Quote Originally Posted by caffe_macchiato View Post

2) The devs have always said that this is a “stop-and-go” type of game. Yoshida tells us to unsubscribe when we’re bored. He and SE clearly don’t expect this game to hold our attention like World of Warcraft or other MMOs, and that’s fine. That game charges a sub too, and I don’t want to pay two at once. Just do as Yoshida says and sub a couple times a year. It’s a small game and most of it is reading. I like reading, but I read fast, so this game is over quickly for me. That’s just how FFXIV is, just like the other Final Fantasy games. Play it, finish it, and put it down. It’s not a “serious” MMO.
If thats the case then why is this a subscription based game? Why are there so many systems in place specifically designed to take a large period of time to keep you paying that sub? Arbitrary loot lockouts, a hilariously long lottery cycle on houses to keep you checking back, daily/weekly limits on certain pieces of content so you don't' go through it too fast, ect.
Like I get it, Yoshida LOVES to say things that make himself look good in interviews, but that doesn't make them true of FFXIV. Yoshida is just a suit and a glory hound, excellent businessman really but I wouldn't put too much stock into anything he says.

The real answer, and the answer you don't want to hear is, FFXIV is already profitable.
It doesn't need more development costs, infact now that its so profitable we can cut money from its development in order to drive those profit margins up even more.

So far I would say this expansion has exemplified that the amount of content and attention FFXIV gets moving forward is only going to decrease.