"Open Style" vs "Rigid Structure" what do you want for the future of FFXIV

[tachikoma]

Seems like many threads argue over keeping things "Open Style" vs "Rigid". Most players who were part of FFXI were a custom to rigid class designs and structure. Hybrid builds came about by mixing sub jobs but you were always limited. FFXIV promoted "Open Style" where anyone can be any role in a party. Every job could tank/DD/CURE almost every skill was cross classable. The story quests were designed with this open aspect where you pretty much solo everything except the very last quest.

"Open Style" => massive failure! SE reports quarter losses in the billions, Yoshi is brought in the revamp and redesign FFXIV

People should stop resisting the changes to a more rigid design. The open feel was there from the start and it failed. Yes many things were wrong with FFXIV at launch but the core design was the heart of its failure. No job specific gear, no class specific traits, no job roles, no teamwork.

LVL caps: these are needed on content to make them interesting, i'm not suggest everything in game needs to be the epic struggle but when content is designed around an instanced model the ability to add a LVL cap is ripe for the taking.

AoE toggle: sloppy open style design element, sounds great on paper but in practice it creates a mushy soggy clunky end user experience.

I worry that as the team reveals more changes that are inevitably going to be more restrictive these forums will continue to get filled with "I want easy mode" "I want to cross class everything" "I want to wear whatever I want on any job!"

and my favorite "I dont' want SE to tell me how to play my game!"

I hope in the future the people who are resisting these changes can just try to remember that the game launched with these "Open Style" designs and it failed if we want FFXIV to be a long term success like FFXI was we need to embrace some of these rigid changes in hopes that we end up with a much better overall experience.

[Wolfie]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

[Betelgeuzah]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

In XIV's context, yes.

Not that they didn't have something designed to counter that, but theory != practice.

XIV can only become more rigid, and it'll be better off for it (and still not as rigid as some other MMO's- it doesn't need to be).

Limitations allow the developers to create much better designed content, since everything can be controlled. That doesn't always lead to favorable outcome, though. We are playing an MMO after all. Freedom is a part of the genre.

XIV's more open approach may result in less difficult, worse designed content. But the freedom can make up for it.

To be honest, those playing an MMO to be challenged to the max are rather silly. There are better games and genres for that.

I'm sure Matsui can design the raids better when they are restricted to 4 and 8 people, not anything in between. The variables are in his control. But I liked the freedom XI gave me as far as party setups were concerned, so we'll see whether the restriction can make up for it.

[Wolfie]

In XIV's context, yes.

Not that they didn't have something designed to counter that, but theory != practice.

XIV can only become more rigid, and it'll be better off for it (and still not as rigid as some other MMO's- it doesn't need to be).

Limitations allow the developers to create much better designed content, since everything can be controlled. That doesn't always lead to favorable outcome, though. We are playing an MMO after all. Freedom is a part of the genre.

XIV's more open approach may result in less difficult, worse designed content. But the freedom can make up for it.

To be honest, those playing an MMO to be challenged to the max are rather silly. There are better games and genres for that.

I'm sure Matsui can design the raids better when they are restricted to 4 and 8 people, not anything in between. The variables are in his control. But I liked the freedom XI gave me as far as party setups were concerned, so we'll see whether the restriction can make up for it.

There is no context here. Rigid and open are mutually exclusive concepts.

[Sigmakan]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

Ding ding ding!

[Rowyne]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

I agree. There is way too much of a generic sandboxy feel in this game. Boring jack-of-all-trades classes, no spell restrictions, no progression. No balance.

The only consequences we seem to be up against is anima.

If I want to wander around aimlessly with a bunch of boring people, I'll play that game called real life.

[Joeking]

If I want to wander around aimlessly with a bunch of boring people, I'll play that game called real life.

Real life is not boring, your just playing with the wrong people.

[Rowyne]

Real life is not boring, your just playing with the wrong people.

That's what happens when you get old. >.<

[Joeking]

That's what happens when you get old. >.<

Just get some more cynical friends, they will liven up your game experience.

PS: Old? Which trick box? 30-65? < I consider this old, anything past that is a zombie..

[Neptune]

What you're really saying is you're a baby and you want to suck on your spoon. You can't play well with others when no one but you defines the roles of your party. Just like a little baby, you're completely helpless to feed yourself your liquified food.

I, however, am gifted enough in imagination to be able to create my own outcome from the choices laid in front of me and I welcome the freedom it gives. Square Enix must not neglect you players who are not having a good time and so they will redesign the game for you, but that doesn't mean I will ever respect your lack of spine.

The openness of this game did correlate with its failure but that doesn't mean it caused its failure. To your lack of spine, lack of imagination, and baby urges, you can add lack of critical thinking.