EXP Parties as an option please!

[AreeyaJaidee]

snippy snip

Actually. I think reading comprehension is the culprit here. I am not in agreement with you, and my post firmly states that. (Although I believe you were actually being cynical/mocking in your post out of spite or prejudice to an opposing voice to your opinion (Which is base and uneeded).)

To simplify, FFXIV exists on the premise of a theme park as Xatsh has so nicely noted YoshiP for in her/his above post: As with anything regarding business, marketing is a largely contributing factor. Advertising is a good example of what I am referencing in defence to your stance on game content. Advertising knows very well what it takes to sell someone something for X price and make them like it or believe they liked spending their money on it. An MMO is no different.

Now let's add those two analogies together, a theme park and marketing/advertising:

FFXIV serves main attractions/themes to its player base. Some players are not asking for those rides to be torn down, rather more interesting concession stands to be added alongside the main attractions. Concession stands with appetizing food, which will make them feel like they have spent their time/money in an appropriate way. Now let's broaden that concession stand into the form of what is being requested in this thread. Instead of merely a concession stand, some ppl want a restaurant, complete with more options and a nice theme which enhances the social aspect of dining. <--- Dining can be done solo, however, incorporating elements that allow strangers to socialize over a meal, is more appealing to some than others.

This is the premise of EXP Camps. Players want the freedom to use the landscape in an adventurous way instead of viewing it as some static landscape with inherited functional yet unused aspects. They want to feel "alive" due to braving "danger" when journeying from one point of interest to another. Such an element creates its own meta game if implemented correctly.

So I do NOT agree that social engagement is purely on the players. I am of the opinion that it is more so a combination of content with the correct advertisement/mechanics which allow/enforce social interactions. As in commercialism, it is by design. We humans are simple in some things, and our attraction to entertainment devices are one of those areas in which we are easily attracted to if the design is very well done/thought out.

[MageBlack]

-snip-

I see. Can you picture a exp grind party in FFXIV? When would you have an opportunity to talk with a 3sec global cooldown if you wish to maintain exp gain at a consistent rate?

I'm not against EXP grind parties, I just dont see them fostering an environment that will lend itself to social exchange. What I am worried about is players abusing the system (like they do with any other system they find loopholes in) taking away from the enjoyment of other content. The other rides in FFXIV are controlled and easy to adjust, open world free for all is a bit trickier.

EDIT:
Also, I do now understand better what you were trying to say about systems and social aspects. You are correct that it is not entirely on the players to do this, they do need an avenue that allows people to be social. Like the FC, Linkpearl, and Party Finder systems. These are great for social networking in game. i also get that lots of people dont bother talking or become abusive in dungeons because of the fact you will probably never see them again. It hasnt stopped me from being social in dungeons, cracking wise, and communicating with my fellow adventurers. Sometimes it is sad that I cant group up with them outside the dungeon or do more dungeon runs with them but I like this system rather than having queue times even longer cause they are strictly server based. If i want that, i can create a party finder party for this purpose.

[AreeyaJaidee]

snip.

Do I picture it? Yes I do. What else do I picture? The reality that there is time between pulls and surely some ppl will want to pace things or take breaks. Also, many players use VoIP and are more than happy to let strangers hop into a temporary voice chat just to grind out exp if the want arises.

Loop holes? Worry? <- A theme park exists with many rides, because ppl like choice. You can't just oppose the addition of future rides because you personally love your Super Slide Mega Ride of Doom. LMAO (tangent there, sorry).

Main Story cements dungeons. Relics cement dungeons, fates, and leves, and hunts(kinda for seals). There are game elements in place that make all content required. EXP camp can in no way detract from these or make them irrelevant because they are all REQUIRED to complete the story Arch and Relic progression. I mean if were going to go this route this lets take the golden saucer out of FFXIV since its not essential to main story elements and detracts from DF Que times.

What some people are saying is that leveling in DF and Fates and Leves is bullshit. It's crap, all of it in my personal opinion. If I wanna level then I don't care about dungeon mechanics when I'm leveling. I care about leveling.

So the next logical question is, how does this effect skill advancement amongst the community? I can tell you one thing from personal experience of running ALOT of content for relic/zodiac weapons... dungeons are NOT making better players, nor better skilled players. You can faceroll Brayflox Longstop and Aurum Vale ALL DAY if you want, and still wipe like a newbcake on T5.

However, IT IS possible to make mobs more engaging with the right AI. All you need to practice a rotation is a mob to hit with AoEs to dodge. That's about the same amount of learning you will get in all these derpy dungeons ppl are having to spam.

People already have implemented a form of EXP camping IN dungeons via PF: Darkhold first room pulls. (This is what people want, EXP at a pace they decide).

People want more open world. Players of previous MMOs all came from a Open World environment, it's what we know and love/hate.

[MageBlack]

-snip-

I'm not against it, just bringing a different perspective to the conversation. Sorry if i seem aggressive, angry, or completely against it, that is not the case. I just foresee more issues than solutions with this. That and the director of the game said they werent going to do it and this horse has already been beaten to death many times over. Good luck in your fight for this system though.

[Maikal]

Snip!(But all still very relevant!)
So I do NOT agree that social engagement is purely on the players. I am of the opinion that it is more so a combination of content with the correct advertisement/mechanics which allow/enforce social interactions.

So much this.