Maybe not a ARR sort of style this is a big deal but I have been looking at the work they have put into the game since 5.1 to now. The last few years has been heavily focused on reworking core foundational systems. Endwalker and it's subsequent patches more so, I feel this may also be the reason as to why certain aspects feel a little light content wise (Not including maybe teams being focused on 16 and say the visual upgrade for 7.0)
We have had:
- New Game+: Allows people to go back and re-experience what they want.
- Crafting and Gathering overhauls: From abilities to UI to how collectibles work. With also the most recent mass QoL to fishers and reworked spearfishing.
- ARR: Trimming the fat of ARR including adding duty support for all story dungeons, and reworking a few original dungeons including boss encounters to better teach mechanics to new players. Then on top of that flying in ARR zones and now underwater segments being added into old zones. Also reworking trials into solo duties to provide better flow and a more personal connection to the events. On top of main scenario roulette reworks.
- QoL: Numerous QoL to the UI which include now some big 3rd party tool features granted still have a long way to go but Endwalker onwards has really pushed this direction.
- Data Center travel: Makes playing with your friends easier than ever before. But to be fair it is limited but it is a good first step.
- Performance improvements made recently and adding in more toggles for console owners as well as providing more modern tech like dynamic resolution scaling for instance.
- PvP: PvP underwent a complete rework and had a brand new mode inserted which this far down the line I never expected them to even attempt but it has worked out for the most part.
- Varying content: There is a lot here that the more casual playerbase will love sure but it allows them to tap into a wider audience.
This is just a sliver of core and foundational changes to the game that improve not only veteran players' experiences but enhance the new player experience. The game is old we know but if they want to get new players in, things need tidying up. I think they are doing a lot of good things here and that is without the upcoming visual overhaul in 7.0. I don't think 7.0 is going to be massive but I feel like it is going to be the new foundation for them to build off of, what do you all think?