the normal content is too easy

[ADarklore]

I think there is a reason why FFXIV is so successful, and it's because it appeals to a wide audience, especially casual players who just want to be able to do most everything solo. There is also a reason, which is clear to the devs and apparently not so clear to some players, why they toned down past dungeons and added the Duty Support system... it's because they have seen that the vast majority of players want simple MSQ dungeons and soloable content. If you look over on ESO (from which I've just returned from), the forum players have been complaining for years that overland content is too easy, but the devs have done nothing but continue to make the game even easier. Currently, and the reason I left, is they've made massive changes to the combat system in order to make it even easier- which isn't the problem I had- the problem I had was them nerf-hammering everything (especially Templar) in order to make it even more 'casual friendly'.

Now, according to the recent interview, YoshiP has stated the next MSQ trial will be 'harder' even on normal... so we'll see how long that lasts before they nerf it again because casual players cannot complete it. Normal MSQ-related content should be easy because the majority of players just want to follow the story, but a 'middle ground' difficulty should be available for those who want added difficulty. Although, having played MMOs for years, it wouldn't take long before you'd have players screaming that even the middle difficulty was too easy.

[TaleraRistain]

Although, having played MMOs for years, it wouldn't take long before you'd have players screaming that even the middle difficulty was too easy.

I think this is a key part that many people ignore or overlook. Right now people above the current bar are calling for the bar to be raised. Okay, say SE does that. Now people who were okay at the previous bar will not be able to clear and will quit the game. And players will be happy for a bit. But eventually, that will become the current bar and those above that bar will call for the bar to be raised. So SE raises it again, more people get frustrated and quit the game and those who can clear the current bar are happy. Then the next set above that bar...etc. It would never end. SE is doing the right thing by sticking to their guns that the main story that everyone is required to progress through is easy and appeals to a wide player base.

Some of the conflict comes because those above the bar players who do the harder optional content are in conflict with SE on this idea because they think the MSQ needs to prepare others for that harder optional content. But there are many players like Tizane up there (if you don't mind me using you as an example) who are interested in only the story. That's all the MSQ really needs to do, just tell a story. There can be arguments for more in-between content as that preparatory step to optional content and those are fair. But SE doesn't intend for the MSQ to prepare anyone for harder content. The MSQ is its own experience. I think they've been cementing this point more by making the MSQ soloable. Before with required group instances the lines blurred a bit. Now it's much solidly "This is the base JRPG story that everyone can play. And these are the optional MMO trimmings players can choose to do that may require more from the player."

Now, they have been making some optional content more accessible. I think the jury's still out on that one. I get that they want people to do that content, but I think they're trying to entice players who just don't aren't interested and it's been at the expense of those who do. But it's possible they have some data that says its a worthwhile endeavor. I think we'll have to wait and see and give feedback where we can. Both from those who enjoy that optional content and want it to be a challenge, but also from those who don't telling SE it's just not their type of content so don't try to design it to their standards.