Length MSQ from all the expansions - it is getting insane

[caffe_macchiato]

Forgot to mention that the devs have stated that theyre trying to figure out a way for addressing the msq length coming 7.0 and beyond so theres that

That seems to be quite concerning then. What about all the people who like the story as-is and say that its length is the best part about FFXIV? I'm surprised that the overly-excited defenders haven't assailed the devs for threatening to tamper with the MSQ. Doesn't FFXIV have a masterpiece of a story? What happens if devs reduce the length or, god forbid, make it skip like WoW does? But, of course, we know exactly what'll happen: the same exact people will rush to defend Square Enix. It's all so tiresome.

[Shinkuno]

14 has a decent story by mmo standards, no one cared about wows story because they kept mucking it up, half the reason people disliked BFA was the fact the story was such a mess. people do care, esp when the game doesnt treat it as an after thought

"mucking it up"

someone forgot about burning crusade. WoW never had a great story, and noone cared until FF14 got big and noone everyone nitpicks apart every MMO story as if 90% of people cared for that lmao, they dont.

[Shinkuno]

Actually false some wow players care and many buy and read the books. Same with diablo and starcraft for some people. I always care for story in game

Thats lore, not story.

[Kuroka]

What happens if devs reduce the length or, god forbid, make it skip like WoW does? But, of course, we know exactly what'll happen: the same exact people will rush to defend Square Enix. It's all so tiresome.

Thats the neat part, the first story was done on 6.0, or will be once or void adventure is done, so they could figure out a skip for those who dont care, as we basically are on a new start.... not that im happy about that but right now is the time for it.

[AmiableApkallu]

Forgot to mention that the devs have stated that theyre trying to figure out a way for addressing the msq length coming 7.0 and beyond so theres that

There's already the Unending Codex, which I've been figuring is how they'll let people jump straight to 7.0 without having to play through every moment of 2.0-6.x. I mean, they had to let people jump into 2.0 without having played 1.0, so this is not the first time they've had to deal with letting people skip past chunks of the overarching story.

[MsQi]

I'd rather they make the story optional and unlock things by level, rather than cut it any further.

[deston07]

MSQ has already been cut down quite a bit,
For a new player it takes a while, but if you already know the game then at most 8 weeks.
I would rather have players that appreciate the game than not.

Personally I don't think story skip should even be an option for new players.
FF totally changed my perspectives and goals in a games.
I am far more patient than I was.

I came from WoW kicking people out for bad IO scores.
Rushing through all the quests in wow, just to level new characters.
I don't want that play style or community in FF.
Sadly, you can already see it slowly taking over, most of all in the Novice network.

I think making early game a bit harder/challenging, along with adding more voice acting would be a better move. At least for longevity.

I have 5 Alts myself, this wasn't an issue for me personally.
My newest alt i have literally done ever quest as I level, most of the new player i see are doing the same.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

I'd rather they make the story optional and unlock things by level, rather than cut it any further.

That kinda goes against the spirit of the game. Its very MSQ Focused, which is why there is so much of it. FFXIV is built around the MSQ, content unlocks via the world Progressing.

Now, I think I support the idea that if you clear to 7.0 you should be able to skip with a new Alt. But as for new players they should play the game like everyone else, or buy the skip.
Im sure ppl will disagree, especially the Raiders, but the MSQ; like it or not, is part of the games experience.
Its not like orher MMOs where its just a throwaway put in just because.

[RitsukoSonoda]

That kinda goes against the spirit of the game. Its very MSQ Focused, which is why there is so much of it. FFXIV is built around the MSQ, content unlocks via the world Progressing.

Now, I think I support the idea that if you clear to 7.0 you should be able to skip with a new Alt. But as for new players they should play the game like everyone else, or buy the skip.
Im sure ppl will disagree, especially the Raiders, but the MSQ; like it or not, is part of the games experience.
Its not like orher MMOs where its just a throwaway put in just because.

If anything I'd say the MSQ should be optional on an MMO but at the same time have doing it be an easier and shorter way of acquiring certain conveniences in the game. That way the people that want to play it as an MMO sandbox can do so. They just have to work more at getting MSQ related conveniences if they want them.

[MsQi]

That kinda goes against the spirit of the game. Its very MSQ Focused, which is why there is so much of it. FFXIV is built around the MSQ, content unlocks via the world Progressing.

Now, I think I support the idea that if you clear to 7.0 you should be able to skip with a new Alt. But as for new players they should play the game like everyone else, or buy the skip.
Im sure ppl will disagree, especially the Raiders, but the MSQ; like it or not, is part of the games experience.
Its not like orher MMOs where its just a throwaway put in just because.

Kind of but also not really.

First of all the import thing to understand is that keeping it required is why it is being cut and altered. It is being cut for people who don't even pay attention to the story so they can more easily get to the content they want. As long as it is required people will have a valid point when complaining about how long it is and the devs will more than likely continue to cut it, which has already gone too far.

Players experience a dungeon or other content usually only once in the context of the story per character.

Other mmos are actually very similar to FFXIV, most don't use as many cutscenes, but by not having it gated you may experience things out of the original intended order. But WoW and SWTOR and RIFT and others have a very well developed stories, several actually, if you pay attention. The dungeons and raids are directly tied to one or more on going storylines. However you have the option of entering once you meat the level requirements. You can move onto other zones when you feel like it. It may not make complete sense though, but many book present stories out of order anyway and it makes sense to some people. Their devs have acknowledged that there are players who don't really care about the story or prefer to experience it in their own way.

It makes no sense to continue to require the story and continue to edit it for the sake of people who don't care about the story.