The fans will be here when it's all said and done

[Mags]

Back in the forums of Alpha/Beta testing phases, I created a thread titled 'The fans will be here when it's all said and done', where I pointed out my opinions on how this game, FFXIV 2.0 ARR, will endure despite the negativity expressed by a vocal minority. I feel the need to have this thread once again placed on the official forums.

In that previous thread, I theorized who would remain with this game and who would not based on a number of factors, which included fans of the Final Fantasy series, fans of the MMORPG genre and fans of video games/online games. Please note that this is opinion and while the general theory on the topic is based on a logical understanding of the game(s) and the genre over the years to current form, it does not apply to all.

We are here playing Square-Enix's latest title for what ever reasons brought us here. We are fans of the series of Final Fantasy games, we enjoy online computer video game entertainment, it's the newest MMORPG, etc,.. I personally happen to be playing for many of that. I grew up on Final Fantasy, ever since FF1 hit the NES. I was introduced to MMO's playing Everquest and almost soon after FFXI was released so I gravitated to it to combine my two passions in gaming.

Over the years, I've played several MMORPG's. Titles such as Aion, EvE, PotBS, EQ2, PSO, WoW, VG, LotRO, WAR, GW and most likely others I cannot remember at this time. However, I remained to FFXI for the majority of the years, with almost a modest amount of time with WoW.

One can know from having tried multipule MMORPG's that in general they all play the same. Character creation and development, PvP and/or End Game content. Understandably however there is usually only one reason why players would either stay with one game for a majority of the time or move to newest and latest game in the genre.

I submit here that we all have our reasons and we all choose what we want in the end. In general, those that move from game to game are those that usually are the end game players. They are able to form ties with other like minded players to quickly tackle and accomplish the end content. They are able to do this with such tenacity that eventually that is all they are left with, and log in to the game for that reason only. In my opinion only, this is the majority of players that move to MMO to MMO. Others may include players who just want to experience a new game all together. They have no tie to the game, the game's company or story.

Those that stay with a particular game for several years would be those that enjoy the game, story/lore content and community. Each minor update or patch in the game brings something new, no matter how small or big that content is. They can discuss storyline and certain quest chains almost at the letter and often do so with other like minded players. The form a bond with other long term players and usually form lasting friendships that extend beyond the game. In my opinion only, this is the majority of players that stay with a particular MMO. Others may include those who reach a certain level of experience and do not wish to start over. Personal computer limitations may restrict them from trying and playing with the latest game.

I only write this as I see a ton of threads written by others over the years on many different forums feeling the need to battle one another over various player types. Naturally we are all of different playstyles and and opinions. We all know the genre has evolved over the years and so too have the forums for those games. I notice more players would rather discuss and argue the type of MMORPG player they are, rather than the game itself.

In the end, the ones that will be here are the fans of this game and the FF series. Despite what we feel they game does or does not deliver they will be here and endure over the years. Those that leave may or may not come back for major content patches and expansions to once again tackle that end game. But overall be rest assured that there are those that will be here and be long term community members and leaders.

[LordMaitreya]

Some people are not happy unless they have something to complain about.

Others, most often teenagers and young adults complain for sport. They have been raised to believe that people actually care what they have to say. Its usually about 24-25 when they realize no one cares.

[Doo]

Maybe, maybe not.

[coffeeking]

haters love to hate, just ignore them!

[Eidolon]

The only thing I ever dislike are the words 'vocal minority' - there is nothing that I feel discredits something more than when someone uses this phrase. It is the wording of someone who has no substantial evidence, who insists that only their view on things are correct - more often than not.

However, I think your post is very good and shouldn't be discredited for this. I think you are right - at the end of the day, those who complain and whine and moan, will either -
A. stay, because complaints aside they enjoy the game
B. Leave, and move on to the next big MMO to either love/hate it. (ESO and WildStar online in this case.)

But even still. Those who complain serve a good role and shouldn't be discredited. They bring attention to things that might be wrong. They're not always right - and it's up to SquareEnix to have a good filter for it to decide what truly needs fixed.

[Dranosi]

Some people are not happy unless they have something to complain about.

Others, most often teenagers and young adults complain for sport. They have been raised to believe that people actually care what they have to say. Its usually about 24-25 when they realize no one cares.

uh, so with your logic, why did you even post? since who care what you say?

[NoctisCaelus]

Most of the people enjoying the game are simply playing it and enjoying it. They got better things to do. And the people who have a problem with it will most likely do something about it like post a thread. So if you take into account the fact that more players enjoying the game are also on the forum, then it's actually the people who don't like the game that are a minority cause if there was more people who dislike the game than liking it, then SE will surely notice and take drastic/immediate action. The fact that it hasn't occurred yet means there's hope for the game or there has always been hope for the game.

The players with patience that are worried probably know it'll get better while the others who aren't, will probably quit or complain about it. Either way, the game just started. It has years to come and will surprise even the players who stick around. This may be the future but take into account that SE like to bid their time and do things right. If you feel this isn't your type of game, then it's not the game's fault and most likely your taste. Back then, people wouldn't have so much expectations but now that they're more games to compare to and the enhance graphics/technology, people have way higher expectations than ever. Honestly, I think SE is doing a great job with the game. So just have patience cause it can only get better.

[Eidolon]

-snippers-

This is sort of the issue. This isn't necessarily proof - it's purely conjecture. The game could be bleeding subs (remember SWTOR? A lot of people insisted that people on the forums were just a 'vocal minority' there, as well) and we would have no way to see/prove it. Only via substantiated numbers can you actually call someone a 'vocal minority', otherwise, you're really just trying to put the other parties opinion on a lower platform than your own without any actual evidence.

I don't think the game is dying, I earnestly love and enjoy it. I'm leveling BRD and BLM right now to 50, and I am literally loving -every second- of it. I have a WHM, DRG, and SCH at 50 as well, all with Relic+1 weapons (probably a bad choice on my part.)

And I can agree with your second paragraph. I played FFXI for a long time because of how good SE was at progressing content, and keeping us interested in the game with a compelling story. I was a 75 BST, BRD, BLM, WHM, RDM there, too.

[Verius_Nox]

Some people are not happy unless they have something to complain about.

Others, most often teenagers and young adults complain for sport. They have been raised to believe that people actually care what they have to say. Its usually about 24-25 when they realize no one cares.

What about those who actually have a problem with how things are handled?

Or are you going to degrade them as well?

[ApolloGenX]

Those who complain are a "vocal minority"

Those who defend the game are "White Knights" and "Fanboys"

Those who say nothing are "Enjoying the Game" or "Quitting for No Reason"

Apparently, SE shouldn't listen to any of these people, according to those that disagree with them.