FFXIV And Quest Design

[Morphiana]

In regards to the player interaction point of quests. I agree, it is frustrating when we only get to watch when certain things happen. The train scene in the most recent xpac should have been playable. WoW for all it's flaws does break up questing with vehicle based quests or quests that change your abilities. XIV'S MSQ at times let's you play as someone other big name but that's a rare treat that shouldn't be overused. MSQ and side quests can have engaging vehicle combat sections, sniper sections, giving the WoL temp. abilities for fun or letting them play as a lesser known NPC, etc.

There are ways to vary quest design outside of "do we want this to be a stealth quest, a pick up 3 return quest, a talk to this person quest, or using out binoculars to find something quest" as those aren't that different from one another or very engaging. They are just far easier to develop for.

One fun example would be playing as a bad guy NPC who has to avoid your WoL. It doesn't change much from the current stealth format, but if you're caught your WoL would instantly hit you with that classes hardest hitting ability. Would be awesome to be afraid of yourself!