Letter From the Producer IX.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Totobi

Better find a new game, then, as FFXIV was marketed as casual.

---

Final Fantasy XIV has no identity yet - casual or otherwise.

At the very least you can be happy that they're adding more variety to the world with these encampments.

I don't have any Rank 50 classes despite playing from launch Shiyo - closest is Botanist (just off 41, and my highest Combat is 27!), which if I had Behests etc no doubt would be maxed, but I understand your worry. I am hoping that the Quest Hubs, much like the current Side-Quests, are optional, and you do them if you want too, rather than it being the main, and only, way to level your character. I never played Final Fantasy XI for longer than a month, and have played World of Warcraft for six years, but I'm here to play something different.

Personally, I think our worries will probably be unfounded, despite the use of instanced dungeons and such - not all of World of Warcrafts instances have been easy, and many have been outright exciting. Instancing is also a good way to make good, solid, challenging content without having to worry about others 'stealing' your stuff or just outright removing the challenge due to sheer numbers in the area. I don't think they will go wrong with making dungeons as part of the Lore or just as something to do. My main worry would be the 'gear-treadmill'. Nothing dissapoints me more than gearing up, so that I can gear up - but we shall see.

My main fear is that we lose a lot of the 'choice' we have at the moment. I like being able to wander about as I see fit, and do what I want in various areas without feeling I'm 'missing' out on things such as Skill Points or Gear. I fear the pidgeon holing, the 'necessary' gear level, the constant runs for more gear, rather than for entertainment, and the things that gear and statting brings with it - both a game barrier for entry, and a social one as people are unwilling to help those 'lesser' than themselves, particularly because it takes time that they need for more gear.

I've played lots, and lots, of MMOs in my time - the last one I remember being as social and friendly as this game was Star Wars Galaxies - but we all know what happened to that when they decided to change it to appeal to the supposed mythical 'WoW crowd'.

Also, to quote from the Letter:

"Akihiko Matsui, our lead battle planner, will also be posting on the forums in the near future regarding some of the new battle concepts we have planned."

Looking forward to seeing that. Shame it will be Mid-June before things are implemented, but what can you do?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shiyo

WOW's design also isn't the pinnacle of MMO design either, but every MMO seems to think it is. So copying it is the new cool thing. I'm sick of WOW, I'm sick of casual games, I'm sick of single player lobby "RPGS", I'm sick of dungeon gear grinds, I'm sick of beating MMOs in a month.

---

You don't seem to understand that gamer demographics have changed in the last decade. You can't get away with super grinds, "non-casual" development and cockblocks anymore. It simply isn't feasible.

As far as "beating" MMOs in a month, you're just making me think of that top 2% of the players that whined that WoW was too easy during Wrath of the Lich King while I was happily working on hard modes and clears in Ulduar and ToC25. I assure you, there's working joes like me, moms, dads, grannies and retirees that take their time with things.

I feel disappointed. Now we have a more certain date instead of "somewhere in spring", and you bring up another drama? Seriusly....

anyhow, this will be a long long moth
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...0176094389.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Len

Final Fantasy XIV has no identity yet - casual or otherwise.

---

Tanaka said in his interviews he was going to make this casual compared to XI. And from how the updates are going I'd say it's a pretty safe bet to say it's going to be casual.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shiyo

WOW's design also isn't the pinnacle of MMO design either, but every MMO seems to think it is. So copying it is the new cool thing. I want unique to be different and not play the same game until I die of old age. It shouldn't be unique just to be unique, it should be unique AND fun AND challenging AND awesome. I'm sick of WOW, I'm sick of casual games, I'm sick of single player lobby "RPGS", I'm sick of dungeon gear grinds, I'm sick of beating MMOs in a month.

It sucks, it really does.

---

It is not ? Then how come it has done 100% better than games before and after it ? It has been copied to death, but never outdone, you and others might not like the game, or have your difference with how it is developed, but facts are stubborn things, WOW has outperformed, outdone, outplayed, outdeveloped every single MMO in the market year after year, while still catering to almost everybody, the game is the game to beat when it comes to MMO's.

