Those are awesome Time ^^)!!
Bit of a text wall here but I am sooooooooo hyped about MCG and Chocobo raising/racing
Q: Will additional fees be required in addition to our monthly subscription to access all the content in the Gold Saucer?
No additional fees will be required. Since FINAL FANTASY XIV is available in many countries, implementing the Gold Saucer with those kinds of features would be extremely difficult and something we would need to be very cautious about. Each country has its own laws, so if the Gold Saucer looked like an online casino in any specific country, then we wouldn’t be able to offer service in that country and as such we took extra care in this regard during development.
Basically, we’re creating the Gold Saucer to be similar to an arcade. You can use gil to purchase Manderville Gold Saucer Points, but that will only get you so far. If the initial limit you can reach with gil is set to 2,000 points, for example, you can buy your way up to 2,000 points and would then need to play games to earn more points beyond that. And if you purchase 2,000 points and then use 1 point on a game and are left with 1,999 points, you can purchase that 1 point back with gil. With that said, you won’t be able to redeem any prizes for just 2,000 points, so you’ll need to play games to earn more. The system is completely independent of the market, so you won’t be able to sell them. You’ll have to play on your own and earn the points yourself. We designed the Gold Saucer so that everyone can enjoy it, regardless of how much gil they have.
The lighting isn’t finished in this Gold Saucer introduction video so there are some NPCs that may look a bit dark. The Gold Saucer in FFXIV is named the “Manderville Gold Saucer” and it won’t be long until you learn why. Inside you’ll be able to take part in attractions that range from small to large. First you’ll purchase Manderville Gold Saucer Points at the center hall. Next, this is an area where you get to play Triple Triad, taking on other players and NPCs.
The Gold Saucer is huge and those constructs that help you maneuver around inside are actually part of the attractions. Previously we mentioned the term “Gold Saucer Active Time Event.” Once this event is activated a jumping game will start where you need to race the clock to the top by jumping to the designated location. There will also be a free throw-like mini-game. We’re not stopping at 2.51 and we’re planning to add new attractions in the future. There is a wide variety of NPCs, from adults to kids, so it’s set up to be a place where everyone can have fun. We also have a dance event area. There will even be a weekly cactuar lottery where you’ll be able to purchase any number you like with points. If your number matches the weekly lottery, you’ll win a big bonus. Also, this isn’t shown in the video but the chocobo racing area is located here and you’ll be able register to participate in the races.
Triple Triad and chocobo racing will both make their debut in Patch 2.51. While these are the two main attractions, we would like everyone to enjoy the various mini-games and special events as well!
Q: Can you show us a teaser of what we can obtain in the Gold Saucer?
Hayashi introduced some female-specific equipment at the Developer’s Panel on the first day of the Fan Festival, but we’ve prepared another gear set that will allow players to look just like a certain character that made an appearance in the FINAL FANTASY series. Also, when it comes to chocobo racing, players will obtain a new fledgling that’s separate from their chocobo companion, and players will be able to race by raising it.
Participating in races will increase your chocobo’s level, and just like point allotment, it will be possible to allocate points to certain stats. For example, players can raise stamina or speed and the like. Chocobo feed is required to allocate points, but that feed is obtained by trading points, and some of it can be made by Disciples of the Hand. Chocobos will retire after participating in a lot of races, but following this, it's possible to breed them. Players can raise a chocobo until their stats reach the maximum level or have them learn abilities that can be used during races and passed on to the next generation. It will also be possible to form a party of eight people and hold races within a free company.
Also, with respect to Manderville Gold Saucer points, it’s not a casino, so we haven’t really given much thought to how much gil will be needed to purchase points. It’s balanced in a way that points will build up little by little as you play, so please have fun with it.