Translations (JP to English)

[Reinheart]

Source : http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs...12_565505.html

OK we would like to ask for more details on PS3 versions UI design. Minakawa-san you have experience from FFXII as a director but are there anything from FFXII that was put in?
M: At first I did too much and got scolded “That’s too much” (laugh). Basically it’s the gambit but if you make a gambit system like FFXII but was told “If it goes that much it will become a BOT!”


When talking about FFXII the main thing that stands out is the gambit, what did you have plan for that gambit system in FFXIV?
M: For example gambit system for targeting. Make a gambit system where it targets the target you want first then have several patterns and registering that into a macro. Iit was possible to do stuff like this (laugh)

So like say if mob pops in that location to pull it right away?
M: Yes, but if we do that we don’t even need players (laugh) for FFXII the gambit system was basically like players thinking phase and where they plan/setup the gambit system and was designed where it was OK to just watch the battle but for online game this shouldn’t be allowed.
Y: If this was allowed it would make RMT’s happy, and if there was one good gambit they could just copy (laugh)

It’s dangerous to put in a gambit system for online game (laugh) however gambit itself isn’t a crime. So the gambit system isn’t being used?
M: Gambit system is used in another part of the system.
Y: We are controlling the enemy AI with gambit, so the development side is using it (laugh)


I see that’s reverse idea, so the development team is using and not the users.
Y: Yes, it has been refined and easy to understand and it’s real easy to make easy AI. There are lots of programmers from FFXII staff also. We are talking about later for battle contents involving chocobo where you build a AI gambit for chocobo you grow and make it fight between players. It’s probably something in far future.


I would like to ask regarding individual new UI for the PS3 version but first starting off with the main command, what is this?
M: For the PC version this was the icon list that was shown on the bottom right. For console it had too much load on display and for customers who don’t have much MMO experience that type of display would cause them to think that this game has too many controls and we didn’t want them to feel that way.
For that reason the main command was built where it’s easy to see what you can do in this game, it was designed so this main command acts as an entrance to all information. We made the system that the parent category is built with less than 8 category types.


Are the features exactly like the PC version?
M: Yes it is, the major difference between the PC version is when you have the main command open it will close all other open widgets and be able to concentrate on controlling only this display.
Y: I ordered to have everything closed other than character control and camera control.


So all other UI will be turned off but even in this state you will be able walk and stuff right?
M: Yes, you will be able to walk and control the camera but all other UI will close temporarily.


That is convenient.
Y: Yes you can use it as cancel control as well.
M: We have designed it so the main command is easy to understand, cross hotbar being simple and by using it can be specialized to match that individual players style.


For the control can we imagine is similar to PS3’s cross media bar where you move horizontal/vertical?
M: Yes, you can choose the category with the direction keys, select the subcategory and press the circle button to confirm. (US is probably going to be X button, JP games confirm button = circle)


Are there any features which would only exist in PS3 versions main command?
M: No, all the features in the PC versions round icons are in here at same time there are no other commands that only exists in the main command.


Next what is the bar on the bottom left?
M: That is the chat window.


So when many people talk or system message pops up that will grow upwards?
M: yes.


What does it mean here where it says GENERAL and BATTLE?
M: This is for different log, first off the GENERAL is the standard chat log so it will display conversation between players or system announcements. We received order from Yoshida to please don’t make the game where you need to look at the log. For example BATTLE is a log that displays the battle but for regular battles you can fight without looking at this. It was designed as a log where later on you can go back to breakdown the damage you dealt and such. It is made so you just need to view the game screen, the 3D screen to see the damages, how much exp you took in and other information directly.


What else are there aside from GENERAL and BATTLE?
M: We have a feature where you can press the plus button to increase the tab to create a window where you just want to see conversation with company members and stuff like that. You can customize what text to display and make your own chat window.


On right side of the screen it displays the current quests the users took, is this one of the widgets Yoshida-san was talking from before?
Y: Yes, this is “objective list” stuff you need to do right now, and aside from this there is another one where we are calling it “recommendations” for this one it will display those contents which you have or don’t have but stuff that you can try out now.


For the PS3 version where will the “recommendation” widget be displayed?
Y: It will replace the “objective list.” For the PC version it can have multiple window and is more flexible and the display resolution is higher so you can place it anywhere but for the PS3 version UI it takes up lots of screen so we have it set where it is displayed on one side and switch between the two.


