Recognizing parasistic game design decision

[LianaThorne]

Saying Diadem, BLU and PoTD/HoH could be retired and no one would notice is a bit of a stretch. PoTD/HoH is considered the best leveling method for DPS (outside of roulettes) since queues are so long. Diadem is easily the fastest way to level your gatherers and the materials taken out of there are used to power level your crafters. I wouldn't be shocked if the system was moved into 6.0 and we start building a new housing area through it like we did with Firmament. BLU is loved by many and there are tons of FCs that host their own BLU mage nights. I also doubt you haven't seen tons of BLU flying through FATEs in the overworld since it's extremely useful for fast farming.

Yes, PoTD may not have new content added to it, but that doesn't take away from what it's still used for. Leveling, achievements, mount farms, etc. Things don't have to be constantly updated for them to remain relevant and useful.

[Larirawiel]

Saying Diadem, BLU and PoTD/HoH could be retired and no one would notice is a bit of a stretch. PoTD/HoH is considered the best leveling method for DPS (outside of roulettes) since queues are so long. Diadem is easily the fastest way to level your gatherers and the materials taken out of there are used to power level your crafters. I wouldn't be shocked if the system was moved into 6.0 and we start building a new housing area through it like we did with Firmament. BLU is loved by many and there are tons of FCs that host their own BLU mage nights. I also doubt you haven't seen tons of BLU flying through FATEs in the overworld since it's extremely useful for fast farming.

Yes, PoTD may not have new content added to it, but that doesn't take away from what it's still used for. Leveling, achievements, mount farms, etc. Things don't have to be constantly updated for them to remain relevant and useful.

"Parasitic design" means, that a mechanic does not add much value to the core mechanics of a game. And if you remove that mechanic then the game does not change at all. BLU, Potd, HoH, Goldsaucer etc. are "parasitic" in this case. But IMHO this term sounds way worse than it is. "Parasitic design" can still be fun. The opposite of "parasitic" is "symbiotic". Adding "symbiotic" mechanics alters also the core mechanics of a game. In case of FF14 that would things like holy trinity, aetherit crystals, MSQ etc. If you remove those things then the game will immediately feel completely different.


Cheers

[Shougun]

"Parasitic design" means, that a mechanic does not add much value to the core mechanics of a game. And if you remove that mechanic then the game does not change at all. BLU, Potd, HoH, Goldsaucer etc. are "parasitic" in this case. But IMHO this term sounds way worse than it is. "Parasitic design" can still be fun. The opposite of "parasitic" is "symbiotic". Adding "symbiotic" mechanics alters also the core mechanics of a game. In case of FF14 that would things like holy trinity, aetherit crystals, MSQ etc. If you remove those things then the game will immediately feel completely different.


Cheers

Maybe it should be called supplemental design? And I agree on the need to speak on what the words mean- because it's clear many are not on the same page, and some are not even on the same page for themselves. Many of the negative bespoke mechanics of other games are here too (though many of them are also appreciated).

Supplemental vs symbiotic design does sound less antagonistic!