Cancelled my account :( Sad times.

[Albela_Killingifritcom]

but what does a new engine actually do? what is it going to do that the current one cant do?

[Betelgeuzah]

but what does a new engine actually do? what is it going to do that the current one cant do?

It can offer vastly better performance for a wider variety of hardware. Better, more stable FPS, more graphic customization options (in-game), more efficient data usage (loading times improved), improved shaders and lightning, ability to allow for Z-axis to be used in environment (such as jumping and flying), able to load significantly more characters on-screen at time. More precise controlling of PC's and NPC's, faster updates of character movement server-side, significantly improved UI-server interaction, prepared to handle animations that allow movement. All action preparation times significantly reduced. Better tools in place for asset preparation and design (allowing for potentially less static environment and more interaction with it). Better designed to handle complex monster AI. Designed to handle targetless actions. More efficient tools to change such aspects of the game as UI and game mechanics. Serverless features that allow for cross-server play and clusters. More efficient tools for content creation. Ability to handle graphical features beyond DX9.

Engine and servers are EVERYTHING.

Thats all great but the people doing the work are the same people who have been in charge since mid dec 2010.

That is great indeed, and server/engine programmers have nothing to do with mailboxes or linkshell controls. You will only see the finished product, not an engine on the making.

Yoshida has a standard to meet (other MMO engines that can do most of the above). The engine and servers are designed to meet that standard. There is no reason to believe Yoshida is setting for anything lower. He knows the consequences.