Constructive Criticism and Driving Away New Players

[Unrighteous]

Hello,

I'd like to talk about player retention, constructive criticism, and general attitude towards new players.

I was looking through the forums the other day, and I noticed a thread that asked why FF14 had such a low player retention rate. Some folks thought it was because players run out of things to. Others thought it was because the end-game was too challenging, or even not challenging enough.

As many of you may already know, the above is all incorrect. Most players will quit before reaching anywhere near the end-game. This holds true for any MMO, however it is especially bad in FF14.

A major deterrent for new players in FF14 is the MSQ. The MSQ is incredibly long, has to be done alone, and is mostly fetch quests, backtracking, and dialogue. Many veterans may have enjoyed the FF14 MSQ as it was being released, but I can guarantee that the majority of people will not enjoy the MSQ in its current state.

Now for the issue at hand. Every single post I've read by a new player offering complaints, criticisms, or suggestions about the MSQ has been met by similar responses that culminate in "the game's not for you, go play something else."

I think these responses are missing a key point. The FF14 MSQ is not a game, it's a visual novel that you complete once in order to unlock dungeons, raids, and other various activities. It's not THE game. FF14 is an MMO; a single player visual novel cannot be considered the main draw of an MMO, it's just a part of this particular MMO.

Directing new players away because they're having trouble with a part of FF14 is a real shame, because this game has so much more to offer.

Telling new players to either deal with it or quit does not help the game. There are problems with the MSQ. Working on streamlining the MSQ would greatly improve the new player experience, but currently it seems as though the devs have given up on that prospect; likely because many of their dedicated fans are already through it.

Although I would like for the MSQ to be streamlined, that's not exactly the point of this thread. I'm through the worst of it, but it would definitely help some of my friends get into the game. However, what I'm advocating here is to show a little sympathy for the guy/gal that has to slog through hundreds of hours of MSQ progression to finally be able to play with their friends.

I realize that there are many players who sincerely love this game, and shutter at the thought of someone trying to point out a flaw; but please realize that constructive criticism actually helps the game, and driving away new players doesn't. If we all want to play this game 10 years from now, bringing in as many people as possible to all enjoy and share in this experience is extremely important.

So next time you see someone struggling through the MSQ, maybe give them some words of encouragement, and try to sympathize with them, instead of chasing them off.

Thanks.

[JWag12787]

Only parts of the MSQ are instanced / duties, but there's still a good chunk you can follow around with. With New Game Plus, you could also, in theory, roll back the clock and play it, alongside your friend. (Separate duties, etc, but at least be on the same page).


There's also the option, if they so desire, to either not do it, or to buy the skip potion to get the unlocks associated with it.


I agree, the MSQ isn't for everyone. I personally enjoyed it. But there are options to help with it, or avoiding it altogether. It's just a shame that so much content is locked behind it.

[Unrighteous]

While there are only parts that you absolutely need to leave your party for, most of it really isn't really possible to do cooperatively even if your friend is at the same point as you in the MSQ. Even doing the dungeons/trials together can be tough. Actually reading the dialogue and watching cutscenes can be hours in between dungeons, it's really hard to go at the same pace as your friends, and even if you do wait up and queue together, it's 30 minutes of group play and then another 2-3 hours of solo play.

The skip potion is REALLY nice, but I don't like the idea of Square selling new players a solution to a problem they have little control over. Like you said, it's a shame so much content is locked behind the MSQ, I completely agree.

[Verethyl]

Actually I agree the msq is quite long, but other than being like ten levels above the msq and having to wait to be able to unlock spells, etc, I have no real problem with the story line......................I would NEVER buy a jump potion I want to live it ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

[MistakeNot]

A major deterrent for new players in FF14 is the MSQ. The MSQ is incredibly long, has to be done alone, and is mostly fetch quests, backtracking, and dialogue. Many veterans may have enjoyed the FF14 MSQ as it was being released, but I can guarantee that the majority of people will not enjoy the MSQ in its current state.

The MSQ is also a major draw for new players. It is easily the best part of the game, and that much of it is done solo cannot be considered a major problem since almost all MMOs consist to 90+% of solo play. FF14 is actually unusual in that there is so much mandatory group content.
No game can be suitable for everyone. Some people like the way FF14 is designed, some do not. Just like with every other game.
[/QUOTE]

[Maero]

The MSQ especially in 2.0x was long and the fetch quests could be viewed as tedious. But i look at it in the way of people should know to expect story out of a FF game. (Myself i love story and reading it all)
I have read some newish players bash FFXIV just because they did not like having to deal with story aspect, which to each their own but they are missing out on great content.
SE have learned by some past mistakes but yes their is always room to improve.