Do you think the Next Expansion will be Gated Behind HW?

[Mimilu]

I'm just curious: Do you think SE will gate 4.0 behind Heavensward?

From a story perspective, this makes sense, we need a reason to go where ever SE is going to send us coughcough Ala Mhigo cough. Plus, Heavensward's MSQ isn't as long as ARR's and didn't have as much fluff.

However, from a the perspective of getting newer people into XIV or bringing back older players who left, this might be bad. Both will have to go through ARR and HW's story, which will be bad for those who want to see the new things SE introduces in 4.0.

That are all your thoughts?

[MaethusXion]

IIRC, they stated 4.0 will NOT be gated behind 3.0. I think it was said it'll still be gated behind 2.0, but don't remember exactly.

[bass9020]

Yoshi mentioned it already that the story will be continuous and to please wait and see how it unfolds. But I'm sure other content such as zones and jobs will not be locked behind story.

4. A lot of people are assuming that the 3.x cycle is going to mimic 2.x and end with Patch 3.5. Is this the plan? Can you tell us what patch you plan on ending with?

The official answer has not been revealed yet (laugh).

If we were to announce it, people would start debating about when the next expansion pack will be released. It will be heavily linked to the main scenario, so if you could please stand by until Fan Festival for more information (smile).

E3 2016

[Anzaman]

Main Scenario Progression to Access 4.0 Content

Though it’s still a bit early to talk about this, you’ll be able to access and accept quests for Patch 4.0 even if you have not completed the main scenario for the Patch 3.x series.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...=1#post3263909

[LalafellDown]

IIRC, they stated 4.0 will NOT be gated behind 3.0. I think it was said it'll still be gated behind 2.0, but don't remember exactly.

good, keep the bots out forever.

[Mimilu]

IIRC, they stated 4.0 will NOT be gated behind 3.0. I think it was said it'll still be gated behind 2.0, but don't remember exactly.

Main Scenario Progression to Access 4.0 Content
Though it’s still a bit early to talk about this, you’ll be able to access and accept quests for Patch 4.0 even if you have not completed the main scenario for the Patch 3.x series.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...=1#post3263909

Didn't he say that last year though?
That's a lot of time for him to go back on his word... >w>()

[Ametrine]

I was sorta expecting it to be a sort of optional thing.

Like, choose to head to Ishgard, or choose to head towards *redacted.*

The carnage that occurs at the end of 3.5 could allow for the choice as the story has a heavy emphasis on the refugee issues of Ul'dah.

[AnaviAnael]

They mentioned something about having a "Previously on FFXIV..." type deal when 4.0 hits. After people complained about HW and its jobs being gated behind ARR, it may be in their best interest to follow through with it.

[Mugiawara]

Didn't he say that last year though?
That's a lot of time for him to go back on his word... >w>()

IMO, he needs to stick through it.
There's far too many people just sick and tired of MSQ and being locked behind it, so it's deterring new faces.
I rather have new people playing the game and running content with me just to have more people in the pot
than worry whether not they care about the story of the game. A lot of people care for the actual
content than the story anyways, doesn't really hurt anyone.

[CaptainLagbeard]

Well, if it's going to not be behind 3.x Storylines... There is one storyline they probably need to take to a close before 4.0 comes out, the stuff with the Warriors of Darkness which is most likely worth a patch or two of storyline... Unless they really want them to just pop up from nowhere for people who didn't go through all the HW story...