Just because something is in WOW does not mean it can be used by other MMO's in their own particular way, or improved. The wow hate that spawns in this threads just at the mere mention of implementing something that has worked well in wow, and could be adapted and shaped into something with a Final Fantasy touch has to stop, it the end it will hurt this game, and wow will just keep on rolling like it has done for the past years, year by year increasing its subs, breaking records in sales etc etc.

Once again what happen to the class system? sure the battle system sound fun but what about the class system? are we getting any more info on that? would it be release with the battle? or what?

The class system is what going to make or break the game for me so i hope they release some info on when that going to be release.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Zenaku

Once again what happen to the class system? sure the battle system sound fun but what about the class system? are we getting any more info on that? would it be release with the battle? or what?

---

It is apart of the battle system, yes. I'd expect delays though. Redesigning the class system into a job system and starting development on it as early as Jan. sounded like it was too good to be true to release it this soon. At a development stand point it is a very big deal.

Maybe we will see companies this month in 1.17b? Perhaps I was right in thinking that all of these in game events happening recently would lead to companies. We'll see!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BruceyBruceyBangBang

It is apart of the battle system, yes. I'd expect delays though. Redesigning the class system into a job system and starting development on it as early as Jan. sounded like it was too good to be true to release it this soon. At a development stand point it is a very big deal.

Maybe we will see companies this month in 1.17b? Perhaps I was right in thinking that all of these in game events happening recently would lead to companies. We'll see!

---

thank god someone replay :) thank you i can't wait then :)

And all of this for the diciture "quest hub". You know city like selbina and mhaura could be defined like quest hubs right ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shiyo

I don't assume the quest hub quests are in instanced, I assume they are solo based WOWclone quests. I assume the DUNGEONS are in instances.

@SupaCancerion. I don't want them making instanced dungeons where we pull trash - > fight boss - > loot, repeat x4000 to farm gear like we did in WOW. That's boring and lame. I want them to make party based missions into "dungeons" that are "outdoor" like in FF11.

---

So you're complaining at the fact that they're adding new and engaging content for both solo players and group players in mind? And you're complaining because the dungeons are going to be instanced (something the majority of the playerbase asked for)?

I don't often post on these forums, but I like to read, and from what I gather this community is so ridiculous. The heavy contrasts between what the player apparently wants as per consensus results and the bitching, whining moans that occur when SE adds something (that's right, they're adding something! How can you complain either way?!) only tells me that you guys don't have any idea wtf you actually want.

Get a grip! Enjoy the game and just be grateful SE are pouring so much love and attention into this game and bringing us engaging content at a relatively quick rate. Also, man up, it's a free game and let's be honest, you're not about to quit are you really, so if you don't have anything nice to say then...

On a more pleasant note, I'm really looking forward to this - new content is better than no content regardless of what form it comes in - and I'm really glad it's not just all level 50 stuff, but that permanently fatigued R30 THM can join in the fun too =D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yukikaze_yanagi

And all of this for the diciture "quest hub". You know city like selbina and mhaura could be defined like quest hubs right ?

---

Indeed.
In any case, these encampments have to have something "interactive" inside, to be not only scenographic parts. So it's suitable to have additional quests in them. Maybe also some other things to do inside (crafting facilities? or some kind of gardening maybe -seeing the graphics-).

Also just wondering where this theory that the "quest hubs" will encourage solo players grinding to R50 through just quests came from...?

In case you haven't been doing any of the current quests available in the game, it's safe to assume that questing in this game isn't a viable option for grinding considering the little SP you get from the ones that involve mobs and the rest involve talking to a load of NPCs which yield no SP/EXP. Why are people suddenly assuming that "quest hubs" implies dozens of quests that give loads of SP as a reward and will allow you to get to R50 without ever interacting with another player again?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tadacho

Also just wondering where this theory that the "quest hubs" will encourage solo players grinding to R50 through just quests... In case you haven't been doing any of the current quests available in the game, it's safe to assume that questing in this game isn't a viable option for grinding considering the little exp you get from the ones that involve mobs and the rest involve talking to a load of NPCs which yield no SP/EXP. Why are people suddenly assuming that "quest hubs" implies dozens of quests that give loads of SP as a reward and will allow you to get to R50 without ever interacting with another player again?

