT to have it. Even WoW has a 30 min timer, and I never saw anyone complaining about that in all my years of playing.

Now I'm sure people did complain, but they were simply the vast vast minority. Same is the case here. They'll be loud at first but they will die down if people just ignore them.

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There are many players, especially DD's, who que for dungeons for more than 30 mins quite often. Auto-timeout should be an optional feature in the system config. for people like you, but it is not for everyone.

The bottom line is there is no reason for people to complain about the AFK timer. If you have something to do IRL then go do it. Keep the wife and kids happy. Yur IRL issues are not a justification for you to "need" to be AFK for longer then 30 min. and use up server resources that hundreds of other people that are actually playing need. If IRL requires that much attention log out and then log back when your task is complete. The game will still be here.

IMO the afk logout must screw up the crafting botters.

There is zero legitimate reason for a character to be sitting around for 30+ minutes unattended.

The people crying are cheating or exploiting in some way and this is affecting it.

Logging in isn't a problem anymore. If you get bounced, it takes a few seconds to get back in. Not a big deal - for someone who's actually playing.

I challenge the whiners to post a single legitimate reason for needing their character to sit in the game unattended for 30+ minutes.

Trying to get around the timer with rubber bands and repeating macros is a bad idea.

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Originally Posted by Malamasala

Wouldn't anyone with fear of being AFK logged just tape their keys down and run into a wall for those hours they need to do something else?

I'm sure you can get around this if you really feel obsessed with not logging out.

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Originally Posted by Ruprect

I have a queue on my server everytime I go to log in. I dont want to wait in it. So I will set up a macro to cast something once every 20 minutes so I don't have to log out. As soon as there are no more queues I will log out.

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Both of the above are examples of unattended play, which is against the TOS. If sitting around wasting SE's server resources is what someone wants to do, they shouldn't complain if SE suspends their account.

EDIT:

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Originally Posted by Ruprect

You can do my suggestion with the in game macro system as well

/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200
/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200

That will give you 50 minutes right there. You can just keep this up forever. I doubt using the in game macro system will get you a suspension. Also no where in the UA does it say you cannot use 3rd party macroes. This is all it saysL:

2.1 Cheating and Botting. You may not create or use any unauthorized cheats, bots, automation software, hacks, mods or any other unauthorized software or hardware designed to modify the Game and gameplay. In addition, you may not take advantage of game system bugs and exploits during gameplay.

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AFAIK, this macro idea won't work due to limits programmed into the macro system. Someone already replied that it doesn't work, and I tend to believe it. Using something like Logitech's or Razer's configurators to circumvent the timer is indeed "using automation software" to "modify gameplay". Anyone who thinks that SE can't see it is wrong. All they have to do is see the exact same actions happening at the exact same pace for an acceptable period of time. They then simply send a /tell to the character. No response=suspended account. This system worked in XI, so it certainly can work in XIV.

I did notice that the unattended play clause is now missing from the TOS. I'm certain it was there during Beta. Regardless, I really don't care what others do with their accounts. I'm only trying to be informative for those who don't realize the risk they are taking. Some will ignore me, and some may even get suspended. I'll be staying well within the rules because I value my account too much to ignore the risks.

The cities needed it also. Whether the servers could afford the extra strain or not, the quality of game went down with so many people afking and lagging the towns/sanctuaries. And people acknowledging the new players that haven't joined yet have a point: More players are coming and whether or not they exceed the total amount people leaving after the free period is something that isn't really known yet.

I think it's pretty dumb. Atleast give us the option to turn it off like ALL other MMOs that use one have. As a DPS I sit in the queue for up to an hour some days, and I don't always play while I'm in the queue, I use the time to go clean, paint models, play PS3 games, or do anything, Getting disconnected while I'm waiting is the most frustrating thing ever. How about fixing the goddamn Gilseller spam before putting in a useless feature like this. Full servers aren't an issue anymore, it's been fixed. We don't need this auto-logout thing now.

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Originally Posted by Yuyushuu

Atleast give us the option to turn it off like ALL other MMOs that use one have.

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This is not at all true.

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Originally Posted by Moth

There are many players, especially DD's, who que for dungeons for more than 30 mins quite often. Auto-timeout should be an optional feature in the system config. for people like you, but it is not for everyone.

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Even if you are waiting for longer than 30 mins a queue, you are still checking from time to time to see if the queue has popped aren't you? You may be alt tabbed and just waiting for the chime, but you aren't leaving the house or anything are you? The queue could pop while you are away. Is it that hard to just enter 1 movement input once every 30 minutes?

