The Fields of Glory (Shatter)

[Eorzean_username]

after the fourth gc-restricted frontline map, i think the dev team is adamant about keeping the gc restrictions. i don't think the restriction is inherently bad but it is incompatible with a small pvp community.

If Frontlines is as stable and active as reported on JP datacenters, that probably leads to a dilemma for the developers.

If everything about the system is working at least okay for half (?) the playerbase, then it's a decision of what's worse: letting the NA PvP situation stagnate, or investing a lot of resources to change the rules around for no reason for the JP playerbase (and risk upsetting players who are satisfied with the current system).

The impression I get from other discussions is that the devs don't want to split the NA/JP game into separate versions, so there's a tension about how to balance two very different playerbases with one shared ruleset and mechanics.

For example, if they implement a Free Agent mode, that might be desired by NA players, who are more concerned about just getting to play at all. But if the JP playerbase is consistently active, then the majority may enjoy the GC design, feel strongly about it, and become upset if it's diluted by a Free Agent mode for (seemingly) no reason.

[UnstablePersonality]

Did you seriously just quote yourself because no one acknowledged your comment.

Even if I did, my point is still something they should of considered at the start...lol

[FinaSel]

On the JP forums, there is a thread about removing the GC restrictions and a large majority of the people agree with the OP.
He has over 200 likes.

[Rose-Wild]

The mode is terrible specially when it's with small crystals. They die too fast and you have 0 chance to contest them if any gc is near them. The mode feels like doing Stone SKy Sea and not pvp. There's almost no pvp in it and the map is a mess and it takes forever to get to some places. And GC restrictions make it even worse.

And for some reason i don't know why SE doesn't allow more than 2 people pre mades for 8v8 but lets people queue with full groups for frontlines and totally ruins matches for everyone else.

[TiaHariberux3]

And for some reason i don't know why SE doesn't allow more than 2 people pre mades for 8v8 but lets people queue with full groups for frontlines and totally ruins matches for everyone else.

Its because premade modes dont have the amount of players they needed to to be active. Qing with max 2ppl would make alot of ppl leave frontlines cause they cant play with their friends. Its more the gc restriction who ruin the q because ppl chase wins and switch gc for this. Also there is always a chance one of the 2 pug groups can win which wouldnt be the case in a 2 team mode (8vs8 feast for example). The new mode is good there is way more killing ppl than in sr for example in 72 flame parties just kill and win with that you get every match 700-900pts from just killing in 72 not like in sr. The mode need some fixes but its not as bad as ppl say

[lovelikewinter]

Posting to agree with all of those who have suggested removing gc restrictions.

Sure, a bit of rivalry is fun but not when it's at the cost of 30+minute queue times.

[ohmRICE]

Joining in to agree with the removing of GC restrictions. At this point you're either trapped in an endless queue or trapped in the "point at them and laugh!" GC.

[rjspencer4]

Remove the GC restriction, it is a hindrance to the game and offers nothing beneficial.

[Eorzean_username]

On the JP forums, there is a thread about removing the GC restrictions and a large majority of the people agree with the OP.
He has over 200 likes.

That's telling, but what seems like a huge amount within the context of the forums is very small relative to the overall playerbase, and then there's also the issue that only a very minority type of player ever comes to forums to complain or discuss. It may not represent the actual majority populations' concerns.

I definitely want some kind of "JUST DO IT!!!" fix to make PvP less of a chore to actually do. Right now I basically have to plan an entire play session just around queuing for Frontlines because the queue could take anywhere from 20m to 3h+ with no consistency, it locks me out of PvE duties and using my Chocobo, it locks me out of doing anything that might cause me to miss the queue, there's no filler PvP activity to do while waiting (like Duels or a free-for-all lobby)... Basically all I can do is sit around in a city and craft for who-knows how long, or not actually play at all (tabbed out). NA PvP is in a frustrating place.

I'm just looking at the reported information that JP queues are quick and consistent. This suggests that the current system is at least adequate for the JP playerbase — it may not be ideal, but it's working well enough to keep the PvP content playable. As a developer, I would be reluctant to risk breaking what's working for one half of the population by implementing sweeping changes to address NA concerns (which would then end up possibly neutral, or worse if it still didn't help NA).

Really, my current biggest question is: Even if JP also dislikes the GC restrictions, why does JP still get consistent play activity? What is it about the JP playerbase or attitude that is different, and makes the current system workable? Because understanding the difference in player attitude and behavior might be the most important step in deciding how to address NA issues without damaging the JP system.

[Rose-Wild]

Its because premade modes dont have the amount of players they needed to to be active. Qing with max 2ppl would make alot of ppl leave frontlines cause they cant play with their friends. Its more the gc restriction who ruin the q because ppl chase wins and switch gc for this. Also there is always a chance one of the 2 pug groups can win which wouldnt be the case in a 2 team mode (8vs8 feast for example). The new mode is good there is way more killing ppl than in sr for example in 72 flame parties just kill and win with that you get every match 700-900pts from just killing in 72 not like in sr. The mode need some fixes but its not as bad as ppl say

It feels fun to you because you are part of the pre made train and you are playing the mode completely wrong. The mode is not about killing at all. But for you guys it doesn't matter because you always have healers and better cordination unlike groups of solo players who also often have not much idea of how to pvp because they are there to see the new pvp or only to get esoterics.

There's no way you can generate more points than a pre made only focusing on CC and dps'ing the Iceliths. Plus RNG also plays a huge factor on who wins.