New Lucky Bancho Census 12/1/17

[Bourne_Endeavor]

But Ultimate is one month out, and I think the numbers from Gordias at the same time were about those same level of clears. Lucky had a census from then if I remember, it might be linked in one of those posts. But Gordias really wasn't as optional I guess.

Initial Gordias numbers aren't a fair estimation. It was statistically impossible to clear without various bits of ilvl 310 gear, including tomestone weapons. The devs even acknowledge they didn't tune the fight properly—balancing each mechanic individually not as a cohesive fight. Ultimate has no gear related issues nor can players acquire a higher ilvl while the tier is relevant. So where Gordias became comparatively easier, Ultimate's difficult won't decrease until we can unsync it. By January 2016, Gilgamesh alone has more clears than every server combined with Ultimate clears. Had Gordias been tuned properly, it likely would have fallen with two weeks or less, similar to Midas or even Ultimate itself.

The difference is in XI players wanted to raid or do the endgame. The rewards from participation felt powerful and valuable and as such were incredibly desirable. You would blow months Even a couple of years clearing an entire cop storyline and get a single ring at the end if it. But damn that ring was priceless felt so valuable.

This is simply nostalgia speaking. FFXI existed when video games were significantly less mainstream. A large portion of the audience where teenagers or younger who could spend hundreds of hours whereas today the highest demographic is 25-35; adults with jobs, college and real life responsibilities. While one can certainly argue against FFXIV's rapid treadmill pace. Comparing it to its predecessor is disingenuous. Port the enormous time investment and grind associated with FFXI into today's market and it likely wouldn't attract a fraction of its peak subscription count. Even the juggernaut that is WoW had to adapt to a market that simply doesn't have the same time nor desire of a decade prior.