New 7.1 hairstyle looks nothing like the winning hairstyle from the 2023 contest

[Erin1491]

Hello.

Thank you for all your feedback on the hairstyle that will be implemented in Patch 7.1. We would like to apologize for the major confusion we have caused.

For this patch, we started work to implement "Natural Curls" from the winning entries of the Hairstyle Design Contest, based on the idea of adding not only straight hair but also a variety of other hairstyles.

However, as the development work progressed, the light, delicate, and voluminous curls required for Natural Curls could not be implemented perfectly, despite implementation of the recent graphical update in FFXIV, due to limitations such as the polygon count.

Therefore, the finished result is a hairstyle that has not been implemented as Natural Curls, but as a wavy bob hairstyle, which is called "Doing the Wave" in-game.

However, since we did use the winning entry as a reference in the development process, we included a statement to that effect in the patch notes. We are deeply sorry that this has resulted in a great deal of confusion and concern.

Although we were not able to make it happen this time, the development team will continue to strive to implement many more hairstyles in the future. As for Natural Curls, which was not implemented in Patch 7.1, we will persevere in our efforts to look for other ways to implement this hairstyle.

We appreciate your feedback and hope you continue to enjoy FFXIV!

Honestly what a cop out PR response. Saying "it's too hard guys, we will try harder later" feels so redundant. How are you supposed to try harder when you already admitted it just isn't possible? Why are we prioritizing the textures in western thanalan, a zone that's ten years old. But our characters still are a mess from the 7.0 graphical update. What is the point of the graphical update if none of the systems under the hood were updated to allow for more options?? Why can viera and hrothgar STILL not wear headgear? At what point are things going to improve? At what point are you guys going to stop telling us to please be patient? Why does every seemingly minor complaint take months to years to correct? I just find it so ridiculous at this point.

[Jeeqbit]

Honestly what a cop out PR response. Saying "it's too hard guys, we will try harder later" feels so redundant.

Because, after the 1.0 issues, they set a universal polygon limit, so that different objects don't have inconsistent polygons, while making sure everything renders alright in the worst circumstances on the recommended specs (ie. 100 players near you with this hairstyle). Those recommended specs were increased, but the type of hair most likely involves a lot of polygons, even considering the upgraded specs.

How are you supposed to try harder when you already admitted it just isn't possible?

Well there might be other methods to make it look that way without polygons maybe. Or other technologies they might invest in maybe?

Why are we prioritizing the textures in western thanalan, a zone that's ten years old.

Because it's the first thing new players see, and the most low detail graphics in the game. Obviously. I support making the new player experience better sooner rather than later.

Why can viera and hrothgar STILL not wear headgear?

Doubt that's related to graphics so much as their process of doing it and the time it takes to adjust gear for their ears and head structure. Although personally I think this could probably be solved by making transparent areas of the texture so it "looks" like there is an ear hole.