Male Viera as a playable character! show your support

[Theodric]

Even if they were working on the missing genders behind the scenes and had them ready to go, we wouldn't get them until 6.0 due to how much weight is added to an expansion by listing them as a selling point.

As an aside, I don't think we have to worry about the game 'ending' soon. The Hydaelyn and Zodiark story-line is due to wrap up in 6.0 by the sounds of things, though interviews have confirmed that another chapter in the story will begin afterwards.

Barring a new MMO being made behind the scenes, I don't predict FFXIV being retired - and perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll see more investment and upgrades with the transition to a new era of consoles. Though...we'll see how it all goes, I suppose. There's a few upcoming MMO's that have piqued my curiosity. I hope they provide some healthy competition.

[wereotter]

Yeah I doubt we would just get them (and female Hrothgars) in a normal patch. If we get them it will be for a new expansion. My prediction: If we dont get them with 6.0 we wont get them at all. (Of course Corona can change this all up) With each new expansion there are thousands of new items. I doubt they would take the work and money to included them if we go much further because that would question if they ever get that money back.

I've had my bets on a potential 7.0 launch rather than 6.0

If we consider how every other major expansion added new races, and that they likely went into 5.0 expecting a backlash but not a large one to the addition of one-sex races, they might not have even had completing the races on the radar. So the decision to finish them would have to had come after hrothgar was announced, meaning just a bit over a year ago. It's entirely possible that even if they are working on the completed races right now that both with the time frame to make them, make the emotes for them, model all the clothing, and then the added delays around COVID that they simply won't be ready to launch at 6.0.

This is what ties in to my earlier statement that we might not see them in the game at all if the game doesn't even make it to a 7.0 expansion. It's entirely possible that they develop a new MMO rather than drag this out that far.

[Arngrim_Greyashe]

I've had my bets on a potential 7.0 launch rather than 6.0

If we consider how every other major expansion added new races, and that they likely went into 5.0 expecting a backlash but not a large one to the addition of one-sex races, they might not have even had completing the races on the radar. So the decision to finish them would have to had come after hrothgar was announced, meaning just a bit over a year ago. It's entirely possible that even if they are working on the completed races right now that both with the time frame to make them, make the emotes for them, model all the clothing, and then the added delays around COVID that they simply won't be ready to launch at 6.0.

This is what ties in to my earlier statement that we might not see them in the game at all if the game doesn't even make it to a 7.0 expansion. It's entirely possible that they develop a new MMO rather than drag this out that far.

Considering Yoshi P has already stated that they have no interests in starting a new MMO any time soon, I bet we'll see 7.0.

[Quintessa]

MMO's are cash cows, this game will not go anywhere if it keeps making money. Though I would not be surprised if the game gets less of a budget for game development and more of a budget for marketing.

Shadowbringers got a ton of marketing. Even undiscovered aliens and that fat Bugs Bunny of yours heard about it.

[Awha]

Shadowbringers got a ton of marketing. Even undiscovered aliens and that fat Bugs Bunny of yours heard about it.

Yeah, thus the reason I say that marketing budget would probably be the aspect that increases since SE mostly likely views it as the best bang for buck. Not to say that development is not high on their list but I am just willing to bet their game development budget is not at the place where Yoshi-P would like. Though even if it wasI doubt he could just hire new developers to work on the project. I cannot imagine the vetting process for this game. The engine and code probably are held together with gum and duck tape so to speak. Must be annoying getting new staff since it would take time to get the gest of how things work together.

Sad thing is if they have limited staff so to speak, the playas character aspect might be so low on the priority list on say Yoshi-P's side of things. Since from a manger side it does seem like a waste to put in so much effort towards something that only a small fraction will use. This is assuming it is not just a simple asset flip / repurpusing. I di not envy Yoshi-P no matter what choice he makes people si be unhappy and he will get blasted for it.

[SturmChurro]

Even if they were working on the missing genders behind the scenes and had them ready to go, we wouldn't get them until 6.0 due to how much weight is added to an expansion by listing them as a selling point.

As an aside, I don't think we have to worry about the game 'ending' soon. The Hydaelyn and Zodiark story-line is due to wrap up in 6.0 by the sounds of things, though interviews have confirmed that another chapter in the story will begin afterwards.

Barring a new MMO being made behind the scenes, I don't predict FFXIV being retired - and perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll see more investment and upgrades with the transition to a new era of consoles. Though...we'll see how it all goes, I suppose. There's a few upcoming MMO's that have piqued my curiosity. I hope they provide some healthy competition.

I'd rather have this game upgraded, because I don't see a new mmorpg of this type coming out. The next MMO will probably be vastly different, and I don't think it'll be for the better, at least if you want a game of this type. I bet it would have twitch integration or something LOL!

[Awha]

I would love a true sandbox mmo.

[SturmChurro]

I would love a true sandbox mmo.

That sounds awful. It's one of those things that might sound good to some people in theory, but never in practice.

[Driavna]

That sounds awful. It's one of those things that might sound good to some people in theory, but never in practice.

Is a concept that worked before with games like Ultima Online and is working now with Albion Online. It has a niche player base, that's true.

[SturmChurro]

Is a concept that worked before with games like Ultima Online and is working now with Albion Online. It has a niche player base, that's true.

Their is going to be a niche for everything, even objectively bad games. Albion Online isn't exempt from many issues I have heard about - granted I've never wanted to play that game, so I don't know personally. It looks awful.