Option to unlock content without mandatory MSQ

[SamRF]

Let me get the popcorn. Who wants butter?

Why is this suggestion considered controversial to you? It seems fairly innocent to me, being a voluntary option (it's not like it's changing how players present themselves like the hide glamour thread). Feel free to make me aware of any considerations I may not be taking into account. Is there some kind of (ethical) principle that I'm overlooking?

[Krotoan]

Why is this suggestion considered controversial to you? It seems fairly innocent to me, being a voluntary option (it's not like it's changing how players present themselves like the hide glamour thread). Feel free to make me aware of any considerations I may not be taking into account. Is there some kind of (ethical) principle that I'm overlooking?

Ethics no. Floodgates of people in later instances who have no idea what they're doing? Yes.

[Avidria]

Ethics no. Floodgates of people in later instances who have no idea what they're doing? Yes.

Are you implying there isn't already a sea of people at max level who have absolutely no idea what they're doing? I mean, who exactly does the msq even actually gate? Maybe like, a small handful of people, considering we have the echo and very easy settings on solo duties now. I'm pretty sure the only thing msq scenarios have taught me as that SE has been improving their use of npcs in fights over the years (imo) and that I freaking hate pointlessly long drawn out fights where I only get to use three or four buttons (*cough*Ranjit*cough*)

[Krotoan]

Are you implying there isn't already a sea of people at max level who have absolutely no idea what they're doing? I mean, who exactly does the msq even actually gate? Maybe like, a small handful of people, considering we have the echo and very easy settings on solo duties now. I'm pretty sure the only thing msq scenarios have taught me as that SE has been improving their use of npcs in fights over the years (imo) and that I freaking hate pointlessly long drawn out fights where I only get to use three or four buttons (*cough*Ranjit*cough*)

I'm implying the proposed idea would make it even worse. Currently at least the people who wander into level 70 instances with tank stance off or ice-mageing it up or running in little confused circles when they get certain markers have paid for that privilege and that pricetag makes it unattractive for some people.

[dangadget]

Why is this suggestion considered controversial to you? It seems fairly innocent to me, being a voluntary option (it's not like it's changing how players present themselves like the hide glamour thread). Feel free to make me aware of any considerations I may not be taking into account. Is there some kind of (ethical) principle that I'm overlooking?

Because this suggestion would fundamentally alter the culture of the game, and as many have pointed out, that story-driven experience is the main draw for them.
There really isn't that much of a desire or need to appeal to a playerbase who would actively dislike what makes FF14 unique and appealing to a vast majority of the existing fans.

[DynnDiablos]

This is a STORY-DRIVEN game, period. Regardless of being an MMO, it is based on a very prominent story and that won't change, period.

[Fynlar]

I think this game is missing out on a lot of new players because of the MSQ barrier.

Which is fine. Not everyone has to like this game, or any other game. There's a number of critically acclaimed games that I happen to dislike.

It's a story driven MMO and it's something they ought to learn before they get too invested.

[Latarma]

Let me get the popcorn. Who wants butter?

butter please also on topic you can story skip as people have said hence unlocking stuff with out MSQ

[ElciaDeiLinus]

Pretty much every MMO has a form of gating- as in you have to do something in order to proceed to something else. Usually that involves a considerable amount of grinding to hit end level, another considerable amount of grinding to get geared, and often another set for attunements or necessary items to do the only part of the game that matters (raiding).

I feel like the MSQ is an alternative to forced grind, and a really good one. It also feels like the MSQ, crafting, early dungeons/eikons/raids aren't just meant to be barriers to the real part of the game (end game raiding), but are meant to be part of the game itself.

Perhaps if this was the typical 'endgame content is all that matters' game I could see all the other content as something that needs to be skipped, but to me the MSQ feels like an important part of the game not just a grind meant to slow you down like most levelling systems in MMOs.

[SamRF]

Perhaps if this was the typical 'endgame content is all that matters' game I could see all the other content as something that needs to be skipped, but to me the MSQ feels like an important part of the game not just a grind meant to slow you down like most levelling systems in MMOs.

Tbh that is kind of a good point. I'm not sure actually how my relationship with MSQ would change if this option is implemented. While I'm pretty sure I would never use this option, it could be that I'd enjoy MSQ less because I'm seeing it as something redundant instead of a mandatory/crucial part of the game.