IN regards to the server congestions

[Garet]

Really admire Naoki Yoshida and his team. They really made those who had remained in 1.0 all throughout till the end have their faith in his promise pay off, and he continues to deliver on that promise years later till this day.

[Infindox]

I'm surprised that the player growth wasn't expected given the amount of money and effort sunk into advertising campaigns surrounding the game itself. Presumably it's the amount of players that is unexpected, however

I think they expected a surge of players that was normal, but not to the extent that happened becuase of the "streamer influence".

Anyway I'm always amazed how transparent they are when something like this happens and what the exact problem is and what they want to do to fix it.

[Sathona]

I think they expected a surge of players that was normal, but not to the extent that happened becuase of the "streamer influence".

Anyway I'm always amazed how transparent they are when something like this happens and what the exact problem is and what they want to do to fix it.

Yeah specially when you consider we are in a content drought/pause, even if Shadowbringers had a big influx of players 1 month b4 early access, this time we got it 120 days b4 it.

Also agree with the transperacy n all, really reassuring they are looking for short and long term solutions

[Artemiz]

Really appreciate that from the big man himself, bravo. As frustrating as it can be at times it's much easier to handle if we all know what why and how.

[Hanayumi]

Im sure the massive growth took them by surprise, usually see a heavy drop in active players when content dries up. Its always great to see great to see Yoshi P respond to situations like this so quickly.

[Breakbeat]

I just want to say... I am a new player, and I appreciate communication like this. Thanks SE!

[technole]

YoshiP is always fruitful with his technical explanations, and always appreciate it. it jives with what many of us were already thinking. They simply outgrew their growth plan in multiple regions, The queues that operate like an airport runway, to the challenges of upgrading the server infrastructure during these times.

[Duraeus_Entenu]

I enjoy this game. I enjoy this franchise. I love that the creators put in their time and energy, and even when they're sick (looking at you, Soken), they sacrifice what they have left to give it all to us.
Words aren't enough to fully express it, but I'll try.
Thank you. I am glad. :) I mean that from the bottom of my very soul. I don't know if Yoshi-P, Soken, or any of the staff at Square-Enix will ever see this, but I just want it to be on record.
This series came out the year I was born. It has been an absolutely massive part of my very existence since the earliest years of my youth, starting with Final Fantasy Tactics, and eventually moving on to both the older games and the newer ones.
I have no doubt that you guys (Square-Enix staff and their affiliates) are tired, sore, worn out, maybe a little hungry, but you keep on going. You deserve all the accolades, all the praise you get, and you certainly deserve a good vacation. XD
I wish I could travel there and just give you all a big hug, each of you, and thank you personally for gifting me and entire generations the joy that is the Final Fantasy universe (that goes for you, too, Sakaguchi-san and Uematsu-san!). Unfortunatley, I realize that's a little tough for anyone, nevermind me. So I'll just have to settle for this random (not-so-random) blog post.
You are ALL part of a great family now, and any of us would fight for you. Please keep doing what you love to do so long as you love to do it, just don't wear yourselves down until there's nothing left. :) We won't put any blame on you.
Again, thank you. I am glad.
---Duraeus Entenu, faithful fan and goofy Irish mutt---

[Pirana1]

I had read recently that part of the reason for them not getting more servers up and running was as simple as parts not being available due to the virus. Anyone that's tried to purchase video cards in the last year have a pretty good idea of what's going on, maybe not to that extent, but a rough idea.

Communication is key in any line of work, and Yoshi hit that one out of the ballpark. It's communication like that, that will not only retain players, but garner more.

Kudos to the team for pushing forward.

[Feronar]

There is one more thing I would suggest: Add "AFK auto-logout circumvention" to the list of prohibited activities.

■AFK auto-logout circumvention
When AFK auto-logout is active, meaning players will be logged out automatically after a given period of inactivity, "AFK auto-logout circumvention" is defined as the use of any device, script, or other means to defeat the auto-logout system and stay logged in despite the player being absent from the computer or console.

And be sure to enforce it.