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Originally Posted by Yuyushuu

Full servers aren't an issue anymore, it's been fixed. We don't need this auto-logout thing now.

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And there's the problem. Full servers ARE still an issue, and it HAS NOT been fixed. Just because you haven't hit a queue recently means that nobody on any server has? What about the other people in this thread who have been dropped in a queue? Personally, I'm tired of getting queued to log in only to be disconnected. I'd rather see server transfers implemented to help people get off of overcrowded servers, but the AFK logout was needed as well.

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Originally Posted by Mkilbride

I don't really understand. 30 minutes is excessively fair.

This takes strain off their server, and makes room for people, you know, playing. People who log their character in and park it overnight, take up server space that is not needed. There's no reason to do this. Your character no longer sells stuff.

How can this be anything but good? It cuts down on the server load, future downtimes will be much, much shorter, it frees up cities and areas, so better FPS.

Overall, it's a great improvement that I thought would be here day one. It was a rookie move by SE to not have it day one, so many problems would've been solved by it.

So why do I see all these upset people?

I mean, even if logged out...with one click, you can be back in in 15 seconds.

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No, it increases server load since those AFK players are replaced with ACTIVE players. Means more lag for everyone.


What do you mean 'future downtimes will be much much shorter?' that doesn't make sense? When the servers are down all users are kicked including AFKs.

Why is everyone saying it 'frees up' 'Server load is decreased' blah blah blah??? SE just opened all servers for more characters to be created because AFK players are not taking up connections anymore. This will mean MORE actives and MORE load/lag.

My main problem is 30 minutes is way too short. One hour or longer would be acceptable.

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Originally Posted by fixitman

Trying to get around the timer with rubber bands and repeating macros is a bad idea.





Both of the above are examples of unattended play, which is against the TOS. If sitting around wasting SE's server resources is what someone wants to do, they shouldn't complain if SE suspends their account.

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You can do my suggestion with the in game macro system as well

/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200
/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200

That will give you 50 minutes right there. You can just keep this up forever. I doubt using the in game macro system will get you a suspension. Also no where in the UA does it say you cannot use 3rd party macroes. This is all it saysL:

2.1 Cheating and Botting. You may not create or use any unauthorized cheats, bots, automation software, hacks, mods or any other unauthorized software or hardware designed to modify the Game and gameplay. In addition, you may not take advantage of game system bugs and exploits during gameplay.

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Originally Posted by WhiteGarden

No, it increases server load since those AFK players are replaced with ACTIVE players. Means more lag for everyone.

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This is a terrible argument. Just terrible. So you AFKing takes precedence over people that want to be ACTIVE and enjoy the game?

Shit. I thought the crowd here had some common sense. Apparently that was thrown out of the window.

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Originally Posted by Ruprect

You can do my suggestion with the in game macro system as well

/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200
/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200

That will give you 50 minutes right there. You can just keep this up forever.

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Doesn't work; only actions that involve actually pressing a button count.

That said, there is absolutely no way to determine whether a button or a machine or a script is pressing a button.

For me it's a social thing. If I get AFK logged out then I don't know whats been going on in my linkshell when I was away, it's not a huge thing but something I liked about being able to idle for however long I wanted hell at times I would sit in the game for hours just to chat with people and often dissapear for a while and come back and pick up the conversation from there.

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Originally Posted by WhiteGarden

No, it increases server load since those AFK players are replaced with ACTIVE players. Means more lag for everyone.

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"Allow everyone to stay logged-in 24/7 to combat server load" is some pretty backwards logic. If lag becomes a concern, they'll respond to it like any other lag situation. There's no reason to encourage AFKing as some sort of net-positive practice when all you're doing is preventing someone else from being able to use your spot while you're sleeping/at work/at school/whatever.

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Originally Posted by Ruprect

You can do my suggestion with the in game macro system as well

/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200
/ac Cure <me>
wait 1200

That will give you 50 minutes right there. You can just keep this up forever.

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If SE is smart, they wrote the AFK timer to only reset when you perform a keyboard/controller input, at least. (That's not hard to circumvent either, but they can ban people who they catch doing that, at least.)

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Originally Posted by Furious

Doesn't work; only actions that involve actually pressing a button count.

That said, there is absolutely no way to determine whether a button or a machine or a script is pressing a button.

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Ah that makes sense. I guess I will have to use my Naga.

Because some people just complain... about EVERYTHING. I swear, SE could turn around tomorrow and say "We're giving all of our loyal fans 10,000 dollars" and some people will be like "WTF SE! NOW I HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON THAT MONEY WTFRAWRBBQQQ!!!"

