Direct X 10/11 Question - Answer (Translated)

[Aravou]

This was posted in response to asking about support for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11, specifically. When taking into consideration the performance of the PlayStation 3 version, we currently have no plans of supporting DirectX 10/11. However, in the event that large changes or alterations take place to the graphics, or if DirectX 10/DirectX 11 continue to grow in popularity, we will begin to support them.

Yeah, that's an ok response, SE.

But, here is what you should have said...

"Having chosen DirectX 9 as FFXIV's base API, we realize the PC version of FFXIV suffers from unoptimized performance-issues and we fully intend to fix these problem. We also understand that our player-base deserves only the best in both game optimization and visual fidelity; therefore, plans are being drawn up to modernize the game for support of all current versions of DirectX. Due to budgetary and staffing constraints, we will first be focusing on fixing FFXIV's core mechanics and game-play issues. Once these adjustments are implemented and the game is launched for the PS3 (assuming a successful launch and we all keep our jobs) we will then begin work, alongside standard content additions and future expansions, to fully optimize the game for DirectX 9, 10, and 11. These updates will be done to showcase FFXIV as a flagship product from SE, and to provide our customers with the best in compatibility, optimization, performance increases, and forward-thinking advancements; as well as implementing improvements to graphical-quality on more modern APIs. As a would-be leader in the MMO genre we, FFXIV's staff and SE as a company, plan to keep a steady eye fixed on future hardware and software developments, such as next-generation consoles and unreleased APIs (DirectX 12 and beyond) so as to one day add support for these future technologies to FFXIV. These future updates (as they are implemented) will ensure the continued success, growth, and longevity of the FFXIV world and the continued enjoyment for all those who inhabit it. We thank you for your support."

Gosh, that would have been refreshing to read.

[Rentahamster]

Gosh, that would have been refreshing to read.

It would have been very refreshing. What's nice about the statement you wrote is that it says pretty much the same thing as the official response, and yet doesn't even promise anything (in the short-term), but still sounds good.

I think that in general - about these dev posts - you guys need to take into account that the Japanese dev responses are just being directly translated into English, and that in a general sense, Japanese language PR doesn't exactly sound the best to Western ears. I would hope that you could give them a little slack in that regard due to cultural differences.

That being said, that doesn't mean they can't do a better job of it

[Delsus]

Yeah, that's an ok response, SE.

But, here is what you should have said...

"Having chosen DirectX 9 as FFXIV's base API, we realize the PC version of FFXIV suffers from unoptimized performance-issues and we fully intend to fix these problem. We also understand that our player-base deserves only the best in both game optimization and visual fidelity; therefore, plans are being drawn up to modernize the game for support of all current versions of DirectX. Due to budgetary and staffing constraints, we will first be focusing on fixing FFXIV's core mechanics and game-play issues. Once these adjustments are implemented and the game is launched for the PS3 (assuming a successful launch and we all keep our jobs) we will then begin work, alongside standard content additions and future expansions, to fully optimize the game for DirectX 9, 10, and 11. These updates will be done to showcase FFXIV as a flagship product from SE, and to provide our customers with the best in compatibility, optimization, performance increases, and forward-thinking advancements; as well as implementing improvements to graphical-quality on more modern APIs. As a would-be leader in the MMO genre we, FFXIV's staff and SE as a company, plan to keep a steady eye fixed on future hardware and software developments, such as next-generation consoles and unreleased APIs (DirectX 12 and beyond) so as to one day add support for these future technologies to FFXIV. These future updates (as they are implemented) will ensure the continued success, growth, and longevity of the FFXIV world and the continued enjoyment for all those who inhabit it. We thank you for your support."

Gosh, that would have been refreshing to read.

That would have beem alot better for them to say, it works well from a PR point of view, and unlike Bayohne's post (as much as we all love Bayohne) it tells us they will constantly look into it for the life time of the game.

I think if we get another players poll there should be some questions "do you have a Dx10/11 compatible graphics card" and "which OS are you running", this would give SE all the information they need, if the majority of players are on XP then they could hold back for a bit on a Dx upgrade, if more people are on vista/7 with a Dx10/11 card then they could add a Dx10/11 option to ffxiv config after the update for the people that can use it. as for the XP users they just need to get with the times (btw dont start on compatibility, xp mode ftw

[SilvertearRen]

Gosh, that would have been refreshing to read.

I agree. It would also have meant a major PR coup for Square Enix. But they missed their chance!

[Colino]

I agree. It would also have meant a major PR coup for Square Enix. But they missed their chance!

SE: "What's a PR?"

[Coldbrand]

Yeah, that's an ok response, SE.

But, here is what you should have said...

"Having chosen DirectX 9 as FFXIV's base API, we realize the PC version of FFXIV suffers from unoptimized performance-issues and we fully intend to fix these problem. We also understand that our player-base deserves only the best in both game optimization and visual fidelity; therefore, plans are being drawn up to modernize the game for support of all current versions of DirectX. Due to budgetary and staffing constraints, we will first be focusing on fixing FFXIV's core mechanics and game-play issues. Once these adjustments are implemented and the game is launched for the PS3 (assuming a successful launch and we all keep our jobs) we will then begin work, alongside standard content additions and future expansions, to fully optimize the game for DirectX 9, 10, and 11. These updates will be done to showcase FFXIV as a flagship product from SE, and to provide our customers with the best in compatibility, optimization, performance increases, and forward-thinking advancements; as well as implementing improvements to graphical-quality on more modern APIs. As a would-be leader in the MMO genre we, FFXIV's staff and SE as a company, plan to keep a steady eye fixed on future hardware and software developments, such as next-generation consoles and unreleased APIs (DirectX 12 and beyond) so as to one day add support for these future technologies to FFXIV. These future updates (as they are implemented) will ensure the continued success, growth, and longevity of the FFXIV world and the continued enjoyment for all those who inhabit it. We thank you for your support."

Gosh, that would have been refreshing to read.

This deserves a quote.

[Benji]

This was posted in response to asking about support for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11, specifically. When taking into consideration the performance of the PlayStation 3 version, we currently have no plans of supporting DirectX 10/11. However, in the event that large changes or alterations take place to the graphics, or if DirectX 10/DirectX 11 continue to grow in popularity, we will begin to support them.

What a lame excuse. Get it together and get with the times. My PC isn't aging hardware, support the newest technology!

[viion]

How can Dx10/11 not grow in popularity when the only cards that can run this game, support 11, and if not 11 supports 10!!!

that is just a lame excuse.

[Xenor]

PS3 limitations!

[Loth]

PS3 limitations!

PS3 does not utilize DirectX, so that is not a hinderance for the development for the PC.

Given a proper implementation of dynamic lighting and shadows using DX10 or 11 features would add some much needed atmosphere to the game world.