So now contest prizes can be bought?

[ThunderGodThor]

I think you’re conflating different elements of “the prize” here.

For your real life example, your photo got picked, and the prize - as you’ve described it - is knowing your photo considered noteworthy, and displayed as a winner (on the label).

If someone enters a screenshot contest and wins, they likewise know their screenshot was noteworthy, and displayed as a winner (in a “Winners of X Screenshot Contest” post). On top of that, they get a bonus prize item.

So while others can now get the bonus prize, it’s not quite the same thing as “everyone being given the contest winner’s reward”.

Yes, exactly. As with the white raven earrings- you don't need an exclusive item to show you won, surely the memories are enough right? :3

[Doozer]

I think you’re conflating different elements of “the prize” here.

For your real life example, your photo got picked, and the prize - as you’ve described it - is knowing your photo considered noteworthy, and displayed as a winner (on the label).

If someone enters a screenshot contest and wins, they likewise know their screenshot was noteworthy, and displayed as a winner (in a “Winners of X Screenshot Contest” post). On top of that, they get a bonus prize item.

So while others can now get the bonus prize, it’s not quite the same thing as “everyone being given the contest winner’s reward”.

Except it's not about just winning and having the entry be noteworthy. Do you know which contests I won? I doubt it. And along with my real life example, I have one of the labels in my possession, which acts much like a prize or trophy. One that I can show people as proof. Anyone can say they won a contest or were chosen for something. Having the in-game item proves I won. Or at least, it did.

EDIT: The least they could do is rename the item while keeping the skin the same. 'Replica Scarf of Wondrous Wit' would be fine. And the same applies to any other possible rewards that become available to people who didn't win them.

[Corue]

Just release PVP items and be done with it Yoshi

[Caitlyn]

Just release PVP items and be done with it Yoshi

I m not a PvP'ler but I disagree to this. Like the white raven earrings, some items should not be obtainable for everyone.

For the contest prizes, I dont really care. I entered contests because of the fun, not the items.

[solracht]

- Plans for the Future
Although some players were of the opinion that the reward was not an issue, many others voiced their disappointment. And the fact that these players came forth is evidence that we failed to give the matter due consideration.

Our legacy players have memories that are tied to that earlier time─I was reminded that the excitement and pride they experienced in acquiring the White Ravens is bound up in the item itself, regardless of its stats or appearance. I, myself, am the sort of person who separates the experience from the physical reward, but that doesn't excuse the failure to consider those who feel otherwise. I intend to learn from this lesson moving forward, and continue to develop FFXIV as a game that everyone can enjoy.


Once again, I offer our sincere apologies to those whom we've upset with our lack of foresight and consideration, especially in a time when we should be celebrating this anniversary together.

I can accept that players and devs won't always see eye to eye, that's perfectly fine.

However, I legitimately cannot understand why Yoshida bothered with the quoted response just to follow up with this stunt weeks later. That's borderline insulting. The devs could've easily justified their decision and kept their stance... or they could've even said nothing (I would've personally been fine with either option). Instead, they apologized, made people feel heard... and backpedaled immediately after.

Well I guess the message by now is pretty clear. Looking forward to the next "sincere" apology!

[Luna-M]

*yawn* here we go again...

[Beckett]

I was going to say, "As a winner of contests, I don't mind this." but then I noticed none of the prizes I've won are actually available here. Still, I really don't think I'd care if things like the Bluebird Earring or Ahriman Choker were available. They're so minor and unremarkable that virtually no one will ever even realize you have them, unless you bring it up.

That said, I'd be a little pissed if I had won the Scarf of Wondrous Wit that I requested from the latest screenshot contest, only to find out I could have gotten it essentially for free a week later.

[DevonEllwood]

That said, I'd be a little pissed if I had won the Scarf of Wondrous Wit that I requested from the latest screenshot contest, only to find out I could have gotten it essentially for free a week later.

There's even a current contest going on where people can pick their prizes and the scarf is one of them.
https://fanfest2.finalfantasyxiv.com...ostume-contest

They can do whatever they want, but I'm still just wondering why they felt this was needed. If they're going this route, I'll be waiting for the old PVP rewards then.

[BillyKaplan]

Having the in-game item proves I won. Or at least, it did.

How many people walked up to you and went "oh cool you won that contest!"? Zero? Just about? Most like, if you even bothered to wear the items, people would ask you where you got it from and then be disappointed they can't get it for themselves. That's the extent of interaction between you and other people in the game regarding these items.

There's even a current contest going on where people can pick their prizes and the scarf is one of them.
https://fanfest2.finalfantasyxiv.com...ostume-contest

That I don't get. Though I suppose it would've been worse if it was the only prize available for that contest. If you get several of them, or can choose, it mostly makes the scarf redundant as a prize.

As for the earring debacle:
1. Yoshi replied because of how much that debate blew up, not necessarily because he agreed with the sentiment. Regardless...
2. It's very likely this was planned well beforehand, and they couldn't apply the feedback from the earrings. Keep in mind these things take time to approve and modify.

[ko_]

How many people walked up to you and went "oh cool you won that contest!"? Zero? Just about? Most like, if you even bothered to wear the items, people would ask you where you got it from and then be disappointed they can't get it for themselves. That's the extent of interaction between you and other people in the game regarding these items.



That I don't get. Though I suppose it would've been worse if it was the only prize available for that contest. If you get several of them, or can choose, it mostly makes the scarf redundant as a prize.

As for the earring debacle:
1. Yoshi replied because of how much that debate blew up, not necessarily because he agreed with the sentiment. Regardless...
2. It's very likely this was planned well beforehand, and they couldn't apply the feedback from the earrings. Keep in mind these things take time to approve and modify.

you're correct. these things are planned WAAAAY ahead of time, and most likely by the time he made that reply this event was already finished approved and waiting for release. And you can't just stop something fro mbeing released without causing some issues with the devs and other teams. I mean you COULD but good luck pissing off your bosses and other workers. I think alot of people need to remember that cause it seems like they don't and only react with raw emotions. But yeah you're correct, this was most likely WAY ahead.