Are there any other peculiar UI for the PS3?
M: Regarding the cross hotbar for the PS3 this can be displayed on the PC when selecting the gamepad control mode. The main part that is different is the part which displays the inventory. The white box with number shows number of items inside the 4 bags.
Y: Looking at this SS it shows first bag with 10 items, bag 2 with 5 items, bag 3 with 0 items, and bag 4 with 22 items.
M: On the PC versions we display this with dots.
Y: On the PC versions we have it color displayed to show the item, gear, materials but for the PS3 versions it can’t handle that much memory so for the PS3 version it will display the number of items with number display.


I see, that is interesting. What lead to this idea?
Y: It’s tiresome to open the bag every time to see how many items are inside (laugh)
M: I’m not good with keeping things tidy/in order and even while playing MMO i get overflowed with items. By the time I noticed the inventory is full and I feel like... you could of told me that earlier... something like that.


I see, that is interesting.
M: For the PS3 version it will require extra step to check but it doesn’t affect the strategy so for the PS3 version we made the display simple.


For the PS3 version can you relocate the UI position or size?
M: It is possible to change the display position. We are currently making adjustments to see how much we can do for the size but we are thinking to make this possible as well.


How will you change it?
M: There is a special mode called HUD layout mode, from there you can change each individual menu size or position.


Right after the FFXI Xbox 360 version release it was the first HD generation console machine and the users complained the font size being too small but in ARR FFXIV can you change the font size?
M: First off for the chat we will definitely put in a feature to change the font size. For other text by changing the window size the font size will also increase. Unlike the PC we are working hard to make adjustments so you can see the text for TV’s in living rooms.


So as an RPG you are aware about this.
M: Yes, we are first making adjustments so it’s playable with standard 20-30 inch monitor size with about gamepad cable distance from TV.


The font is fixed font?
M: For the PS3 version the font is fixed. PC version you can use device fonts but for the PS3 version it’s fixed.
Y: There are many players using different fonts on the PC version but that’s because it’s the PC. If you try to do this with the PS3 we have to prepare multiple fonts to make it possible.


Are there any special features or service only for the PS3 versions?
Y: The main theme is to not make any difference so there isn’t anything... maybe the PS3 version you can play while sleeping on the sofa? (laugh)
M: You can do that with PC version in gamepad mode also
Y: oh yeah that’s right (laugh). So I guess there isn’t anything different. If you want to bring out the difference in UI maybe where you set up the cross hotbar to play with one hand.


OK we’re anxious about the servers, for the PS3 version will there be PS3 exclusive servers or new servers when the PS3 version is launched?
Y: Regarding the worlds for the new customers we are planning to add lots of new worlds however we are not thinking as PS3 exclusive.


So the idea is for both PC and PS3 version players to play together
Y: We would like as much people to play so if we make it PS3 only it might be good at beginning but when thinking long term we should leave as much options available and would also end up with worlds with population not balanced, so I would like to be able for them to play together.


It’s a bit early but regarding PS3 version beta test. We’re not into PC version alpha test but what kind of thing are you planning for the PS3 version beta test?
Y: Basically it will be just like the PC version. However we are making the PC version players go first because the PS3 customers will probably think of alpha/beta as some demo version. So if we get them in when the first beta is release it will probably have small bugs and it might make it hard for the PS3 version customers. I would like to start the PS3 version beta once we alleviate those problems and when the server is stable. If not they might say something like “It’s a demo and it has lots of bugs!” so we want to make it close to the actual product version.


Just confirming but for the beta test PC will go in first then later PS3 right? To shift it a little?
Y: Yes, PC version will start little bit earlier. PS3 version depends on the speed of beta version bug fix and from there opening the PS3 version, something like that.


So if small it may be 1 week apart or if there are many it will take some more?
Y: If there are many critical bugs after the PC version the start timing for PS3 may be 1 month apart. Either way both PC and PS3 versions will connect to the same server and only difference is the client so if we take out the bugs on the server side only thing remaining are client side bugs. So for PS3 specific bugs will depend on PS3 inspection so I’m expecting there won't be any extreme gap in timing.


Also for the PS3 version, will it be playable on all models? for FFXI the 20GB model wasn’t enough so was taken out but how about in FFXIV?
Y: Basically it will work on all but in the end it will depend on how much we can compress but we are looking at the least amount as goal. We can’t promise but we are going to try and stick to this. Our business is done through installation bse so we don’t want to lose business opportunity due to the environment. I have been telling the development team to keep the 10GB for the ARR start but recently been hearing cries “Yoshida-san we can’t change from 10GB?” (laugh) With FFXIV graphics set along with quality movies that number is really tight for sure.


