I'm not sure I can do this again.

[Dualblade]

I've taken multiple breaks during my time with XIV, played other games and eventually come back. Nothin wrong with taking a break, maybe it turns out the game isn't for you, maybe you'll end up missing it and come back sooner then you think.

Personally I still have plenty to do, finally getting my crafters up amongst some other things. But even when I had plenty I would take breaks, even if XIV had much more to it I'd probably end up taking breaks inbetween certain parts anyways.

That said atleast currently I'll atleast get on every patch for the story. I enjoy it, thats the big thing that keeps me coming back even though its also probably the easiest thing to just watch others enjoy.

[AxlStream]

Then don't do it? Take a break? Do something different to jazz it up? Options are in place for you. The matter is more if you want to take them or not.

[Galgarion]

snip

Stop playing. Uninstall. Take a long break. You're a human being. Humans are intelligent creatues. Intelligent creatures can't do the same things over and over again without getting bored. It's impossible. If you're concerned about losing your house, keep your subscription going. But seriously, STOP PLAYING. Things might look different in a month or three, but in the meanwhile, go play monster hunter. If you're not having fun to the point that this feels like a job, then that's on you if you're unwilling to walk away.

[Transient_Shadow]

Then don't. try new things. Try dark souls or something just don't complain about a game genre that is by design formulaic

[Krotoan]

Stop playing. Uninstall. Take a long break. You're a human being. Humans are intelligent creatues. Intelligent creatures can't do the same things over and over again without getting bored. It's impossible. If you're concerned about losing your house, keep your subscription going. But seriously, STOP PLAYING. Things might look different in a month or three, but in the meanwhile, go play monster hunter. If you're not having fun to the point that this feels like a job, then that's on you if you're unwilling to walk away.

Yes please. Stop playing things that are no more fun. If you continue you are only wasting your own time and you're creating false demand numbers for developers to base their decisions on.

[MomomiMomi]

I wish I could take such a long break that I don't have to return from but I'm a ls/fc officer and I have a house. Throw friends that play the game into the mix, and I'm just not sure what to do, what it says about me wanting to leave everything behind me.

I had three mansions and let them get reclaimed. Let me tell you, it feels good to be free! Now I can just unsub and not give it a second thought.

[Aylis]

I've been in the same boat. I've only been able to cope because I'm only really playing for friends, if they quit then I wouldn't have a second thought about quitting and uninstalling either. I'm free of responsibilities as far as houses, statics and leadership are concerned. I treat FFXIV very much as second game status and long since stopped taking it seriously in all areas. I won't lie but the day I did that it was the best feeling ever.

[Shurrikhan]

It depends on what we consider breaking the mold. By your examples, it appears that unconventional mechanics are what dictate your consideration. That's fair. Gimmicky encounters can be cool, but if they're overused they lose a lot of what makes them fun.

And heck, "gimmicks-based" has often enough been an insult in itself, in using the term "gimmick" as a negatively-seen form of a mechanic, such as one which disallows manipulation, control, or mastery, or has negative synergy or cohesion with the surrounding fight. Though new mechanics are generally what can make a fight outstanding in its day, there a many, many ways mechanics can go wrong (or turn into "gimmicks" as per the derogatory term).

More importantly though, do you have any insight/ideas into how the leveling formula could be shaken up/improved? I'd be more interested in hearing about that than discussing the semantics as to what does/doesn't qualify as a formula change.

This is what I'd love to hear more from the community about in general. At what point in abstraction is something new actually "new". I set pretty high standards, myself, but I've never been able to hear more than vague implications or counterexamples from most XIV players, and it therefore becomes hard for me to really broach any ideas of my own.

[Vahlnir]

I just got back from a couple month break myself. When I left I was pretty dang salty. Now? I'm actually happy to be playing again, though I remain skeptical about some things. Taking breaks helps a ton.

[UserHere]

I don't see the point in continuing to play if the game bores you or makes you miserable. It's a game; FC leader or not you aren't beholden to pixels. Take a break and if you miss the game it will still be there. If you don't mind it then it's good you aren't slogging through it anymore and can put your time towards something else you enjoy. I'd never want my friends to feel like they have to force themselves to play, just because I'm playing.