---

i just don't know...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shiyo

I also want content for ALL levels, but I don't understand why we NEED dungeons, of all content to add, at low levels.

We. do. not. need. to. copy. WOW. to. be. successful.

---

Ragnarok Online has low level dungeons too (like Payon Cave) and is older than WoW. It's not instanced, but a low level dungeon.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aYfK50DCNa...veRoomMaps.jpg

I'm a little late so I don't know if it's been mentioned, but the Japanese letter seems a little more specific when it describes hubs than it does in English.

Payon ftw.

As someone has said earlier, polls were taken and these are what the majority playerbase wants after looking at the results. So if you have any problems with it, unfortunately, you'll just have to deal with it.

June................am dissapoint.

AFK 2 months

Hey guys, remember how, just a week ago, we got information from the dev team that said they were going to add new encampments for hamlet defense? Who said these would be hubs for guildleves version (what are we on 4 now?)?

Yoshida you're awesome :)

Keep up the great work, can not wait for the release of the encampments and dunegons :)

Shiyo I think its time for you to strongly consider quitting :cool:

I have a question.. so the whole speculation about redesigning of zones was wrong? The only thing thy will change will be the addition of encampments? If so I'm disappointed (since I can't stand gridania, worst zone ever created in game), obviously it's my fault for falling into a hype train =/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Quisi

I have a question.. so the whole speculation about redesigning of zones was wrong? The only thing thy will change will be the addition of encampments? If so I'm disappointed (since I can't stand gridania, worst zone ever created in game), obviously it's my fault for falling into a hype train =/

---

This is what I wonder to. Since I really don't want to meet the person that says the zones are fine the way they are.

Yoshi stated he's planning to do some restyle of zones, but it will take time = alias, nobody said will be in the recent major patch.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ostia

It is not ? Then how come it has done 100% better than games before and after it ? It has been copied to death, but never outdone, you and others might not like the game, or have your difference with how it is developed, but facts are stubborn things, WOW has outperformed, outdone, outplayed, outdeveloped every single MMO in the market year after year, while still catering to almost everybody, the game is the game to beat when it comes to MMO's.

Just because something is in WOW does not mean it can be used by other MMO's in their own particular way, or improved. The wow hate that spawns in this threads just at the mere mention of implementing something that has worked well in wow, and could be adapted and shaped into something with a Final Fantasy touch has to stop, it the end it will hurt this game, and wow will just keep on rolling like it has done for the past years, year by year increasing its subs, breaking records in sales etc etc.

---

EDIT: I'm sorry for the wall of text, but this is months of thought poured into one post. No one's forcing you to read it all.

I agree. Final Fantasy XIV will NEVER be like WoW, can't everyone understand that? It is so strikingly and obviously different from WoW in presentation, direction and style that it's not even funny. Why are we so worried that it is going to become a "WoW clone?" IT'S NOT. I haven't played WoW but I live with my brother and he played it often for the first year that I lived with him, and I've seen a lot of it. It never appealed to me, just looked silly and like something I couldn't get into. This game, however, I jumped all over, the world, art style, story, screenshots and everything else on the website just looked amazing. I still look at WoW and see absolutely nothing in it that I can compare to this game, shouldn't that say something?

I find it really funny that when this game first came out people were crying foul because it was missing "everything that any MMO should have in it at launch," well now they're adding all that stuff, and we're crying foul again because we think they're copying other MMOs. All I gotta say is wtf?! The devs must think we are all whiny, insane idiots that don't know what we want, and they would be right in thinking so. I feel sorry for them, they ask us what we want, we tell them (polls) and then they start giving it to us, and then we rip them a new hole for it and say they're trying to make it like WoW and accuse them of copying other MMOs. THIS IS WHAT WE WANTED! Right?! They've been being so incredibly awesome by telling us what they're doing with the game and communicating with us about it and asking for feedback which is something SE never does, and we're taking that gift and smashing it on the floor and stomping on it for good measure like whiny little 5 year old brats. Can't we just be happy that they're even adding stuff? Let's not ruin the game by not letting them implement things that are fun and have been proven to work! You can be original while still adhering to a working formula!

