Fantasia to cost real money

Hi,
I have a question to the team running FFXIV.
Why are you adding an in game item that will cost real money? We are playing a monthly subscription game (and not the cheapest one at that) and obtaining in-game items should be included in our monthly subscription.
Adding items purchasable only with real money is done in a free-to-play MMO models, and even then you can sell item you bought with real money for in game currency to other players.
Will the cash shop be the only way to obtain Fantasia (and I'm sure other items to follow)?

Why Fantasia isn't given:
- for 50000 grand company seals
- as a recurring 3-monthly veteran reward
- on your character's birthday (every 365 days after character creation)
- when new races/genders are introduced in game (this one is a suggestion how to handle this in future)

You need to make up your mind, you either charge everyone monthly subscription fees or run cash shop with real money exclusive in game items. I'd like to have explanation about this shift in your business model.

Because people will pay for it.

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Originally Posted by Royze

Because people will pay for it.

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We already pay 11+ euro/dollars per month to play the game and cover the cost of maintenance and development. And soon 2 euro/dollars per extra retainer. And after that 1 euro/dollar for one ticket to access Coil T10-T15. After that 30 euro to unlock level 60 cap. 15 euro for each additional job. And so on. But that's cash shop business model, not subscription model.

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Originally Posted by Zirael_Foxfire

We already pay 11+ euro/dollars per month to play the game and cover the cost of maintenance and development. And soon 2 euro/dollars per extra retainer. And after that 1 euro/dollar for one ticket to access Coil T10-T15. After that 30 euro to unlock level 60 cap. 15 euro for each additional job. And so on. But that's cash shop business model, not subscription model.

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No offense, but don't be ridiculous.

Phantasias are in an incredibly high demand, and no surprise too. I personally hate being locked into one race permanently, I would gladly dish out a few bucks to have the option to change my race at will.

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Originally Posted by NintenPyjak64

Phantasias are in an incredibly high demand, and no surprise too. I personally hate being locked into one race permanently, I would gladly dish out a few bucks to have the option to change my race at will.

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Would you rather dish out 10$ or 50k grand company seals?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NintenPyjak64

Phantasias are in an incredibly high demand, and no surprise too. I personally hate being locked into one race permanently, I would gladly dish out a few bucks to have the option to change my race at will.

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So are Allagan Spear, Scepter, Sword and so on. Why don't we start paying real money to buy them then?
Or maybe Gerolt should ask for "Ten Dollar Essence Oil" to upgrade your Zodiak Sphairai? On Mog Station for 10$ each, 20% off if you buy three.

Two words:

Losing battle.

People have been saying they are willing to pay for it, SE is simply responding to it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Royze

No offense, but don't be ridiculous.

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Am I really? That's exactly how cash shops operate.

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Originally Posted by Shirai

Two words:

Losing battle.

People have been saying they are willing to pay for it, SE is simply responding to it.

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People should instead be willing to donate that money to sick, hungry or homeless. I'm saying runing subscription model and then cash shop at the same time is unethical. People really want to pay rl money for Fantasia? Forward all proceeds from them to UNICEF.