I hope Square doesn't keep deeming certain content unnecessary

[anhaato]

I don't think people stand up to defend creator creative choices enough. People demand too much these days from their entertainment (and this is just a game, it is not a way of life and too many people are substituting games as such). You ratchet up your expectations way too high, you're gonna get burned by the sun because you've put yourself up there.

IMO one should have ZERO expectations going into anything. That way you can be pleasantly surprised instead of experiencing crushing bitterness.

So what if they added a couple extra months to the production schedule? That's two more months I have to do other things. I'm in no hurry here.

I can't agree with that. When content starts to be repeated over the course of two or three packs (depending on what you consider ARR to be in this discussion), then it should come as no surprise that people will expect it to be praxis for the game going forward. We got deep dungeons for Heavensward and Stormblood, and they were both very popular, so it's not unreasonable for a good number of people to have been like "man I can't wait to see what they'll do for this next pack!" and then be disappointed with it not happening at all. But, again, that's why it's a good thing that we're likely getting one in 6.x! Because Square can see our disappointment, and they're doing their best to respond in kind. Expectations are what keep developers on their toes and delivering quality. If the playerbase was in the mindset of going in expecting nothing like you suggest, then there would be no reason for them to deliver the level of content this game is known for, the level of content that led it to (allegedly) overtaking retail WoW as the MMO with the most active players. The game prides itself in being full of things to do with no real pressure to do any of it, so to start trimming off large chunks of it for good, including stuff that was very popular, just doesn't make sense and would be bad practice going forward. They clearly realize this as well.

And believe me, I'm not upset about the delay. I was upset at first because of the vague promise of "fall" sounding like it would release around late September based on the combination of precedent and delays, but if they're taking this extra time then that means they're working hard to deliver something befitting the end of this 11 year storyline. FARRRRR be it from me to take to doomerisms about this game. I'm excited for the next pack, while believing they'll deliver on their promises.

[DrWho2010]

I can't agree with that. When content starts to be repeated over the course of two or three packs (depending on what you consider ARR to be in this discussion), then it should come as no surprise that people will expect it to be praxis for the game going forward. We got deep dungeons for Heavensward and Stormblood, and they were both very popular, so it's not unreasonable for a good number of people to have been like "man I can't wait to see what they'll do for this next pack!" and then be disappointed with it not happening at all.

Just because A meant that B happens doesn't mean it HAS to lead to C happening. Again, ZERO expectations. (also the feeling stale argument again).

Because Square can see our disappointment, and they're doing their best to respond in kind.

Eh... I kinda think they're just caving, but that's my opinion. Honestly I don't want another DD. I'd rather have something new.

Expectations are what keep developers on their toes and delivering quality.

Nah, that's just what shareholders gauge and use as fuel to foist decisions on to the devs to make them more profit to line their own pockets. But that's not really the crux of the argument here.

If the playerbase was in the mindset of going in expecting nothing like you suggest, then there would be no reason for them to deliver the level of content this game is known for

Mmmm. No. Again does no one take creative vision or want into account on that side of things? People want to be free to create what they would like to make and it just so happens that the output level of it is as high as it is. BUT they've had years to get good at it of course (but even then things still don't come out right either. Balan Wonderworld, Avengers, awful font choices in Pixel Remasters, exclusion of extra content from other versions in said Remasters....oops getting off topic).

the level of content that led it to (allegedly) overtaking retail WoW as the MMO with the most active players.

Nah that's just the result of a company doing everything wrong and finally getting their comeuppance.

The game prides itself in being full of things to do with no real pressure to do any of it, so to start trimming off large chunks of it for good, including stuff that was very popular, just doesn't make sense and would be bad practice going forward.

Even if they had wanted to include the quote unquote cut stuff.... COVID put a major hamper on everything, and gamer public at large just don't seem to acknowledge how bad things actually affected production because we don't get to see behind closed doors. mostly because they don't want to believe it.