MSQ Needs Further Condensing

[Alleo]

@Kamatsu: I honestly agree with your solution. Give it once for free so that people could theoretically skip it at some point and otherwise people should pay for it. This way all of us that enjoy the story dont have to suffer unnecessary cuts from the MSQ. (But I do agree that at least 2.0 MSQ was in need of a trim, any other expansion should be fine imo)

Also about cutting certain character interaction out...I mean everyone enjoys different characters. How should SE even decide what to cut? Just because you dont like Graha Tia does not mean that others dont. I dont like a lot of the scions or at least I am neutral towards them. I would not go and say that any interaction with anyone other than the twins should be cut out of the MSQ because even if I personally dont like them they are still a major part of the story. What if the cut suddenly includes characters that you like? Would that be great?

As someone that loves a good story it was one of the selling points. I tried out WoW once a few years ago but when I found out that you basically cant really get through the story as it once was any interest vanished. Others might like it that way and thats fine. Isnt it great that games try to set different focus on something? With that you just might be able to find your game that fits your playstyle the most. I for once dont like PVP much so I would not just buy an MMO that is mostly focused on that and then complain that the devs should turn it into a PVE game so that I can play it. And the good thing with FF14 is, that you can simply skip the cutscenes and then enjoy endgame.

And before someone turns my words around: That does not mean that a game should not be criticized. I am someone that likes to point out the bad stuff that in my eyes happens in this game. Just like I agreed that parts of the ARR was just bad. But there is a difference in disagreeing with some systems and wanting the core game to change.

Also because we have the "evidence" that people stop playing because of the story, here are my own two cents about it: I had people in my old FC who rushed through the story to get to the good stuff..most of those stopped playing quite fast since there is barely anything at endgame other than raiding...so they really saw that after you reach max level its all just a grind. One even complained that his gear is now outdated after the new patch. Honestly for me this is the biggest problem. As soon as you reach that endgame you have nothing much to do. If you dont do savage or ultimate or simply dont have the time for it, all that is left is grinding for a relic (which comes later and later in each expansion) or hoping that gathering and crafting will be something you like. IMO FF14 is not in need of condensing the MSQ but giving people more to do after they reach the end of it. We need more longtime content for max players. With that you wont hurt those that enjoy the story and also give those that want to go to endgame something to look forward to.

For those interested in endgame numbers, there is something called the Lucky Bancho. And no matter how many claim that at least in NA or EU endgame is the true goal the numbers show that its not true because only a small percent of the playerbase in NA and EU have even cleared the current raid.

[Reyketi]

Give it once for free

I believe this was done for Everquest, several times.

Best Wishes

-Reyketi

[Barwara]

If I understand correctly, one of the main arguments behind condensing the MSQ is being unable to play with friends/friends giving up on the game too soon.

I myself invited two friends to the game. As I said before, I've recently completed HW (not the patch content), and my two friends just now finished ARR (also not including the patch content). They are nevertheless the target market of the game - drawn to story telling, so going through the narrative and doing things step by step doesn't bother them at all. And I've hyped them, so they are eager to continue. They also have less time to play than I, so I believe if we had started at the same time I'd probably still be ahead of them.

But the point I'm trying to make is: I'm not expecting them to catch up to me. Instead, I invite them to do old content with me. Old for me, not for them. I think it's better for me to adjust to their level and what they have unlocked so far, than pressure them into rushing through the game. Plus, they are my friends, so I still have fun doing lower level dungeons and trials with them. And seeing them fail at mechanics. And sliding job guides their way. :P

I think that's a good way to encourage friends to play with you and keep them engaged. If you invited them to play, you should adjust to them instead of asking them to adjust to you.