Letter from the Producer VII

[Aion]

Letter from the Producer, VII (04/01/2011)

Well, the game servers are now back online, and the development is almost returned to full strength, but the effects of the recent Tohoku earthquake and tsunami are far-reaching and profound. Much as those in the areas directly affected by the tragedy, we here in Tokyo must also remain vigilant. We’re continuing with our energy conservation efforts here at the office, and the while hoping that FFXIV might serve to bring smiles to some faces out there.

That being said, I’d like report on recent dev team activity. We were just about to begin testing on the now released patch 1.16a when the earthquake struck, and for that reason delayed its release. In addition, patch 1.17 was initially pushed back to mid-April, but after reexamination we’ve decided instead to divide the content and release it across two patches—1.17 and 1.17a.

Patch 1.17 contains an upcoming seasonal event slated for April. If we keep all of the other initially planned content, however, we wouldn’t be able to have the patch ready in time to coincide with Eas—errr, said seasonal event in the real world. So we’ve reduced the volume of patch 1.17 down to about 70% of its original size, and pushed the remaining 30% over to 1.17a. This way, all of the content can be released with minimal delay in between, and it will also allow us to get this holiday event released in time (don’t worry, there are no bells in this one).

Even so, this still won’t make up for all of the time lost from our original schedule. As a result, unfortunately, we’re going to have to forgo the event planned for a national Japanese holiday in early May. Since the April seasonal event kicks off later than intended, it will continue even after April 24th in the real world—whatever that day may be. I realize this is all less than ideal, but hope you understand and bear with us.

One last thing. A portion of the changes in patches 1.17 and 1.17a are preparations for the mid- and high-rank PvE content planned for later release. As soon as we hammer out the basics of the new dungeon and raid environments, we’ll be throwing out some screenshots and introducing them to you.

Best keep it short to give the translators more time on the quests, so that’s all for this letter. Talk to you again soon!

here I bolded it for you

[Betelgeuzah]

Yoshida, we do not care about seasonal events that aren't permanent. That is a waste of development time.

[Elexia]

Yoshida, we do not care about seasonal events that aren't permanent. That is a waste of development time.

There aren't permanent events in MMORPGs.

The ones that are are called raid systems/end-game events or "Dungeons".

[Betelgeuzah]

There aren't permanent events in MMORPGs.

The ones that are are called raid systems/end-game events or "Dungeons".

FFXI's Kupotablets come to mind. Do you call that an "endgame event"?

I wouldn't have any problem with something like that, since it's permanent and the bonuses are rather nice.

[Elexia]

FFXI's Kupotablets come to mind. Do you call that an "endgame event"?

I wouldn't have any problem with something like that, since it's permanent and the bonuses are rather nice.

That's not an event, that's a system designed to get players to use older areas more; Note the lack of it's presence in ToAU or Shadowreign areas.


Halloween, Festival of Dolls, summerfest etc are all seasonal events, which aren't permanent as they only appear at their appropriate time.

[HayaHime]

LOL @ no bells =P

[Synapse]

hmm.. I hope they fix the battle system before they implement dungeons... im happy with new PvE content and all but if battle is the same, thn it would be jus like grind pt/leve with a reward from a huge monster at the end.

[Ilethius]

I wonder if there will ever be a 'Letter from the producer' which doesnt incite everyone dismissing or confirming elements of a patch no one knows the content of?

Oh forum goers how you make me laugh.

[Betelgeuzah]

That's not an event, that's a system designed to get players to use older areas more; Note the lack of it's presence in ToAU or Shadowreign areas.

Wow.

"Salvage is not an event. It is a system designed to get players to use the newer areas more."

Do you know just how silly you sound right now? You can categorize every single activity in the game under that made-up banner.

[Elexia]

Wow.

"Salvage is not an event. It is a system designed to get players to use the newer areas more."

Do you know just how silly you sound right now? You can categorize every single activity in the game under that made-up banner.

Lol, I think you confused yourself there buddy, especially given how SE specifically stated they designed the "Kupowers" to aid players in the middle lands.

Before you try to tell someone else they "sound silly" use a better example that is even halfway near the same. Salvage = end game event, "Kupowers" is a system to try and draw players back to the middle lands as well as, given the proper selection, help low level players out since Kupowers are still fairly limited in nature even where it's in effect (dungeons still lack mob chests for example.)

Much like them lowering RR scrolls and Warp Scrolls to 10 and 7 respectively because very few people actually care for those zones for exp beyond getting to 30 to Dominion Ops/Abyssea Chest leech meaning no one will have a surplus of CP laying down for much longer, just like people have very little I.S left in AU which is why, yet again, SE is adjusting it to fit the current game trend.