Furthermore all you hardcore players out there just need to be patient. Hardcore content will be implemented as soon as they lay the groundwork for the game, they are adding all the casual stuff first because that is what is going to bring back lost players and bring in new players. You have to remember that this game is still a lil broken and isn't really appealing to those that aren't die hard fans. I for one would love for lost players and new players to come into the game (I mean the game is dead outside Thanalan on all servers, it's depressing), and that can't be done without establishing basic groundwork, the stuff that "all MMOs should have at launch" as we all so elequently put it when the game first released. THEN they can start adding all the hardcore stuff and the stuff that sets this game apart from others. Come on guys, the Final Fantasy series has never been known for being one of those uber hard video games that only the best of the best gamers can beat. It has always appealed to all kinds of different gamers, casual and hardcore alike. For instance, in FFVII you can either be content with beating Sephiroth and watching the awesome ending and being done with it, or you can go back to your save game and spend a rediculous amount of time tackling Emerald and Ruby Weapons, breeding a gold chocobo, obtaining Knights of the Round, maxing out all your characters etc. Just have some faith guys, the devs are gonna put hardcore stuff in the game, it's just not gonna come til later. And that sux for the hardcores out there, but it's the reality when it comes to fixing a broken game, it would make absolutely no sense for them to add all the hardcore stuff first. It has to be the groundwork. Good things come to those that wait! Can we seriously, please just be more respectful towards the dev team for their efforts and have a more positive attitude? We don't even know hardly anything about these dungeons or quest hubs besides screenshots and we're already protesting (*ahem* Shiyo). Can we just stop, wait for more news or even the update itself before we start flaming???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yukikaze_yanagi

Yoshi stated he's planning to do some restyle of zones, but it will take time = alias, nobody said will be in the recent major patch.

---

Where and when was this said?

Yes, I would like to know where he said this as well.

I don't know if this has been stated yet, like 4am and doen't feel like reading all 15 pages haha Anyways if you look at the camp screenies there's a new ui marker beside the 4 in the bottom right hand corner, its using the red X which is a filler tag in UI for things that don't have pics yet. What do you all think this new menu/option is?^^

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Akira_Tenshi

Where and when was this said?

---

It was never posted on the English forums, but rather someone translated it.

So... no patch this month

I have to say that Shiyo's meltdown has been the most amusing thing so far, keep it up.

*walks away blabbering about WoW Clones and stuff*

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SupaCancerion

I find it really funny that when this game first came out people were crying foul because it was missing "everything that any MMO should have in it at launch," well now they're adding all that stuff, and we're crying foul again because we think they're copying other MMOs. All I gotta say is wtf?! The devs must think we are all whiny, insane idiots that don't know what we want, and they would be right in thinking so. I feel sorry for them, they ask us what we want, we tell them (polls) and then they start giving it to us, and then we rip them a new hole for it and say they're trying to make it like WoW and accuse them of copying other MMOs. THIS IS WHAT WE WANTED! Right?! They've been being so incredibly awesome by telling us what they're doing with the game and communicating with us about it and asking for feedback which is something SE never does, and we're taking that gift and smashing it on the floor and stomping on it for good measure like whiny little 5 year old brats. Can't we just be happy that they're even adding stuff? Let's not ruin the game by not letting them implement things that are fun and have been proven to work! You can be original while still adhering to a working formula!

---

Couldn't agree more, the thing is people who protest will always make sure they are heard *points to Shiyo*, It seems a lot of people when they came to this game were hoping for FF11-2 even though they were clearly informed it wasn't going to be.

Take Shiyo for example, she comes from FF11 wants FF11 and wants this game to pretty much emulate it in every sense, they clearly said the FFXIV was going to be heavily orientated towards casual players and casual play style and yet she/he still sticks around and whines like a child.

Quest hubs make so much sense, instead of traipsing all the way to a city and then all the way back to a quest point, hopefully now the quest objectives will be fairly close to the issuing site.

Instanced dungeons are also great, I don't want some dickhead strolling into my boss encounter uninvited thanks very much.

