The possibility of Ishgard coming before the expansion has increased. (by years end?)

[Starlord]

Key things to note:

1) 3.0 has been stated that they have already made a new city along with the fields, monsters etc.

This suggests that since Ishgard is already a "Developed city" that 3.0 is referring to an entirely new city.

2) From 2.2 on Ishgard will be "more involved" with 2.3 being the most involved (2.5 should be around December 2014).

This suggests that Ishgard will open it's gates the more involved they become.

Knowing these facts (from the live letter): it seems the chance of Ishgard opening up at least before the expansion has increased.

NOTE: The possibility is just speculation!

[KraggyKor]

Given the iconic nature of Ishgard I have always believed it is intended to be a key feature of the first expansion.

[Royal]

We are going to spend all of 2.0 just to try and gain their trust and next expansion will open up it's doors finally.

[Nuinn]

Mhm, I too feel like we're only going to do quests involving Ishgard in 2.X and finally be able to enter in 3.0 (expansion). Meanwhile, Revnant Toll is transitioning into a proper smaller city.

[Tupsi]

No - He was as plain as day when stating it'll be at the first expansion. We're simply going to get story leading up to said expansion instead of an expansion just showing up out of the blue and bam, it's suddenly there.

There's no data pertaining to ishgard in the game at this time.

[Kule]

Key things to note:

1) 3.0 has been stated that they have already made a new city along with the fields, monsters etc.

Concept art and pre-dev is done. That's all.

[Delsus]

I think the run up to 3.0 (new expansion) will mostly be lore based around Ishgard's war against Dravania whilst we help them, then in 3.0 we will be able to do another quest in that line, open up Ishgard, and fully aid Ishgard.

[Deathscythe343]

If we are getting another major city does that mean we could also see new races and classes/jobs prior to the expansion?

[Mirakumi]

Can't wait to run laps around Jeuno er Ishgard =) - I hope that Ishgard will become a main source of lore when Shiva rolls around. So secretive, so Ishgard.

[Nuinn]

If we are getting another major city does that mean we could also see new races and classes/jobs prior to the expansion?

New city, from what has been said so far, is scheduled to come with an official expansion, as opposed to through patches. The same has been said for new classes/jobs and the level cap. Not sure about new races but I'd imagine a new race would also be saved for an expansion as a huge selling point. I wouldn't hold my breath that we'll get any of those through patches but you never know, people (devs) are allowed to change their minds and their decisions.