What do you recognize while observing old ARR concept art

[Tonkra]

Concept Art remains Concept Art and not "being officially announced".
Yoshida stated it in Live Letter II, too bad I don't remember the exact time.

thats why i was writing:

"The Question is if these options are finally going to make it into ARR"

While that sounds amazing, Yoshida said in Live Letter III [1:18:11]
"We're thinking of adding Ishgard, Ala Mhigo and other areas with our first expansions..."
"In the meantime, I'm certain there will be enough content for players to enjoy."

yes you are right, and as we did not hear anything about it in 2012 i think its quiet clear, that we wont get to see something like it in beta or at release.

well maybe they introduce active time events instead of this. or wait.. maybe we are going to defend ishgard in front of the gates designed as an active time event, who knows lol^^