Why do so many textures look like they are from a ps2 game?

[Tanro]

Its 2018 why is there a Mayan Pyramid on Hien's coat?

Why does the collar on Asahi's coat look like atari 2600 graphics?

Can we please get an HD texture pack option. Like, I shouldn't be read my computer monitor with my hands in cutscenes.

[Arrius]

I'm fine with how it is, really. It never was a game which shined through graphics, even when it is a step down from the pre-2.0 era.

I rather have them work on the story, than wasting development time on HD textures.

[WellFooled]

I rather have them work on the story, than wasting development time on HD textures.

These things aren't mutually exclusive. This sort of argument is used a lot, but it's the same logic can be used to fit any opinion. "I'd rather have them work on HD textures than wasting development time on the story" is just a valid of an argument from someone else. Both the story and the textures can be well developed at the same time and they very likely have little or no development overlap. I think its unlikely the developers responsible for textures are the same developers writing the story.

[Noodle_Trinidad]

Its 2018 why is there a Mayan Pyramid on Hien's coat?

Why does the collar on Asahi's coat look like atari 2600 graphics?

Can we please get an HD texture pack option. Like, I shouldn't be read my computer monitor with my hands in cutscenes.

Because they make textures low res by default.
Source: https://amp.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/comme..._and_soken_at/

There are no base files that are high res at the start meaning instead of scaling down they opted to just go low by default.

[Kurando]

Like, I shouldn't be read my computer monitor with my hands in cutscenes.

Textures aside, sure this isn't just a resolution issue or perhaps you need to make your dialog boxes bigger.

[Noodle_Trinidad]

Textures aside, sure this isn't just a resolution issue or perhaps you need to make your dialog boxes bigger.

Its a joke on how everything is hilariously pixelated especially when they take the time to make cutscenes were you zoom into things to be “awe’d” by them. Earliest example of this would be one of the first GLA quests.

[Kurando]

snip.

Never had a problem with this honestly. It's expected for ARR content to have much more pixalated issues when compared to the more recent SB, but still doesn't bother me. To each their own though.

[Catwho]

I think its unlikely the developers responsible for textures are the same developers writing the story.

Definitely not the same team. It comes down to "resources" not time or bodies. Resources is software dev speak for "how do we spend our money most effectively?"

We already know they pretty much have a budget set by Square Enix, for which they can use to hire a certain number of people. They could hire another artist (or 3-4) who do nothing but make HQ resolutions/textures all day. Or... they could use that money for better data center engineers and equipment. Or more external affairs development (like the wedding stuff that just got announced. Etc.)

Early on they made the decision that HQ textures were not worth investing in. Maybe they will revisit that with more 4K televisions and monitors being used for this game.

[WellFooled]

Definitely not the same team. It comes down to "resources" not time or bodies. Resources is software dev speak for "how do we spend our money most effectively?"

We already know they pretty much have a budget set by Square Enix, for which they can use to hire a certain number of people. They could hire another artist (or 3-4) who do nothing but make HQ resolutions/textures all day. Or... they could use that money for better data center engineers and equipment. Or more external affairs development (like the wedding stuff that just got announced. Etc.)

Early on they made the decision that HQ textures were not worth investing in. Maybe they will revisit that with more 4K televisions and monitors being used for this game.

That's a good way to explain it, thanks.

I'm with the OP on this one, I do hope they'll improve the textures at some point. I don't know how much work it would be, but I think its the one ugly stain on an otherwise beautiful game.

[Arrius]

"I'd rather have them work on HD textures than wasting development time on the story" is just a valid of an argument from someone else.

Then you can play many free-to-play titles. They are designed to look good, which is their major selling point. And mostly nothing else.
And they usually don't last long.

I prefer a story-heavy mmo that keeps me invested in the characters and lore. Which exactly works for FFXIV.