Developers: Why are you "limiting" FFXIV to the PS3 as you limited FF11 to the PS2?

[Cayrn]

-sigh- Alright, a lot of you don't seem to understand how software, or software development works.

The simple answer is that a PS3 version of FFXIV will ONLY limit the amount of content that can be produced because of the extra workload required to develop for two platforms. When they make changes or add new content, it will need to be tested on both systems, and sometimes developed separately (though most things, like models and items and such will only need to be made once). New content development will just take a bit longer than it would if this game was PC exclusive. As a tradeoff, you get a larger player base which means more activity and people to play with (what's an MMO without the people?) , Square-Enix making more money because of the larger player base, which in turn will hopefully fund even more content for the game. Thus, in the long run it will actually be a GOOD thing for FFXIV.

Hardware limitations of the PS3 vs PC have nothing to do with it. It's extremely easy for them to limit graphics on the PS3, but fully "unlock" graphics on the PC, allowing you to achieve the highest fidelity if your PC can handle it, while still having the PS3 perform smoothly. Though some content development may take a little longer due to having to develop it for two platforms, most of the content will still be just as easy (not counting testing). Creating a new item is simply a matter of filling out a database entry and/or dropping/linking a new model and texture file into the correct directory. Same with new monsters and NPCs.

Games for PS3 will be made in 2013 just not that many as now. Pretty much a given that Sony will announce PS4 at E3 2012 for release sometime in 2013 at this point game companies will be producing less new games for PS3.

The PS3's graphic chip is based on a gf 7800 and you can't tell me with a straight face that it is anywhere near as powerful as a gf 570 or 580 or the current ati cards.

Your logic is flawed here.

The thing is, you cannot directly compare a PC graphics card to a console graphics card. They work differently.

When a developer makes a game for a console, they can develop and code the graphics specifically tailored to THAT hardware. This is a HUGE advantage over PCs. You can optimize specifically to the PS3 hardware, and don't have to interface with drivers the way a PC has to. This essentially gives you MUCH more bang for your buck in terms of power vs graphical fidelity.

While on the PC side, the developer has no clue what his/her game is going to be played on, so they have to develop in mind for all cards. PC graphics have to interface through generic drivers first, which isn't exactly the most optimal way to communicate with hardware, but it saves the developer from having to design 20 different copies of a game for every chipset out there.

tl;dr You can't compare the two the way you just did.

[Antonn]

The PS3 is probably better than most people's computers anyway.

[Andrien]

@OP

What you just posted was one of the most insanely idiotic things I've ever read. At no point in your rambling incoherent post where you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this thread is now dumber for having reading this thread. I reward you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul.

[Waaltar]

The PS3 is probably better than most people's computers anyway.

Given that a lot of people use old computers, probably, but it is losing ground every year.

If you have at least a ~2007 PC it's probably better(say a Core 2 duo with an 8800GTS), and with newer gear it's not even a close contest. Currently, if a game has a PC version, and your gear is newer than that, the PC version will blow away the PS3 and 360, it's not even close. Screen resolution, draw distance, etc will all be way higher on the PC.

[AmyRae]

Limitations in inventory space
Limitation in graphical improvements
Limitations in content

First of all, they're limited by the current PC minimum requirements. Anyone who can play the game now, will still be able to play it 10 years from now on that same machine. So they can't improve graphics beyond their current level, even without the PS3 version, because of the set-in-stone "PC limitations" they've imposed.

Inventory is managed from the server. Any client data should be of minimal concern for something with the storage capacity of a PS3. There won't be a PS3 limitation issue there.

The only real concern is that of having enough storage space for content. The earliest PS3s have 20GB of hard drive space which isn't much to work with. They will certainly have to impose a minimum storage requirement for the PS3 version. The good news is, it's very easy to swap the hard drive in the older "fat" PS3s for a drive with a lot more storage space.

And finally, without the PS3 version bringing in new, eager players, this game is dead anyway. So, get used to the idea. There's no FFXIV without the PS3.

[Zion_Cross]

dumb thread - OP get your facts straight. Noted on Roadmap PC and PS3 will have two different UIs. Therefore - no limitations. The engine is being revamped... any limitations there? Nope! Chuck testa! Hell the whole ENGINE is being changed. We are getting the chance of actually adding ADD ONS... Any limitations there? Seriously man, read before you rage.

[SHifer]

Pretty sure there was eventually an XBOX release of FF11.

[Jynx]

@OP

What you just posted was one of the most insanely idiotic things I've ever read. At no point in your rambling incoherent post where you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this thread is now dumber for having reading this thread. I reward you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul.

Hah....Movie references...

[Natabant]

Thank god the OP isnt in charge at SE.

[Tsukino]

The game will certainly run into some walls later on, but without the PS3 version re-launch it's basically doomed entirely. It really doesn't matter if they don't have any limitations to work around if the whole thing has to shut down because no one's playing.