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.

[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.

[WellFooled]

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.

What you're replying to isn't my stance on the subject (if the subject is story vs. graphics, story wins every time in my book. I'm with you 100%), but I was trying to give an example of how using a story vs. graphics argument isn't related to the discussion. A request for better graphics doesn't have any effect on the story. If anything, other graphic components of the game could be effected. For example, maybe if they have to go back and remake old textures they'll have less time to spend on new ones.

[Aramina]

What you're replying to isn't my stance on the subject (if the subject is story vs. graphics, story wins every time in my book. I'm with you 100%), but I was trying to give an example of how using a story vs. graphics argument isn't related to the discussion. A request for better graphics doesn't have any effect on the story. If anything, other graphic components of the game could be effected. For example, maybe if they have to go back and remake old textures they'll have less time to spend on new ones.

While this is true of course... even "I would rather xxx than yyy." isn't wholly inaccurate. Even if the teams are different (which they are), resources are finite. You have a budget of $XXX, and in that instance adding more "here" can cut from "there".

[Radacci]

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.

then you can read many books, they are designed to have good story, which is their major selling point, and mostly nothing else.

Actually the entire point of games, is the visuals, otherwise SE could just have written books.
ppl play FFXIV for many reasons, SEEING and interacting with the world, is a rather colossal selling point.
increasing the graphics, ruins the game for exactly no one. while having out-of-date graphics, ruins the immersion for many people.
increasing graphics, would probably draw in more players, and higher profits.
FF has always made a big deal out of using the latest tech, to make beautiful games, as well as having deep story, so why are you acting as if XIV should have bad graphics, or the story would suffer?

I wish people would stop using this silly argument: if you don't like this, go play something else!

Uh and also, here's some high poly models from XIV.
If i remember correctly, they have this guy who sits around and make high poly models all day, so why not have someone sit around and make HD/UHD textures?
ARR has been around for 5 years, imagine if they spent 5+ years making HD textures, instead of not.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/...20141025111116
https://img.finalfantasyxiv.com/lds/...xauto-7177.jpg
http://66.media.tumblr.com/35589365f...lj4o5_1280.jpg
https://img.finalfantasyxiv.com/lds/...g/sqex-005.jpg

[LalaRu]

...increasing graphics, would probably draw in more players, and higher profits...

Do you mean, XIV version 1.0 was so much successful with its insane graphics, that SE had to shut it down and tune down the graphics because they were making too much money and they felt bad of making so much success with that awesome flower pots?