FFXIV needs an update

[Shougun]

The game could look a lot better, but also it already looks pretty good - so it's not like, for the most part, we've a huge problem on that end. Though occasionally you do have problem areas like some of the VERY low res textures, not everything has this problem but occasionally you'll be like "Yep, That's 10 pixels right there!" lol. There are memes about certain ones, usually relating to when the quest directors have scenes pan over them like you're a bad dog and need your nose rubbed into the handful of pixels xD.

There are some shaders and other technological based (not texture / poly) changes that I imagine could make the game go from very good (while still on the pretty side of MMOs each new MMO coming out these days tends to have better engine strengths, that imo shows FFXIV's age) to Hot Damn That's Pretty. Our lightning isn't horrible but updating that, mixed in with some more advanced shading tech (like skin), AA, fog, water, etc. Potentially some pin-point targets for textures and some new tech options could do huge levels of change.

I do want to, just for the sake of it, see Mor Dhona with ray tracing... just want to see what happens to the temps in my computer as the crystals reflect everything XD....

Of course graphics are not everything. It's better to have a fun gameplay than good graphics, but I see not why I can't want for both . Particularly at least just taking care of the most egregious aspects, as there are some textures that are just... "that's really low res guys, like REALLY REALLY low - I can count the pixels here without having to pause the video".

One of the aspects that would make me most excited in an engine change though is if it allows the environment team to make even crazier world spaces. They said they were trying to get the entire zone of Khoulsia (and the space hidden there) in one area, but the engine couldn't do it. The object count they have due to making such grand large spaces is obviously a bit limited, all things I'd love to see the roof raised on. Like their concept arts I can see sometimes they can't do what is in that due to technical reasons, and so they do very well with what they can do but I've always wished they had more freedom.

On other elements OF COURSE housing and glamour, my chocobo lord yes... But I imagine updating the graphics would be less stressful than fixing those two lol. Messing with server data probably gives the devs night terrors. I still would like to see it done ... yet I'm not shocked at the reticence. Though while I think graphics, especially if it's not a pass over the entire game but specific systems would be easier, yet having a more accessible glamour / housing system and memory issues like that would be more popular for those playing (graphics might bring more people in, better housing and glamour systems keeping people in).

Improving the movement might be possible, though I'm not sure how it would relate to existing areas, like we all know the Kugane float your toes off the platform sort of collision, and the dashes, imo, are not as... dash like as one would expect in a smoother action game- I think some of that might be addressable but some of it might be just too late to bother.

I strongly discourage huge fundamental changes to combat in any game though, but I would enjoy seeing some of their best of recent combat systems birth an MMO. In that direction of action (still many abilities, not entirely Terra like) would be cool for a huge open FF rpg I think, I'm quite excited for the sRPG Creative Business Unit III is making. There was another highly mobile looking game they also teased, forgot the name of, that looked cool too. Having FF game that allows you to feel more to the metal like that amazing awesomeness they all have is exciting (like you see these cool characters do amazing feats in their games but usually you're relatively restricted on what you can do, when they open the systems up more such that you can queue those feats more on demand, the amazing movement, combat, etc, when it's more of a direct relationship from player to action- I'm excited to see them to nail that concept).

It's for me why I think it might be nice if they're /peacefully/ working on another MMO in the background with all the things that would be a huge pain or whiplash like to change here. Have that baby in the oven for as long as needed no rush, FFXIV isn't going to die anytime soon that's for sure, but these games take quite a while to make, especially if you want to do it right and avoid crunch, like what they did with FFXI then they can do with FFXIV where they continue the game but have this new one with improved systems. They might be able to do other concepts too I suppose like PSO2, there are many concepts.

[Miemi]

For a cross-platform MMO, FFXIV looks very pretty. Never really understood this obsession with "good graphics."

For everything else OP mentioned... you're asking for an entire different game. It would require and entire revamp and it's unnecessary for XIV. You might want to wait for the next FF Online or play another game.

I absolutely love these wish lists from people who are clearly not engineers or software developers.

Yeah. You don't even need to be a dev or engineer to have common sense.

[Sotaris]

For a cross-platform MMO, FFXIV looks very pretty. Never really understood this obsession with "good graphics."

Zoom in on Crystal Exarch and you'll understand.
I think the graphics is pretty good, the assets not so much on some gear. It's like they in 360p resolution.

[Miemi]

Zoom in on Crystal Exarch and you'll understand.
I think the graphics is pretty good, the assets not so much on some gear. It's like they in 360p resolution.

Why would I play all zoomed-in in the first place. Why would I care if a texture looks bad while I'm all zoomed in?

I think where an overhaul would be appropriate would be for character creator updates, housing changes, and general graphics improvements.
Would I wait? Well I'm still playing the game now, so I guess I would.

Let's shut down the game for a couple of years so I can have more tail options for my catgirl waifu.

[TroySoFab]

Why would I play all zoomed-in in the first place. Why would I care if a texture looks bad while I'm all zoomed in?

