Source: Game Watch - http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/20121025_568512.html
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This is the first time we have seen this character make screen, what is this?

Y: When we presented the trailer in the past we heard from players “hair is bad” or “eye’s look dead” so we remade those. I think it’s brand new, it’s screenshot from PC version taken two weeks ago.


You just mentioned this being PC version, but will the PS3 version be different?
M: Due to the differences in resolution the UI layout may shrink but it’s the same


For this is it different from the face design?
M: No, it’s the same.


It sure does have a different feeling though.
M: Yes, with shading and lighting the feel will change.


Each race’s coolness, cuteness stands out and looks lively. Who was in charge of this redesign?
M: Original character is of course by Yoshida (Akihiko) but for the specific details on the models are from the character team. Specially for the face we have nominated staff persistently working on it.


Regarding the face, what was Mr. Yoshida’s policy?
Y: For me the current FFXIV’s facials are too dull.


Right now what we are looking at are generally cool, or cute characters but with the new character make by being more particular with the design would it be able to make characters that are stand out, unique?
Y: We have face paint and such in this one also so I believe. Say for example I believe you can make something wild and out of a old guerilla war character using a Highlander and choosing braided hair with face paint.
M: In alpha test you can only use Hyur male or Miqo’te female so you may feel the selection is little but in ARR you will have more options and when looking from the entire selection I believe you can make many different variations of characters.


Also is this the action alpha version character making screen?
Y: Yes, it’s image taken straight from it.
M: Since two weeks ago many things have changed and we’re touching on the UI stuff but character quality will at FIX line point. Right now we are working on the last part like fixing the bottom left part of this screen or fixing where the leaf looks like wood board, we’re fine tuning on these specific details.