Who is Optional – A Question of Consumer Value

[Kiara]

Great original post. Definitely agree.

This thread actually touches on a key issue that is at the heart of the matter for many about Cash Shops (and now the Eternal Bond / Marriage fiasco):

* Yoshi P has repeatedly mentioned that he wanted to make FF XIV 2.0 into a "Theme Park," something for everyone / all types of players.

He's mentioned repeatedly about catering to mainstream / casual as well as hardcore players. Given that:

* What is "Optional" to those that dismiss the complaints levied against the Cash Shop *is not "Optional"* to those that are against it.

That's really the core of the matter.

I consider myself a more "traditional" RPG & MMORPG player that enjoys End Game, Raiding, Adventuring. So I can see where people like Shio and others are coming from that simply say, "Eh, all that Cash Shop stuff is 'Optional' / Fluff."

However, over the years I've met so many players (in this and other games) that are NOT playing the game for "End Game Raiding."

These are people who truly enjoy FF XIV as a giant Social Chat Room, hanging out with Friends. "Career Crafters and Gatherers," or just enjoying the Final Fantasy Story Line and Quests.

For *those* Players (and even some End Gamers), New Minions, New Mounts, the "Platinum Wedding / Eternal Bond" stuff *IS* their "End Game." That IS what they care about, far more than beating Final Coil.

Yah it may sound strange to traditional Raiders, but I empathize with the Non-Raiders feelings even if I don't care about Minions that much.

And some other observations: If Minions and Mounts really "don't matter" much and should be dismissed as nothing "game breaking," it's interesting that the most expensive items on the Market Boards aren't some "legendary End Game Weapons or Armor," but... Minions and Glamour Items.

When Maro Swimsuits were released, they were some of the most sought-after gear even if it was "just Glamour." People went crazy trying to get Waterproof Cotton, and then look at how much people paid on the Market Boards for getting a silly *GLOW* effect on armor (Augmented Armor - same stats).

Yoshi P has used Mounts and Minions as THE main reward and incentive (the carrot on the stick to keep you grinding on the endless wheel) for so many Dungeons and Instanced Fights.

Why do people continue to fight Garuda, Titan, Ifrit and other Extreme Primals? For a Glowing Horse Mount as silly as it seems now on paper.

What does Yoshi P dangle in front of players to run various Dungeons over and over? A RARE MINION DROP (Baby Opo-Opo, the Parrot, etc.).

The fact of the matter is, Mounts and Minions *DO* matter to a lot of players. They derive the most joy from attaining / collecting these items (or to spend time accessorizing / making great Glamour / Vanity outfits).

So it feels disingenuous for Yoshi P / Dev Team to start taking some of these items (and now the best version of a full event (Wedding)) and put it into a Cash Shop.

Because for *some* players those Cash Shop Items ARE a part of their "End Game" of what's important for them.

Again, I enjoy the End Game facets of any MMORPG the most, but even for me, this feels wrong for a Monthly Subscription-based MMORPG, that releases *Expansion Packs* (that everyone has to buy as well from time-to-time).

The Dev Team needs to realize that their actions here are affecting those that bought the game to play the "Theme Park" aspect in ways beyond the most traditional method (beyond / ignoring "End Game" Combat).