Housing for All

[Solowing]

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The housing ward is empty, and that creates a feedback loop. Where players don't want to spend time in areas nobody else is in. If you're in the ward, you are likely there for your own curiosity, or you are there seeking something. If you are looking for emergent interactions, the hubs cities are better facilitators for player interaction. And since most players are here for the social aspect, the hub city is the defacto place for it.

I don't disagree.

And that perception of looking less busy, is what is going to be a reason why people would still prefer the hub cities. Social Motion creates Social Motion. If you are here for the social aspect, you are going to go where the social space is. And those who are also there for the social aspect are going to follow them. Its a zero sum. The more people in the City Hubs, the less are in the wards. Perception is everything. People like being in places where people already are.

People would find the fullest instance of Limsa and attempt to amass there. Which would bring other people. (I left Brynildr during Stormblood, and transferred to Excalibur specifically looking for a large population server to join, Balmung was first choice, but its consistently locked status prevents me from inviting new friends, so I looked for "not as full" servers)

I personally don't see the ward system as a representation of how popular housing is. I just see a Housing system, that has the unique attribute of having a neighborhood where you live alongside other players. If I want to visit another player like my friend, who lives in Excalibur's Mist in Ward 4 Subdivision Apt 50. I can just.... Go over there.... No need for a friends list, no need for them to be online. You, I, or anyone else in this thread can go visit it. Its has a "physical" address. I don't need their BattleTag, I don't need a friends list, I don't even need them online. For myself I REALLY like it. And personally, I am a fan of it, I like having neighbors, I like having a Ward that can organically change over time. Both Housing styles and tenants. I love having a permanent address that persists as long as I utilize it in some fashion. I get why you guys want what you want. But I like what this system offers. And I'd rather not see yet another system homogenized for accessibility sake.

So lets say you have 1 ward with 50 plots and 100 people living within it. Anyone not on your friends list will not appear. Its less social because of the limitations needed to make it accessible for all. Thousands of players may live in that instanced spot, but only friended or invited will see your name on this selection list? Imagine how Island Sanctuary works, but to get into someones plot


Never said housing was unpopular :P Housing just isn't top 5 of the aggregate player priorities. Not unpopular, it adds to the game. But its not game saving or game breaking. Those who are into it can get INTO it, but we are a minority in the general audience. If they delay the housing upgrade to 8.0 I wouldn't be shocked. Abit disappointed, but not shocked.