[dev1033] Class name changes -> Specialization/Talent Trees Into Classic FF Classes

[Kurokikaze]

Armoury System
Classes
Actions will undergo major revisions, along with both the underlying mechanics and conditions.

By major revisions, not only do we mean the tweaking of effects and potency of existing actions - we will work from the ground up to redesign and reassign actions based on clearly identified class roles.

We will also make a number of changes as part of our reexamination of how actions are equipped and the character requirements for doing so. First, actions learned by each class will be set to the action bar by default when playing as that class. Also, we will be making some actions settable on any class, while other "class-defining" actions obtained at higher ranks will be usable only by that class.

Jobs
The job system - that series-defining trademark - will be implemented in FINAL FANTASY XIV (details such as specific jobs TBA). Quests to unlock each job will become available once you have reached a certain rank in the corresponding class.
Rather than being advanced versions of classes, we would like players to think of jobs as specialized playing styles optimized for partying. While playing as a particular job will render you unable to equip certain actions of other classes, you will be compensated with access to exclusive actions, which can be acquired through quests.

In practice, players will find the existing classes effective when playing solo or in certain party setups. Jobs, however, will shine in party situations where specific skill sets are demanded. Now, you didn’t hear this from me, but there are also rumors circulating that quests for obtaining job-exclusive equipment are also in the pipes.
We at the development team are currently hard at work on the job system, and expect to have details to share with you soon.

This was completely expected. The need to reshuffle and reassign/rebalance abilities was something that needed to be done regardless of what method of Job implementation they used.

As suggested in the OP, Jobs seem to branch off from a particular base class. That means that Jobs themselves will be locked into a specific weapon (since weapon = class). Again, don't cry about "omg my freedom is being taken away." as I have stated many times in this thread... Just because you could use a Epee on Dragoon doesn't mean you did. You ALWAYS used a Lance. As George Carlin used to say; choices are just an illusion.

The flowchart made by Shuichi seems to be fairly spot on.
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7...branchflow.png

They're taking a semi different route here in terms of naming but its essentially the same thing. Advanced Classes that branch off from a base and Specialized Playing styles (Jobs) are one in the same. What they decide to call it is not important.

And here is where the most difference is. It sounds like they figured out a way to still keep the base class relevant in the end as opposed to being completely eclipsed by the Jobs. You will use Jobs for party/endgame situations and Classes for soloing mostly since their roles aren't as pre-defined or they tend to not really excel at much. Basically, they're making you choose between "Jack of All - Master of None" and "Master of One".