For PS3 marketing plan for example aside from package there are download market and thinking there are other approaches for package such as PS3 exclusive but how will you market the PS3 version?
Y: With both PS3 and PC for the package we will have the ARR FFXIV out. Of course we are thinking about ARR FFXIV specials for early reservations or collectors edition but for those with current collectors edition it will be possible to upgrade to ARR collectors edition though online update. We are currenting making adjustments.


PC and PS3 release date will be same?
Y: It will be the same for the base


Say current PC player want to play on the PS3 version would they need to buy the client again?
Y: For those thinking of playing on the PS3 version and currently having PC accounts I apologize for the trouble but you will need to buy the PS3 version. However you can use the same account on both PC and PS3 version.


On NA Amazon it’s showing PS3 version to release in December (laugh)
Y: For Amazon heard they put 12/18 as release date for those that don’t have a set selling date (laugh) If there isn’t any sale date they can’t make reservations and it’s said for the Christmas season the week of 12/18 is the last. After for NA most products well out and goes into long break so to sell the most aiming Christmas is this timing. So basically Amazon just listed it as that without getting any announcement.


I see, so there is no way it can be released within this year?
Y: No, can't be (laugh) when we released the roadmap we stated the service will be post 2013 January. If we could release it within this year I would of already announced it
M: If it was released within this year everyone in development team would die (laugh)


Aside from the PS3 version SS there are couple image illustrations but what is the meaning behind it?
Y: First off the primals along with the ones that were already announced we wanted to show them once again. Reason behind this is for the PS3 customers this is the first time so instead of showing the difference from current version it’s better PR to show summons which many are familiar with. That is the reason why we also showed Ifrit again.


I see, so it’s information for those players looking forward to the PS3 version.
Y: Well we did put in some information for current version players that will make them think “Oh?”


Yes, like this human shape character is first time. Who is this?
Y: That is Amon. Amon which many are familiar with from FFIII.


Will it be released as a primal?
Y: No this is boss for one of the contents. When you look up Amon or FFIII you should be able to get some info. Reason why we didn’t put anything is because we want people to imagine while in game.


What are the plans for primals that hasn’t been released yet?
Y: Titan will come out with ARR FFXIV. For Titan the model is already finished in current version and the cut scene was already made too.


I see, so you were waiting for the release timing?
Y: We also had Leviathan also completed but because we had the major disaster (Japan Earhquake 3/11/11) so we changed the plan


Next the Chocobo illustration, this is the one that was shown with President Wada at the producer live right?
Y: Yes, for the attacker one it will be first time. At the live we also shown the Behemoth cosplay Chocobo gear.


How many costumes are there?
Y: There are quite few. First you got the 4 types, there are different color ones, also the current version ones so maybe 8 or 9, maybe more. Will start with about around 10 (says reaching around two digit)


For this new attacker chocobo it’s equipped with armor.
Y: Yes the design of the armor is to image the physical attack type. For us Dragoon is attacker type so the design is made to make you imagine a Dragoon.


Can it do big jumps?
Y: No no, not that far. We aren’t going after Dragoon so (laugh)


For Chocobo’s the stats won't change by changing equipment but will have it’s own skill or magic abilities right?
Y: Basically we want people to equip different gear so instead of the equipment the status or skill will depend on how you raise it. But I think if you try to raise all balance it will end up as a incomplete pet.


I see, so in that case what will happen to the gear?
Y: We aren’t going to make the equipment requirements too tight, probably limit to Chocobo’s level. I believe there may be gear which you can’t equip until you reach certain parameter requirements but we’re talking it’s better to be able to allow dress up in many ways as possible.


So if you raise chocobo a lot in the end you will be able to equip any gear? Or will something be specialized?
Y: We’ll have as much freedom as possible but we would like to add some specialized as well. For that have it where you raise different from players method.


For Chocobo's will you prepare enough variations to match amount of player character jobs?
Y: We will add more but when thinking as a type where you raise first we will have 4 - tank, attacker, healer, and caster. For tank and attacker’s different it will depend on how much we put in. However instead of increasing the types I would like to increase more gears to dress up.


So by dress up you mean like the behemoth gear you shown previously?
Y: Yes, where you can cosplay.


Also how can you obtain the behemoth gear?
Y: That one still a secret (laugh) it will be available at ARR FFXIV launch.


So for hardcore players they should be able to obtain it right away and equip?
Y: I can’t say it yet.


Just confirmation but for the Chocobo raising system, this will be available from the launch of ARR FFXIV correct?
Y: Development team is working hard. I’ve been scolded that the “Cost is too high!” (laugh)


How much effort do you need to put into to grow it.
Y: We will have something like a level, we would like to make the raising somewhat challenging.


