Viera can be different from Miqo'te.

[Leogun]

No, FFXIV is not in Vana'diel, entirely separate. They made the current races similar to FFXI races to make it easier for FFXI players to transition over to a new game, while having a sense of familiarity. That's a legitimate reason for it, Viera on the other hand would serve no purpose but to appeal to those who want to turn FFXIV into Final Fanservice Online.

I don't find that a satisfactory answer. Maybe for the reason SE used the same old races but not a satisfactory reason NOT to borrow from their own company's work when that's all that FFXIV is...a bunch of throwbacks to older FF games.

[Nestama]

I don't find that a satisfactory answer. Maybe for the reason SE used the same old races but not a satisfactory reason NOT to borrow from their own company's work when that's all that FFXIV is...a bunch of throwbacks to older FF games.

I've got nothing to say about why the races are similar in design to FFXI's (though it was during a time when Tanaka was the head of FFXIV's team. It's also realistic to believe the reason why they look similar to FFXI's races is exactly as Colorful said. Familiarity... however familiarity clearly didn't do anything to keep the game afloat back then), however it has been confirmed that Vana'diel and Ivalice are not found on Hydaelyn.