in all honesty... not much will change.

will people leave? of course

but the unfortunate reality is... mmo's are a drug, and WoW has dedicated addicts, as does FFXIV, but already their forums are full of deniers, and the typical "lesson here is dont hire women" which one expects one their forums. I dont foresee a huge hit to their population. the people really leaving are fed up with the game, this just provides an extra reason to leave maybe a bit sooner than they would have. some will return, some will bounce in and out less frequently, but it is hard to just set aside that much time and emotional investment. I know, I have been there

if little else, this just reaffirms why I parted ways with them. sad to see failure at this level, but then, I am no longer invested there. I do hope they change, and survive, but really, deep down, I can honestly say, I dont care that much either way. as people say, they made their bed....