There are many jarring cutscenes where there is a close up of him. It looks straight out of a ps1 game. There are various other asset and textures that are of very low quality. The community has been wanting a high res texture pack for a while, another change that would help some and not require a full engine update. However, in the coming years if this game is to continue in the future, a larger graphical update would be needed.

Let's shut down the game for a couple of years so I can have more tail options for my catgirl waifu.

No one implied the game should be shut down while the updates take place. It wouldn't need to be anyway. So yes, I will patiently wait for the game to be updated (if it ever will be) while I am still playing it.

[Sotaris]

Why would I play all zoomed-in in the first place. Why would I care if a texture looks bad while I'm all zoomed in?

It was just an example and i didn't say all zoomed in, I said zoom in - there is a difference. It's even visible on cutscenes with them and I believe there was on a store item too for Hien or something like that.

Regardless I don't think it should be excused.

There are many jarring cutscenes where there is a close up of him. It looks straight out of a ps1 game. There are various other asset and textures that are of very low quality. The community has been wanting a high res texture pack for a while, another change that would help some and not require a full engine update. However, in the coming years if this game is to continue in the future, a larger graphical update would be needed.

Pretty much this.

If it's time for an overhaul, its time for a new game. (and leave the existing one as is)

Bring on FFXVII Online!

I wonder if they even make a new MMORPG though. I mean FF11 is still kicking around and is no where in sight to be shut down, it's soon 20 years old. This game is over 10 years. It would make more sense to retain FF14 popularity and playerbase and basically give us a reworked engine.

But who knows, maybe it is more ROI to make a brand new MMORPG from the scratch.

[Enjuden]

Usually they update the combat system every expansion, so you're in luck. Whether that's a good or bad thing is, well. Usually it's good, just Shadowbringers was more of ARR 2.0 and still not sure whether it is needed or not. It brought a lot of players in, so I guess it was good for the company at the very least.

As for whether I'd wait for the stuff, likely not a second time. As bad as the game needs it, it is better they work on it slowly every expansion instead of try to do it all at once when frankly, it isn't necessary. If people really want the hd remake, there is always just getting a PC (unless you're in California, for some reason)

[TroySoFab]

And I ain't talking about content. I'm talkin' about an update to its engine, servers, and an entire overhaul of its basic combat and raid design.
So let's say a major overhaul like that is in the works. BUT, the project is massive and will require an entire expansion's worth of waiting (2 years) for it to be completed.
Now think of a problem you've had with the game. Be it housing, additional sliders, no loading zones, interchangable music and so and so forth. All those problems will be fixed, but will require 2 years of waiting.
Would you wait for it?

I agree that the engine is in dire need of some kind of update, some of these changes could be implemented without such an overhaul. Raids and combat, do not need such changes. At the present moment, raids are just glorified EX trials. Coil is a great example of how raids can be a bit more than just a boss arena, and its a shame this idea wasn't expanded upon. With combat, if you are wanting action combat (no pls) then yes it would need a complete overhaul, but if you just want more variety and function added, again this doesn't need an overhaul. Jobs that worked and were fun previously, had poor reworks done. Its just a matter of fixing what they broke, and not fixing what isn't broke.
I think where an overhaul would be appropriate would be for character creator updates, housing changes, and general graphics improvements.
Would I wait? Well I'm still playing the game now, so I guess I would.

[Naoki34]

And I ain't talking about content. I'm talkin' about an update to its engine, servers, and an entire overhaul of its basic combat and raid design.
So let's say a major overhaul like that is in the works. BUT, the project is massive and will require an entire expansion's worth of waiting (2 years) for it to be completed.
Now think of a problem you've had with the game. Be it housing, additional sliders, no loading zones, interchangable music and so and so forth. All those problems will be fixed, but will require 2 years of waiting.
Would you wait for it?

An MMO is not made to be top quality last generation game engine, etc..

But to run on as many machines & PC as possible, to be profitable, while remaining decent graphically, game engine, etc..

Because your top quality game, not many will play it, except people with an updated PC gamers and the vast and large majority of players are from Asia, and they do not often have what to run these games, so it is the best way to not reach the public seek.

Because the maintenance of MMO servers is very expensive, often underestimated.

If you want a last generation game, expect to find a nice game but empty of HL interest like many MMOs... Or even single player games where all their resources not put into server maintenance end up in next-gen rendering.


There is BDO for you, very beautiful and very empty HL.

[Catwho]

And I ain't talking about content. I'm talkin' about an update to its engine, servers, and an entire overhaul of its basic combat and raid design.
So let's say a major overhaul like that is in the works. BUT, the project is massive and will require an entire expansion's worth of waiting (2 years) for it to be completed.
Now think of a problem you've had with the game. Be it housing, additional sliders, no loading zones, interchangable music and so and so forth. All those problems will be fixed, but will require 2 years of waiting.
Would you wait for it?

Nope. At that point I'd rather they keep the current team pumping out content, and if they're going to build a new engine and game system, do it with a fresh IP and a wholly different team.