Zepla: Endwalker is the Worst FFXIV Expansion I have played

[Carin-Eri]

Well, I neither agree or disagree with her. I mean, a content creator is just someone who expresses a loud opinion, which is exactly what she's done here. And she's entitled to her opinion.

However, the fact she's a content creator doesn't mean that her opinion holds more weight/is of greater value than anyone else's.

[FenyxRising]

A lot of her criticisms are incredibly valid and I'm glad someone of her stature is saying it.
As the expansion has gone on it's been a handful of content that just doesn't have that pull and longevity other expansions' patch content did, I've liked much of it and enjoyed it but does it last? Do I feel like doing it again? Nope.

I agree, I'm glad to see a big streamer finally call out the mediocre content we get in EW, I hope someone like MrHappy can call them out too one day.

Well, I neither agree or disagree with her. I mean, a content creator is just someone who expresses a loud opinion, which is exactly what she's done here. And she's entitled to her opinion.

However, the fact she's a content creator doesn't mean that her opinion holds more weight/is of greater value than anyone else's.

It actually is of greater value than anyone else's, because we have signs that the developers don't look at the forums but look at streamers. Xenosys Vex complains about WAR being bad every single patch, and now look at how broken and OP WAR is. They hold sway, sad to say, whether we like it or not. If Xenosys cried about DRK every patch do you think DRK will still only have Oblation and TBN ?

[Hurlstone]

I didn't watch the video, but I have to assume she's taking a break? I think that's a great thing, other than the housing people, I can't understand not taking a break in a game that obviously frustrates you to this extent. The reason I can enjoy FFXIV is simply because I stop subbing when it's not fun. I hope Zepla has fun doing other things for a while.

Yeah, I do not understand why taking a break is seen as this undilutable stain against the game by some. Its a healthy thing to do with every on going game I feel, especially if the frustrations are heavily outweighing the positives. Plus FFXIV lacks much of the FOMO others MMOs/live service games have I feel.*

*I do think the auto-demolition fear sucks mind, though thats more a symptom of the larger housing issues and problems which goes far beyond just subscriptions.

[LittleImp]

However, the fact she's a content creator doesn't mean that her opinion holds more weight/is of greater value than anyone else's.

FFXIV content creators have traditionally tended to feel unsafe expressing negative opinions about the game, and have opted to tread carefully.

While her opinion itself may not be special, the greater context around her willingness to come forward and express it is. There is a significant chance this is going to ignite widespread discourse in the community, and other content creators will likely issue responses. Based on some candid conversations I've had over the years, I can tell you a good chunk of the games other major content creators are likely going to agree with a lot of her assessments.

This is indicative of a tonal shift in the more visible parts of the community.

[Hallideus]

Well, I neither agree or disagree with her. I mean, a content creator is just someone who expresses a loud opinion, which is exactly what she's done here. And she's entitled to her opinion.

However, the fact she's a content creator doesn't mean that her opinion holds more weight/is of greater value than anyone else's.

Oh absolutely, no doubt. Everyone can have an opinion but, creators such as her may just encourage other average everyday players who might be a little shy or scared to express their opinions of the game to speak up.
There's ways to make criticisms constructive, fair and healthy but you've got to speak up first.
Granted, I am a very jaded player myself so I'll more than certainly have my opinions but I've been playing since ARR Beta, I've had a few spicy exchanges with friends who are passionate of the game over the years! Been there, done that, got the T shirt but hey, I love the game too. I just feel it can be better.

[Jeeqbit]

I think Endwalker is good.

But relic weapons being just tomestones and there not being a large-scale social content like Eureka or Bozja has made it more of a solo experience. There is more small-scale raid content, such as criterion dungeons, upper floors of the deep dungeon, and more ultimates than in the last expansion, sure, but you need a consistent group of friends for this stuff, unlike when doing Eureka, Bozja or relic weapons.

And I just find variant dungeons boring. Which I wish I didn't have to say, because I acknowledge a lot of work and creativity went into them and that they really tried, but I'd have probably found it more fun if they put all that effort into a lots of new masked carnivale duties.

No mount for blue mage raiding did a great job of killing statics that were going to run it because that is definitely a motivating factor for some people.

[OdinelStarrei]

Well, I neither agree or disagree with her. I mean, a content creator is just someone who expresses a loud opinion, which is exactly what she's done here. And she's entitled to her opinion.

However, the fact she's a content creator doesn't mean that her opinion holds more weight/is of greater value than anyone else's.

Back before the Shadowbringers influx, there was a streamer named Scottzone. WoW refugee, played through the whole game, had a community, fun times happened all around there, from what I was told. Eventually, he reaches endgame, which was the first tier of Eden, if I recall correctly. Completed the tier, and had some feedback that he would love to see more fights in a raid tier.

Because of this one complaint, he was ostracized, harassed, doxxed, and eventually due to a emotional response, had to permanently step away.

The fact that Zepla of all people, someone who has been to the Media Tours and interviewed Yoshi-P himself multiple times is willing to say that the expansion is bad is not reflective of her opinion being "worth more" than other people, but rather gives people an ACTUAL platform with size and potential influence to voice discontent.

"But they can just use the forums! The forums are just negative all the time anyway!"

The thing about that is that the common clapback is that the forums are a vocal minority, which is true, but a good reason that is is because people who are not subscribed to XIV CANNOT POST HERE. So there is no way for feedback like that to be submitted without essentially announcing your departure. Which then comes the "bye felicia" and "can i have your stuff" posts, instead of anything constructive.

Zepla making a video in the open like this can prompt greater discussion and willingness from people who might not have said anything about their issues with this expansion. She has a platform of thousands, and that inherently gives more credence and exposure than even the most well constructed forum post.

[FenyxRising]

Yeah, I do not understand why taking a break is seen as this undilutable stain against the game by some. Its a healthy thing to do with every on going game I feel, especially if the frustrations are heavily outweighing the positives. Plus FFXIV lacks much of the FOMO others MMOs/live service games have I feel.*

*I do think the auto-demolition fear sucks mind, though thats more a symptom of the larger housing issues and problems which goes far beyond just subscriptions.

https://youtu.be/p3fwXgcZvjQ?si=JJWnjqucfWIykFyS&t=1776

Zepla has this to say to you, stop the strawmanning ty.

[Jeeqbit]

It actually is of greater value than anyone else's, because we have signs that the developers don't look at the forums but look at streamers. Xenosys Vex complains about WAR being bad every single patch, and now look at how broken and OP WAR is. They hold sway, sad to say, whether we like it or not. If Xenosys cried about DRK every patch do you think DRK will still only have Oblation and TBN ?

Definitely this. The moment MrHappy read the forum post about ilvl cheese with Crystal Tower, the developers promptly said it's being fixed in the next live letter. The community has talked about this for years and suddenly they addressed it when a content creator brought it up. I don't think there is any other way to interpret the timing of it.

[Boblawblah]

https://youtu.be/p3fwXgcZvjQ?si=JJWnjqucfWIykFyS&t=1776

Zepla has this to say to you, stop the strawmanning ty.

wow, yea, she needs to take a break from FFXIV.