What is Hard Core? What is Casual?

[Chocobits]

In a normal MMO, the differences between hardcore and casual could be thought of like this:

The number of hours played isn't generally an indicating factor. I played just as much FFXI when I was casual as I did when I became hardcore.

Casual players generally concentrate on making the most out of their playtime, whether it be an hour a day or 18 hours a day. They don't go to great personal inconvenience to obtain prized items or fight difficult monsters for themselves or others. They are also more likely to leave pickup groups at a moment's notice to attend to real life situations, without giving notice. The thought might not occur to them when they leave that they're inconveniencing a number of other players.

Hardcore players set goals for themselves to accomplish. They want specific items to complete a "gear build", or trophy items from difficult monsters. They work in a team to complete tasks as efficiently as possible. Their aim is to obtain those sought after items for themselves and their friends (guild mates, linkshell mates, what have you), and they're willing to play for many hours consecutively for that purpose. They pride themselves on their gear and personal skill, going to great lengths to learn the mechanics of the game and how to better perform their expected role.

In FFXIV however, there's no difference. Everyone is a casual beta player. There's no competition, no sought after items and barely any challenge. This will change eventually, but for now you just have a few "hardcasuals" running around pretending they're better than the horde of other casual players.

Hope that clears it up!

[Naqaj]

They are also more likely to leave pickup groups at a moment's notice to attend to real life situations, without giving notice. The thought might not occur to them when they leave that they're inconveniencing a number of other players.

I disagree with that part. Having a disregard for your teammates is not a defining trait of a casual player. It's a defining trait of a selfish bastard. Doesn't mean casuals can't also be bastards, just that it's not a part of their definition

[Cendres]

I disagree with that part. Having a disregard for your teammates is not a defining trait of a casual player. It's a defining trait of a selfish bastard. Doesn't mean casuals can't also be bastards, just that it's not a part of their definition

As a casual player I've always given notice to my group that I had to leave at least 40 mins prior. That's just common courtesy, we might leave earlier then everyone else but you have to be nice about it. In XI the understanding was that you had to find a replacement before you left or informed the leader ahead of time so they could.

[Stockapotapoulos]

Casual players generally concentrate on making the most out of their playtime, whether it be an hour a day or 18 hours a day. They don't go to great personal inconvenience to obtain prized items or fight difficult monsters for themselves or others. They are also more likely to leave pickup groups at a moment's notice to attend to real life situations, without giving notice. The thought might not occur to them when they leave that they're inconveniencing a number of other players.

I know you're not saying all casuals are like this, but let's be real: casuals aren't the only players that do this. I've seen "hardcore" people leave without notice because they weren't happy with the experience they were getting in a party, a wipe, or "someone in their linkshell needs their help and they gotta go." You seem like a reasonable person, so I doubt you meant any malice anyway, but after reading your section on casuals, it just left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Inconsideration isn't a "casual" thing; it's an inconsiderate thing done by inconsiderate people.

[Chocobits]

I know you're not saying all casuals are like this, but let's be real: casuals aren't the only players that do this. I've seen "hardcore" people leave without notice because they weren't happy with the experience they were getting in a party, a wipe, or "someone in their linkshell needs their help and they gotta go." You seem like a reasonable person, so I doubt you meant any malice anyway, but after reading your section on casuals, it just left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Inconsideration isn't a "casual" thing; it's an inconsiderate thing done by inconsiderate people.

That could have been bias speaking. I've seen, and even been one of those elitists that've left poorly formed groups. Once you start setting goals and guidelines for your character's development, inefficient groupings tend to make you actually FEEL yourself aging.

[Stockapotapoulos]

That could have been bias speaking. I've seen, and even been one of those elitists that've left poorly formed groups. Once you start setting goals and guidelines for your character's development, inefficient groupings tend to make you actually FEEL yourself aging.

I understand, man. It's like playing basketball with your friends who are know their stuff. You play with them so much, you almost expect the offense to be smooth and automatic, and you expect your teammates to know their role and assignments on defense, even if you're playing without your team. And then, you play in a pickup game with bunch of random people where there is no communication, no teamwork, and you're losing by 26. Frustrating, it is, 'cause you're so used to good play.

So yeah, I totally understand where you're coming from. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't. But like with everything in (FFXIV) life, there are good pickup teams; there are bad pickup teams. There are great high level team players who know their stuff; there are high-level team players who are an absolute nightmare to play with. You see where I'm going with this.

To cap it off, I don't think it's reasonable to expect everyone to be an elite player, but I think it's perfectly reasonable to expect everyone to be a capable player. Listen, I like elite skills. I respect elite players. I would love to have someone like that on my team. But if there is someone who has decent, Plain Jane, but updated equipment that knows how to play their role well in a team, I would take Plain Jane ten times out of ten. No question.