I approve 30 minute AFK Kicker!

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Originally Posted by Keres

If it's like most other games with this feature, you can just walk forward one step. That's all it takes for the game to reset your timer. If you're doing something where it's too much of an inconvenience to poke the "W" key once every thirty minutes, you probably shouldn't be logged into the game in the first place.

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I am often looking at the lodestone and forums, etc. while I am waiting for a dungeon. So I should be punished because I forgot to take a couple steps to counteract the auto-timeout?

This game was not made specifically for you. And not everyone plays MMO's like you do. Staying logged in the game does not prevent others from logging in the game, this issue has already been fixed, so it is pointless. It should be an optional feature you can tick on and off in the system configuration.

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Originally Posted by Moth

This game was not made specifically for you. And not everyone plays MMO's like you do.

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Hypocritical statement is hypocritical.

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Originally Posted by DurtiMonkeyToe

Hypocritical statement is hypocritical.

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Why I said it should be an optional feature, so anyone can chose to use it or not use it.

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Originally Posted by Moth

Why I said it should be an optional feature, so anyone can chose to use it or not use it.

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So..... you're asking the devs to change the game specifically for you? That's all i am hearing.

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Originally Posted by Pooky

Even if you are waiting for longer than 30 mins a queue, you are still checking from time to time to see if the queue has popped aren't you? You may be alt tabbed and just waiting for the chime, but you aren't leaving the house or anything are you? The queue could pop while you are away. Is it that hard to just enter 1 movement input once every 30 minutes?

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Was this even necessary to ask me? Of course I am not leaving the house. How ridiculous. I have a browser opened over the XIV screen so I can still see if I have been que'd. But if I forget to take a few steps around in game while I am waiting I should not be punished for it.

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Originally Posted by Moth

Was this even necessary to ask me? Of course I am not leaving the house. How ridiculous. I have a browser opened over the XIV screen so I can still see if I have been que'd. But if I forget to take a few steps around in game while I am waiting I should not be punished for it.

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It will take you a total of 5 seconds to switch over and take one step. If you forget its your own fault. Sorry the logout effects your internet browsing.

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Originally Posted by Svennyblaze

It will take you a total of 5 seconds to switch over and take one step. If you forget its your own fault. Sorry the logout effects your internet browsing.

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It's quite alright. It's why I believe it should be an optional feature.

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Originally Posted by Moth

It's quite alright. It's why I believe it should be an optional feature.

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Which would defeat the purpose of even having an AFK timer.

IMO I think its a shame how many seem to only think of themselves and what they want over the greater good for everyone. During the whole period for early access I had a lot of trouble getting into the game. Though when the time came around when I was finished playing, I logged out of the game to allow a space for another person to log in and have some fun. It saddens me its always about number one these days.

The afk timer is a good thing for everyone.

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet but what are you suppose to do after you beat all the dungeons and acquire all the best items within a month and you don't feel like you want to level crafting or gathering? Sit in town afk and show off your gear of course! This happened a lot during 1.0 and I'm sure is a hidden motivation behind at least some of the anger.

I do like seeing more players in town though even if they are afk. It makes the server feel a lot more vibrant.

When I play I have a second account up on another computer.

Occasionally my kids like to come down and play (usually go fishing) on the character or play around.

Its nice to have it available for them to stop by and play.

Can't do that anymore :( Doesn't make any sense to me - I'm paying for the account, why can't I use it how I see fit?

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Originally Posted by DurtiMonkeyToe

Which would defeat the purpose of even having an AFK timer.

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Not really, people who wish to auto-time out can still enjoy it. And those who wish to stay logged in can enjoy it as well. Optional feature. The issue of the servers being full has been fixed, you can even make characters on the once full servers now. Myself and many others have tested it. It is a pointless feature.

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Originally Posted by Quesse

When I play I have a second account up on another computer.

Occasionally my kids like to come down and play (usually go fishing) on the character or play around.

Its nice to have it available for them to stop by and play.

Can't do that anymore :( Doesn't make any sense to me - I'm paying for the account, why can't I use it how I see fit?

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So you're kids are smart enough to play the game but not smart enough to figure out how to log back into it?

My only complaint is:

It's about FOOKING time!

Now that we don't really need it... they put it in. DERP!

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Originally Posted by Moth

Not really, people who wish to auto-time out can still enjoy it. And those who wish to stay logged in can enjoy it as well. Optional feature. The issue of the servers being full has been fixed, you can even make characters on the ones full servers now. Myself and many others have tested it. It is a pointless feature.

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Its not a pointless feature, it keeps server stress down from people who afk for too long.