Cash shop confirmed

[Jaykos]

[NoF2P]

For any new MMORPG there is an initial surge in players, but it levels off when those who just want to race to the endgame move on to the next new game. The ones that are left are those who are more committed to the game. When the bean counters see a decline in revenue they start to think about F2P to boost player numbers and a cash shop to pay for it. Eventually the shop starts to sell booster items for new players who want to catch up quickly. The nature of the community changes and more and more of the nicer players move on.

It happened to AION, and then to TERA (I moved on). I hope it doesn't happen to FFXIV.

[Seif]

Brilliant and true.
This is why I won't be buying anything from the cash shop. If developing these items makes the future patches lighter in glamour content I will cancel my sub for good.

This is exactly why I chose XIV over other MMOs and just as easily it can be the reason why I choose to stop playing.