December 2011 is the end

[Focant]

I don't mean to be rude or anything, but what is the point of this thread? All you've really said is that the population of the game will drop until v2.0 releases, which is pretty obvious and doesn't require any real experimentation to figure out. For any other game post-release this would definitely be an issue; however, it means far less in the case of XIV. Why does the population between now and 2.0 matter at all if they'll be re-marketing the game to draw in those that haven't played as well as those who've left? Do you believe anyone who had an interest in this game will hold such a grudge over subscriptions going live as to avoid trying it out again during the v2.0 free trial period? Sure, you might not want to pay for a "half finished game" and that's completely understandable, but that doesn't really matter in the long run as the "full game" (i.e. 2.0) is on the way and ultimately the real indicator of the game's longevity. The server populations now have almost no bearing on this game's future and really only represent what it will be like between now and 2013.

The game will be lonelier between now and then, which sucks, but it's no real indication of the "end" of this game. Regardless, I do hope anyone that leaves does give it a shot upon re-release. I do really want to see this game succeed once its transformation is complete.

[TheVedis]

I like the game, but not the enough to pay for it.

And i agree with you, but that's not my point.
It's just pretty lame that people(mostly fanboys) are trying to convice us to play the game because it only costs 12$ a month.
Enough with the "OMG You gotta help SE!" or "Everyone should quit now, the game does not have a future!"

I'm looking forward to December 2012, because i believe the game will be worthy of my money by then.

same goes for those trying to convince people not to play

let people decide for themselves since im pretty sure pretty much everyone has

[Arshei]

It's not like they ever intended to keep the game free to play. I'm really suprised this is causing so much drama. I took it as hey we're about to relauch the game so if you wanna enjoy the new content you'll need to start paying, if not hope you enjoyed your free year because it's ending.

[Resty]

Actually most people are using the "like" leaving as a "do I want to pay" vote.
Let's face it, people are hoping the "ill leave" threat will buy them more free play months.
I'm sure there will be a small percentage that doesn't renew, but if the "I'm cancelling my sub if....." threats of XI are any indicator, it's all bluff.
At the state the game will be in in Decenber, insisting it should be free is just being downright rude.
If you didn't have to pay for something until YOU thought you should, no one would ever pay for a damn thing. You'd always find a reason regardless of it being reasonable, or even real, to keep your wallet in your pocket.

[Lavani]

Only 11 pages, i am disapoint. The other thread is up to 33.

[kurokawa]

OP - Even if it's only me playing next year, they'll still earn £10 more a month than they are now, which pays for yoshi's coffee.

It doesn't matter if people leave as long as the reboot goes well in 2012.

It's all about the money mate. £10 is better than £0. FF's brand is already on the up because of the announcement.

I don't really see your point. The ship is sinking, erm, yes. They sunk it themselves, because they're building a new one.

If you want to pay, you can goof about on the old one for a bit just to say you were there. I like that. It's only £10 max.

Stop moaning and go play something else, we don't care.

[Preypacer]

OP - Even if it's only me playing next year, they'll still earn £10 more a month than they are now, which pays for yoshi's coffee.

It doesn't matter if people leave as long as the reboot goes well in 2012.

It's all about the money mate. £10 is better than £0. FF's brand is already on the up because of the announcement.

I don't really see your point. The ship is sinking, erm, yes. They sunk it themselves, because they're building a new one.

If you want to pay, you can goof about on the old one for a bit just to say you were there. I like that. It's only £10 max.

Stop moaning and go play something else, we don't care.

Thank you. It's nice to see someone else pointing out the obvious.... that regardless of how many people leave after subs are reinstated, that the revenue is still going to be more than SE has been getting for the 15 months leading up to the start of subscriptions.

Simple math folks:
Currently 100% of the playerbase - however many people that is - is playing for free. SE is not getting a dime from them beyond the box purchase, which was likely used up months ago already.

Now, let's say 60% of the current playerbase leaves. That leaves 40% of the playerbase left, paying subs.

The revenue from that 40% paying subs is more than they've been getting for the past year-plus from everyone.

In other words: SE still comes out ahead.

Why people don't understand this is beyond me. I'm inclined to believe that many do recognize this, but are dooming-and-glooming it up for no other reason than they want to continue playing for free.

SE has kept it afloat despite the fact that they've gotten not a dime of revenue for all that time. Yet, despite all that, people are claiming "oh, if they start subs, people will leave and they won't be making enough money to keep the game going...."

-Cue Facepalm-

I don't know if it's wishful thinking, willful ignorance, intellectual dishonesty or just plain stupidity... but if people can't see by now that SE is committed to turning this game around at almost any cost, then they're hopeless.

[Alerith]

OP - Even if it's only me playing next year, they'll still earn £10 more a month than they are now, which pays for yoshi's coffee.

This made me lol for real. I agree!

[Burrmanchu]

Sorry I didn't take the time to read all 100+ replies, but just for sake of saying, 200 people out of 800 (the poll) is 1 in 4 quitting, not one in 3.

[Mustang]

I agree with your general analysis OP. However your math is bad. 600 paying vs. 200 not paying implies 25% will stop paying according to that (obviously biased) poll, not 33%.