Criticism of Shadowbringers and the hostility there in

[SturmChurro]

I don't think it's fair to not highlight the hostility on both sides (perhaps fueled by it). I remember getting kicked from a discord for saying I didn't like such and such character, or that the story of 14 wasn't a masterstroke of genius. Or that such and such content wasn't up to SE's potential. Just look at any thread about Viera and Hrothgar problems and you'll see some intense hostility that we dare ask for the developer's time that was promised to us. Hostility in as much as the forum rules allow, that is. Things have gotten nastier in other corners of the net.

There's so much infighting over obvious issues with the game, and I can't help but think it's a sort of selfishness where if it's not a problem to you then it's not a problem at all. It's an issue with removing the MMO out of the MMORPG, and we really should be in solidarity over wanting the best gaming experience for everyone.

Anything criticizing the main story specifically, or beloved characters is usually met with some intense backlash. Especially, suggestions for improvements to the new player experience, because ARR is God's gift to Earth.

Oh, that's just a sadly normal FFXIV players reaction to anyone mentioning WoW. Although, that is changing as more people finally stop using 14 as their side game and completely move over. Honestly, I'd love to have a discussion about why there's so much hatred for a game that isn't relevant to 14 outside of being another mmo with a similar combat style (surprise, this is why it's appealing to WoW players).

The hate is nearly one sided, as I've seen tons of friendly banter about 14 jobs in trade/lfg chat on WoW. I guess since it's a less volatile topic than whatever meta was happening in that game. You MENTION WoW in 14 and you're looking to get some paragraphs of someone having an absolute meltdown. HOWEVER I have collected a bunch of fresh sprouts from WoW who are having a blast.

Ahem, sorry for that tangent, but that example has very little to do with criticizing 14 and all to do with saying WoW and 14 in the same breath..

Many FFXIV die hards see it as a competition between the two games, and they yearn to see WoW fail. I think it's a sense of jealousy that WoW is still the more popular MMO, despite FFXIV, in their minds, being the best game ever(!). Aside from that, I've seen many who put themselves on a pedestal, because they are an FFXIV player, rather than a WoW player. I've also read fears that the WoW player will ruin this game, and "they should stick to WoW instead". I honestly don't think I've seen such an intense sense of tribalism than when it comes to some FFXIV player's takes on WoW.