Server Issues and Limitations

[Sorel]

If you think they can give us more info without giving us info then give me an example that isnt just "we know there are problems and we are working to resolve them"

Possible Examples:

We are working to reconfigure server storage to allow for <<insert feature here>>, but it will take some time.

We are working to steamline network communications to improve <<insert feature here>>.

We are planning on updating our databases to make it easier to <<insert feature here>>, but we won't be able to complete that until after <<insert feature here>> is implemented.

And the Development Team doesn't have to explain every little detail when they do this. They don't when they talk to us about other aspects of the game. They don't detail the new crafting algorithms to us when they tell us about crafting ... they don't tell us the additional lighting and shader effects when they talk about improved animations ... and they don't tell us the polygon count when they announce new armor.

So I don't see why the Development Team would be forced to give us every detail of their internal IT structure when they talk to us about the "server issues" that are plaguing FFXIV.

We just want the Development Team to communicate about the server issues the same way they communicate about fixing every other issue in the game.

[Delsus]

Possible Examples:







And the Development Team doesn't have to explain every little detail when they do this. They don't when they talk to us about other aspects of the game. They don't detail the new crafting algorithms to us when they tell us about crafting ... they don't tell us the additional lighting and shader effects when they talk about improved animations ... and they don't tell us the polygon count when they announce new armor.

So I don't see why the Development Team would be forced to give us every detail of their internal IT structure when they talk to us about the "server issues" that are plaguing FFXIV.

We just want the Development Team to communicate about the server issues the same way they communicate about fixing every other issue in the game.

There still as ambiguous as "server issues" they dont tell me anything except they want to add new features, all those would do is fuel the arguments that SE dont know what the problems are, I would prefer them to say nothing, then see in patch notes that the server and network infrastructure have been optimised.

If I heard those I would want to know the problems because I know that streamlining network comminications can take a few seconds if it is an interface priority problem preventing effective loadballancing, or a few weeks if they have to order new interfaces and configure said interfaces, lets also not forget that other part of the configuration could need changing for an interface replacement.

And if they need to replace outdated routers and switches, you better hope they have thier configurations backed up...

[viion]

Working on solving it

aka

Googling around to figure out how to do things, oh we couldnt find out how to do it so we're going to do it the old, out dated and limited way that will take months just to ensure that little button works right!

[Hexaemeron]

This is simple. SE has never coded a native PC game or did a port well. The networking stack bolted onto crystal tools is probably the most arcane, esoteric and bizarre server/client setup in the modern world of gaming. They didn't bother doing adequate internal testing for any of the actual game systems. Why should the databases be any different?

[RopeyDonkey]

...if they say "we aim to have the server issues sorted out by december" the word aim means its when they want it done by and makes a rough timeline, however some people will read it as "we will have the server issues sorted out by december" and will rage on the 31st december when they are not done...

OR, they could come up with a timeframe and, um, stick to it? I work as a product manager for a UK based software dev firm - the business is all about deadlines and sticking to them. They should hopefully have identified all of the key issues/bugs/features and have a decent timeline up for when they should be resolved by etc etc. If they want to err on the side of caution, then stick a date in the letter 4 weeks after the intended completion date perhaps, but they *should have a date* for fundamental fixes like this. If they don't... the game is probably doomed

(note: I really don't want the game to fail!)

[Delsus]

OR, they could come up with a timeframe and, um, stick to it? I work as a product manager for a UK based software dev firm - the business is all about deadlines and sticking to them. They should hopefully have identified all of the key issues/bugs/features and have a decent timeline up for when they should be resolved by etc etc. If they want to err on the side of caution, then stick a date in the letter 4 weeks after the intended completion date perhaps, but they *should have a date* for fundamental fixes like this. If they don't... the game is probably doomed

(note: I really don't want the game to fail!)

The deadlines for patches for a game are never set in stone because it doesnt matter as much as making software for a company if its delayed. yes working for a software dev firm delayed work will cost contracts, but delaying patches for a game will not.

[Mikita]

On JP side server is written サーバー in Japanese and when the JP reps respond saying due to the server it's written as サーバーが...

some people just took the back part of that and turned it into burger written バーガー so now they put it together サーバーガー (Sir Burger)

JP's are eating Sir Burger サーバーガ while waiting for the server サーバー fix or at least once Dev's are ready to give us the roadmap info on the server...

meh doens't come out right when actually trying to explain... ><

I think it's cute when people on the Japanese side is talking about "mackerel" issues. ^^

[DonMega]

They just need to client side the UI or have servers closer to us and we are good

hopefully thats what the client/server communication system root remodeling is, the client side UI and such.

[DonMega]

I have found that the faster your PC is, the faster items move.

Its odd, but the day I upgraded my PC, items moved in half the time from my inventory to the trade window and to retainers.

i got my Comp specs on my profile, i've had the same Comp since jan. but the items have seem to move alittle faster in the last month or two for whatever reason, not great but it is alittle faster.

[VydarrTyr]

Again ... we not asking for every explicit detail of the problem. Just some further explanation other than "server issues".

Well, you're asking for that now. But the OP isn't asking for it. And to be honest, I can't remember anyone else ever asking for it. So while I would agree with those suggesting that it would be a bad idea for SE to reveal that info, at the very least we can hopefully show some patience and wait for an explanation until after we've asked.

As for the OP, here's a bit of the Famitsu interview posted by the incredible, inimitable, subligar-sporting Reinhart:

Famitsu: How about delivery?

Yoshida: We will implement delivery, but it will be after server modifications. Message and letter will be same.

Famitsu: When a player has something for repair up in bazaar and has item full you cannot repair that persons damaged equipment. Are there any plans to fix this?

Yoshida: It will be hard to do right away but we are going to make changes how the trade window works so along with that we would like to work on this.

...

Famitsu: Do you have plans for changes to party search feature?

Yoshida: First we will make minimum required changes to the current UI and with server repair planning to release redesigned search feature. In patch 1.18 part of it will be modified. Forming parties with search feature means forming with random people and it might troublesome for some (laugh) so some just try it once and get angry and don’t use again…. It’s right that easier search feature and UI is needed but lastly it’s really up to the player to have courage.

Famitsu: How about the area search feature?

Yoshida: Along with party search this is also going to be redesigned

Famitsu: Will it be possible to show more details for linkshell members?

Yoshida: Not only linkshell but for friendlist same type of system is required so it is being looked into carefully.

Famitsu: What kind of measures is being taken for inventory space as with armory system you will require to carry a lot of equipment?

Yoshida: might say not that again, but this will be after repairs to the root. Plan is already made but will need to be changed along with swapping the UI. Will try to make it by PS3 release but currently can’t give exact date on it yet.

Hope that resolves your issue.