I'm really looking forward to this! I'm not sure what it will involve exactly but some changes in landscape is definitely a step in the right direction, and more content DEFINITELY has me excited. Desperate for something to do in-game. ^^

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shiyo

if you played this game since release and don't have a 50, you have no excuse really.

---

:/ *points at sig* no not really, I've been playing since alpha, beta, and release, I haven't hit 50 yet and I'm not desperate to do so. I'm trying to enjoy the game; and grinding the same leves over and over is not enjoyable. I am playing as I go along and yes, hoping for some interesting mid-level and low level content. Then I might actually be interested in trying to hit 50. I hope we're not now looking down on people who aren't level 50 as if we aren't 'real' players or something. I want the game to be enjoyable as I play it, not have to have it boring until I hit max rank, I think that's a terrible idea and also very close to how WoW works, if we're on the topic of 'wow-cloning.'

I cannot understand this logic of 'wanting it to be different' and then basically saying you want it just like FFXI. That's not different, that's the same as FFXI. Besides, we have no idea what form these 'dungeons' could take - couldn't nyzul and assault be a type of dungeon too? Is it just because they are calling them 'dungeons' everyone is assuming they will be just like WoW? Really, I am going to spend my time judging this once I see it implemented, and not get frustrated over what it 'might' or 'might not' be like.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Petdo

So... no patch this month

---

Looks that way :S w8ing 1.5 months for a patch isn't a good thing... game still needs steady low wait stream of updates currently. I know they want battle changes and instances in same patch but they should really split this one up if its going to take 3 times longer than normal :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Misha

I don't know if this has been stated yet, like 4am and doen't feel like reading all 15 pages haha Anyways if you look at the camp screenies there's a new ui marker beside the 4 in the bottom right hand corner, its using the red X which is a filler tag in UI for things that don't have pics yet. What do you all think this new menu/option is?^^

---

Considering the Active/Passive mode icon isn't there, I assume it has something to do with the new battle system.

Edit: Oh wait never mind, the Active/Passive icon is still there, I couldn't see it that well because of the low resolution of the pictures.

..And wow someone actually stated if u don't have a 50 there's no excuse lmfao... NA players I tell you... esp in a game where horizontal lv'in is best, people still rush to cap, thats gotta be the sadest comment I've seen on these forums yet haha Could create such a huge rant from this so easy but its super early and laughing too much and wouldn't waste anymore time on you Shiyo xD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Misha

I don't know if this has been stated yet, like 4am and doen't feel like reading all 15 pages haha Anyways if you look at the camp screenies there's a new ui marker beside the 4 in the bottom right hand corner, its using the red X which is a filler tag in UI for things that don't have pics yet. What do you all think this new menu/option is?^^

---

This was mentioned but unfortunately nobody discussed on it. Too much crying over WoW-like quest hubs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Misha

Looks that way :S w8ing 1.5 months for a patch isn't a good thing... game still needs steady low wait stream of updates currently. I know they want battle changes and instances in same patch but they should really split this one up if its going to take 3 times longer than normal :P

---

I'm guessing they don't have the choice, it could be that the dungeon system is so heavily integrated into some of the updated battle mechanics that they have to release all at once.

As for that icon, well maybe its the dungeon finder icon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yukikaze_yanagi

And all of this for the diciture "quest hub". You know city like selbina and mhaura could be defined like quest hubs right ?

---

Ugh, when you put it that way. XI has entire working non-main-nation-towns with quests in them and we're getting 3 huts in XIV. Well at least I hope they'll have a lot of NPCs in them. Though looking at the current screenshots (which I hope are w.i.p.) I don't see a soul in those locations. I hope that will change and maybe these huts will grow into a full-blown towns in the middle of fields of blandness. That would be cool growth to see.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Seif

Though looking at the current screenshots (which I hope are w.i.p.) I don't see a soul in those locations.

---

Not still added npcs probably. I don't think the quest givers will be a plant or the door of those huts. :D Btw i like your idea of a possibile growth of those.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Petdo

So... no patch this month

---

Quote:

---

Even if we break off some of the content and release it ahead of time in a 1.17b patch (which me might!), 1.18 will still go live sometime in mid-June at the earliest. Sorry for that.

---

You see, there is a good chance for a may update