Why can't we have jobs with this level of depth and customization in FFXIV?

[Scootaloo]

What is it? A request for more complex, thought out, deep jobs. Comparable to some jobs/classes seen in other MMOs. I used a specific example of a job from XI I came across while surfing, but it's not the only example out there.

I'm not saying the more straightforward jobs should go away. I would just like to see some options at the other end of the spectrum.

The sad fact is this, due to the failure of 1.0(Where they were very creative and VERY ambitious in their MMO design)the developers for FFXIV are scared, no, TERRIFIED to try anything ambitious or creative for fear of having a 1.0 repeat.

As it stands, the devs are sitting in a "safe zone" as it were. No one can scream of complain because "everyone's equal". Hence the "Lack of depth" as you say in jobs and classes. As long as they allow this fear to hold them back, nothing will change and the MMO will continue to go in this direction.

[Aegis]

4 years ago when I played, the game looked different, how classes worked were different.
We now at 1st years anniversary of FFXIV: ARR

So I don't agree it is 4 years old. Too much has changed from 1.0 to 2.0.

My character is 4 years old. Your argument is invalid.

[abzoluut]

I would very much like way more depth.

It would be nice if we get an in-depth response why they chose not to go this path. The only thing I have read is because of how this game needs to be new to MMO/FFXIV friendly. We got the same argument for 3.0. Notice how 3.0 will be available about 16 + months after launch. One would think most of the new players already joined. If they did not, it should be a great opportunity for them to introduce depth into the game so the new players can adapt right away.

I'd put my money on lack of time. They try to stick with the 3ish months patch promise. There is not much room for overhauling, but that hope though.

[Velox]

My character is 4 years old. Your argument is invalid.

Yes but FFXIV is brand new. For all intents and purposes the original FFXIV is dead and buried. Virtually the game is only 1 year old. There is still much growth to be done.

[Zumi]

My character is 4 years old. Your argument is invalid.

They got rid of most everything from 1.0 and started over. They basically give you a boosted 2.0 character. The game is 1 year old.

[Alukah]

The sad fact is this, due to the failure of 1.0(Where they were very creative and VERY ambitious in their MMO design)the developers for FFXIV are scared, no, TERRIFIED to try anything ambitious or creative for fear of having a 1.0 repeat.

I thought 1.x failed because they took XI as a reference, for me it seems like they tried to make a "better" version of XI changing things they wouldn't be able to change in the original game without upsetting a large amount of players, but just like if XI was released today it would fail miserably, so did 1.x, so for ARR they drew ideas and concepts from (and I quote) "Ultima Online, EverQuest, Dark Age of Camelot, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, Rift, Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2".

[Aegis]

Yes but FFXIV is brand new. For all intents and purposes the original FFXIV is dead and buried. Virtually the game is only 1 year old. There is still much growth to be done.

They got rid of most everything from 1.0 and started over. They basically give you a boosted 2.0 character. The game is 1 year old.

Same lore. Same regions. Same races. Same classes. Same jobs. Same monsters. Same NPCs. Same animations (albeit speeded up, and some lost). Same servers.

It's a stretch to call it a new game. SWG was changed far more for the NGE, but it was still SWG.

[rwyan]

I thought 1.x failed because they took XI as a reference, for me it seems like they tried to make a "better" version of XI changing things they wouldn't be able to change in the original game without upsetting a large amount of players, but just like if XI was released today it would fail miserably, so did 1.x, so for ARR they drew ideas and concepts from (and I quote) "Ultima Online, EverQuest, Dark Age of Camelot, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, Rift, Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2".

1.0 failed because it had some great ideas and concepts but none were actually fleshed out or working fully. It was almost as if they reached a point where the game was working to some degree and decided to launch it versus iterating and polishing its ideas. If anything FF14 1.0 was more inspired from games like SWG and UO.

[Amberion]

I thought 1.x failed because they took XI as a reference, for me it seems like they tried to make a "better" version of XI changing things they wouldn't be able to change in the original game without upsetting a large amount of players, but just like if XI was released today it would fail miserably, so did 1.x, so for ARR they drew ideas and concepts from (and I quote) "Ultima Online, EverQuest, Dark Age of Camelot, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, Rift, Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2".

At the very first stages of the planning, then yes. But it quickly shifted to the concept of not FFXI.

Then came the fact that Tanaka was forced to use a game engine that was not meant for that type of game. After that, the top decided it was good idea to release it before it was finished so it could compete with WoWs expansion.

but just like if XI was released today it would fail miserably

And your proof of that is? And don't bring up bad games that had somewhat similar game play., since bad games are just bad games.

[Estevo]

The sad fact is this, due to the failure of 1.0(Where they were very creative and VERY ambitious in their MMO design)the developers for FFXIV are scared, no, TERRIFIED to try anything ambitious or creative for fear of having a 1.0 repeat.

As it stands, the devs are sitting in a "safe zone" as it were. No one can scream of complain because "everyone's equal". Hence the "Lack of depth" as you say in jobs and classes. As long as they allow this fear to hold them back, nothing will change and the MMO will continue to go in this direction.

You are correct to an extent. Yoshida has stated in multiple interviews that he's going to play it simple and safe for a year or two to come, just to set up the fanbase, the world, and give it a good amount of content, I'm sure also to give the team time to think of creative systems as well.

So as much as I believe they should stop playing it safe, I believe they will when they feel the time is right.