Hotfixes: In Addition to Content Patches
So drawing from my previous MMO experience, I was wondering what might help the playerbase feel a little more trusting and at-ease with how things are progressing for our game.
Hotfixes
http://ffxiv.zam.com/wiki/Updates_%28FFXIV%29 <---clicky Here is a list of every single patch FFXIV has ever had.
Now as we all know, we're tentatively on a 2 patch-per-month schedule. One is generally a large content patch, the other includes tweaks/system changes. However both of these patches include things that could be pushed out in smaller, more frequent doses.
My suggestion? What if we had "Hotfix" patches? These patches would be small, frequent changes and tweaks and bug fixes to the game. Once these tweaks have been programmed, tested and verified, push them out for the players to 1) benefit from the changes and 2) help reassure folks that the wheels are turning over there in the XIV studio.
Save the major content additions for their own large, monthly patches. Get us the minor changes in more frequent, smaller doses.