Lack of End Game Content

[Kaylessa]

With respect to FFXIV, where the only true progression is the MSQ, raiding is a side content even when the story is related to the MSQ. So it wouldn't make sense to consider such content to be exclusively the endgame when it's optional even as progression, as it will be bypassed as soon as a latter patch introduces better gear (or at least higher item level) from easier content.

Only two definitions of endgame would make sense for FFXIV.

1. Any content that requires level cap to do.
2. Any content that requires completion of x.0 MSQ to unlock, even if you can then do it on a job that is not max level.

So while leveling itself doesn't fit either of those, doing endgame content on another job is a valid suggestion to make in FFXIV for someone who has done the content on their main job. And it is only a suggestion, which can be rejected as a solution depending on player preference (no one should have to play a job they don't like), but not as being off topic to the thread.

Endgame is a game concept. It's the final stage of a game. The endgame to a chess game is doing similar things as in the beginning of the game, only potentially with less pieces on the board. FFXIV doesn't have to strictly follow other MMO's concept of endgame.

FFXIV as an MMO doesn't have to strictly follow other MMOs concept of endgame, however the term endgame as an MMO term is used the same for ALL MMOs. FFXIV included. It is not special and does not get special consideration. And yes it is a game concept, but relates only to specific games, it has a specific meaning in chess and it has a specific meaning in MMOs. Look up the meaning in the Cambridge dictionary and they only apply it to chess. Look up the definition in Merriam Webster and they apply it only to chess. It is not a general term used in all games - you don't say you approach the endgame in solitaire. You don't say you approach the endgame in Go Fish. It is also not a FFXIV specific term that has a meaning unique to FFXIV.

In chess it is when few pieces remain on the board but the game can still go on for some time. The endgame can last 100+ moves. The endgame can last hours. You wouldn't say that's the final stage, except in chess it has a specific meaning relating to the number of pieces where as final often relates to time. In MMOs it is when you have finished leveling content and are doing max level content, but the game can still go on for some time. It has a specific meaning relating to leveling.

When somebody talks about endgame they are talking about the same thing across the MMO spectrum. So when somebody says the game lacks endgame, it is 100% not valid to apply a unique definition to FFXIV and say "of course it has endgame", that's called being disingenuous. Now you can say it refers to the second definition of endgame, which merriam webster defines as the final stages of anything. Funny enough applying that definition to chess would probably get you a different definition to endgame than what is the norm. However, since we're in an MMO forum talking about MMOs, and the OP specifically clarified it to mean max level, common sense would dictate we're talking about endgame the way it's used for MMOs, just like talking about it in chess circles gets you the specific definition relating to chess.

So while FFXIV doesn't have to follow other MMOs concepts of endgame, if they come up with something different you can't call it endgame. Fishing isn't endgame. Gold saucer isn't endgame. Hunting down most glamor isn't endgame. And when someone says "boy this game lacks endgame" you don't get to point to any of those activities and call it that. Because you'd be wrong.

Your second definition of endgame is false. It does not apply in any MMO game, FFXIV included. You can't do endgame content on a job that isn't maxed, and yes it is off topic because it has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

People need to stop making up definitions.