So are these gear for level 50?
Y: Can’t say it’s exactly for 50 but it’s pretty high also for Chocobo in current version it will change everything with one set but in ARR FFXIV it’s possible to equip the head, body, feet separately.

So you would need to obtain each part individually?
Y: Yes there are three parts and that is head, body, and feet.


For example are there any gimmicks say like additional ability when you equip set gear?
Y: For set effect if you make it strong it will end up with only one option and if the the effect is weak there is no meaning to it so I don’t have anything particular about gear set feature.


So you’re saying it’s OK to go by taste and equip different gear?
Y: Yes, MMO has a lot of freedom and to have a gear set means to go against that idea so I think it’s not right. Although if there was a system where can keep the parameters but change the graphics to anything you like then it will be whole new story.


There are new structure illustrations but what is this?
Y: This is a new dungeon.


Doesn’t look that way, how will you go to this dungeon?
Y: There is a boat to go there and once you meet the requirements you will be able to get on the boat to get to the bottom of the dungeon and from there you will climb/go up to fight the boss.


What is the name of this dungeon?
Y: Umm what was it level 40 dungeon.... we are calling this dungeon Wanderer’s Palace.
M: It’s dungeon targeting level 40-45.


Is this something completely new or is some existing area change and become this?
Y: This is new. In current version there isn’t much dungeon, there are couple that are blocked but it’s hard to make dungeons using natural terrain. In ARR with the map changes there will be lots of these type of structure or ruin type dungeons.


I see, what kind of gimmick exists in this dungeon?
Y: This dungeon has couple mechanical devices and stuff.

Doesn’t look that way, looks like old castle that turned into a ruin.
Y: Inside the dungeon the walls are broken and inside the wall you will see gears... that kind of atmosphere.


What kind of enemy will be inside this place?
Y: For these type of dungeon or contents we will show screenshots and movies so please wait for that one.


Can you go here at the launch of ARR FFXIV?
Y: Yes, this is one of the leveling dungeons.


I see, this is for leveling, so it will be public where anyone can go in?
Y: No it’s instanced dungeon. In ARR FFXIV the dungeons for leveling are basically all instanced. There aren’t any public dungeons where many can go in at once. For public there are forts which everyone can go through but for dungeons they are all instanced. We have something new prepared for public.


What is the reason behind why you released this illustration this timing?
Y: Current FFXIV have enough dungeons with these type of gimmick. There isn’t much where you go inside and get excited to a point it will make you want to think how to clear it. So this time we are preparing many leveling dungeons with this in mind. First start with your imagination and we will follow up with movie release. I believe we can show other ones later as well.


In which area does this exist?
Y: This is ocean so Limsa Lominsa or say ocean region. This is what we mentioned in the first producer live letter towards the end where we explained the map will change this much. When we were designing new fields at that time we came up with this idea.


Going into summary, this time you released the PS3 version SS. When will the live demo start?
Y: It will depend on when the performance reaches that line where we can agree on.


So currently it’s not at that point yet?
Y: For optimization when talking extremely if you have enough time you can keep on doing and for all the core gamers they looking online constantly so for the PS3 version we don’t think we need to release it in a hurry.
Currently in Japan’s entertainment industry there are too many interests so say even if we bring up excitement 4 month before sale it can be forgotten really fast. So instead of rushing I think it’s better to show it at the time where I can agree on. But for the PS3 version I would like to show actual machine around end of November. PC version alpha test will start towards end of October also.


OK could you please give your final comment regarding PS3 version.
M: I’m repeating again but we have a system which is easy to use at same time which is customisable and hoping this gamepad mode will be standard for those playing with gamepad. For those playing on PC version would also like for you to be curious and try it out.
Y: For those of you been waiting from beginning of PS3 version it’s been 3 years, sorry fo the long wait. We were able to build something with all the strength square-enix has. For the graphics compared to PC version which has no limit to specs it wont be equal however to be able to play an MMORPG with this much quality on a PS3 console is a result of combination of Square-Enix and ARR FFXIV so would like you to look forward to that. If you can try it out I am sure it will satisfy you.
In future information release we will introduce what “ARR FFXIV is” which started from zero. We were finally able to release the screenshot so next will be the actual moving one, the planning to show one where I’m moving it live. Same with the PC version we started with the screenshot, then a movie, then live demo from stage, we would like to do the same for the PS3 version. So would like you to please look forward to that as well.

Thank you very much.


response - tag so this post shows up on my sublimen tracker