I've skipped every cutscene since ARR 2.5.

[KDSilver]

We need to do away with this idea that players only play FFXIV for the story or that FFXIV's main selling point is its story. I've been a long-time FF franchise fan since FFVII. I've played every main FF and have bawled my eyes out at almost every single storyline. But in an MMO, I don't see story as a main focal point. I play MMOs because I like the idea of challenging, rewarding gameplay in a massive multiplayer setting, and being stuck behind a wall of cutscenes gets in the way of that.

You're free to do whatever you want, that's why you can skip cutscene.
But you're wrong. While I did a lot of content of XIV, what brought me on XIV was it's story and because it was Final Fantasy game. Not because it is a MMO, because i'm not a MMO player from the start. And today, I keep really enjoying that aspect of the game.
And I know a lot of player and friend who think like this as well.

Live your MMO experience as you wish but don't underestimate what the story bring to this game.

[Cyreil]

Good for you. Just don't force everyone else to try and do the same.

[Rhus]

I feel like this didn’t go the way the op was hoping.

Story isn’t for everyone. No harm in skipping. That’s why the option is there. Knowing the background doesn’t make the fights easier or anything lol

[Vahlnir]

Other than the beginning of Heavensward and Shadowbringers (so far) all I've really done is...tolerate the story mostly. I never skipped it because I still wanted to know what was happening, but to say that I always play for the story first and foremost would be a lie.

[CapPicard]

I skip them because I largely hate the story.

If you only play this game because you think the fights are challenging then you need to get good lol. Game is so easy. Without the story it's nothing.

[CapPicard]

I don't really like a lot of the story, and I mainly play for the gameplay so I wish the story wasn't forced like it is. It's nice to have in the game, though. I just wish it was optional.

Oh you mean the boring, recycled mechanics in fights that anyone can clear in an hour or 2 of grinding? Ultimate is somewhat fun, but besides that, the story carries this game.

[LaughingBanana]

No, it's not because I hate watching cutscenes. It's not because I hate the story. I just have a short attention span and feel like I have so much to do in-game that long cutscenes get in the way of that. I just like having the freedom to get in as much gameplay as I want, and if that means even having to watch a YouTube video to watch a cutscene that I couldn't watch - not that I even have the desire to - I will do that.

We need to do away with this idea that players only play FFXIV for the story or that FFXIV's main selling point is its story. I've been a long-time FF franchise fan since FFVII. I've played every main FF and have bawled my eyes out at almost every single storyline. But in an MMO, I don't see story as a main focal point. I play MMOs because I like the idea of challenging, rewarding gameplay in a massive multiplayer setting, and being stuck behind a wall of cutscenes gets in the way of that.

Yes, I am one of those players who skips cutscenes on patch day and immediately queues into a duty. Yet I find that I instantly get into these new, shiny trials and raids even in new content because I know there are people like me, anxious to try new fight content. Is that so bad?

I mean, you play the way you want to play, hooray for you, but 'we need to do away with saying FFXIV's main selling point is its story' is hogwash, because THAT is what plenty of people are attracted to. Don't say 'please respect the reason why I want to play this game' while at the same time 'lol nah the point of FFXIV's is not the story, y'all.'

[AlphaFox]

Honestly did the same. I would watch the scenes for awhile but after some time and having cutscene after cutscene, especially after having to travel back and forth to relay a message in person despite us having linkshells (or pearls? I dont remember) I eventually said screw it and started skipping them entirely. Certain scenes catch my attention and I watch but I think this new expansion is the first time I actually refused to skip anything cus it held my attention much better.

[Miminming]

honestly the story is mediocore at best you are not losing that much, (and if i say this to pretty much to anybody they gonna beat the hell out of me because of ffxiv fans is sometime blinded with royalty and can't accept my honest opinion...

[LaughingBanana]

honestly the story is mediocore at best you are not losing that much, (and if i say this to pretty much to anybody they gonna beat the hell out of me because of ffxiv fans is sometime blinded with royalty and can't accept my honest opinion...

Man what is with this persecution complex and pre-emptive self-pity.

You want the rest of us to cuddle around you together singing kumbaya or something?