Quote Originally Posted by Belial View Post
I would like to be one of the first to voice my opinion opposing cross-class server instances. Although I do see the perks (less wait time for groups, more active use of time for casual players, solo players not requiring linkshells, etc.) I personally believe it will prove detrimental to the growth of this particular MMO. Through it's implementation in other MMOs, you can clearly see the problems arising from loot being stolen, unresolved drama (who cares if they make someone mad they don't have to see every day in-game?), the dying of server communities, lack of respect amongst players, etc. And to be honest, with a game already as dismal as Final Fantasy 14, I really don't think it would be wise to put anonymous people in the position to hurt, or disrupt others' play.

However, I would like to see a game mechanic introduced in place of cross-server instances, in the form of open-world events. This would promote server groupings for something other than instanced content (which some of the playerbase opposes) and still allow for people to be involved. An on-going event which players could jump into may be a great twist for this game. And although this a poor example, it is one nonetheless, but Rift has open world events in the form of, obviously, rifts tearing into the world, from another. Although I don't want to see this kind of inter-dimensional aspect in FF, I think something like this could work well. For example, creating a small open-instance/world zone where we can join the front lines in a fight against the Garlean Empire. Just an example, I honestly haven't put too much thought into it, but that is my two cents.

TL;DR -- No to cross-server dungeons/instances, yes to open-world server content.
Love your point about world events, yes to this +1...

But going on the topic of cross-world parties, I'm on the fence.
I think that it is a good idea, to allow players to easily get together and you do point out the issues that can arise from a group of anonymous players grouping together... So my thought to solve the anonymous player hate, loot stealing, etc would be to have some sort of voting system, along with a ranking system...

For example, you run a lot of dungeons and during the time you run into a few bad eggs... You could then apply feedback to that user and say that they were good to play with, or say they were bad to play with... But you could only vote for them once... (And could change your vote if needed)

Higher ranked players would have the opportunity for unique titles, better loot, etc. So playing on your best behavior would be a bonus...

Players who were ranked positive, or negative wouldn't be able to see who voted for them etc, but ranking players as positive would increase the chance that you would be partied up with them again in the future.

There would also need to be a way for players who were ranked very negatively be able to redeem themselves.

At the end of the dungeon/raid users would be presented the stats for the dungeon along with the thumbs up or down for those in the party...

By default it would be thumbs up, and the player can vote people thumbs down. (?... balancing will be key)

Anyway, this is just an idea, and I'm sure someone could take this, run with it, and really make a strong system with it...

Moving on...

Now, the only other thing would be there should be a way to friend those on other servers, so that you can play again with them, having someone come in and out of the game never to be seen again would feel disconnecting, and thus players should be able to play with their friends on other servers.