Food effect list has been updated! All food (30 min) has been added. Stats have been split into four groups. The groups are physical, magic, synthesis, and harvesting. This should hopefully make it easier to find exactly what food you are looking for. The spreadsheet can be found in my sig. V3 will include a direct YG link to the item so you can see if the recipe is in game yet and what level cul is needed to make it.
ARGH! I was set on getting to a cafe and playing FFXIV on my laptop, I brought the patch, but forgot the disk. Has anyone else tried loading the game on their laptops after the big patch? Does it help?
I can now make Scale Glue with HQ mats, as well as break clusters.
I've done two attempts so far and seemed to succeed both times without incident (even without being in the lab), but please do not take that as an indication of future successes. Moon could've been good, could've been a good element, etc etc.
Some big changes are being made to the dev team and mangement. I can only say I think it's for the best. Some of the new leads are the ones who made sweeping changes to FFXI and I can only think that they will do great things with this game. It also looks like the free trial is being extended again. PS3 version is also being delayed.
FFXIV Petra Ironheart Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
0
Just_Bri_ThanksSeething with ragefrom a handbasket.Registered User, ClubPAregular
edited December 2010
The text of an E-Mail I got last night:
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of FINAL FANTASY XIV.
While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.
After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.
To realize this vision, and in doing so, provide our customers with a better game experience, we have assembled our company’s top talent and resources. Taking over the role of producer and director is Naoki Yoshida, a passionate individual for whom customer satisfaction has always taken top priority. Not only is he one of our Group’s most accomplished and experienced members, Naoki Yoshida is also a charismatic leader possessing the skill to bring together and effectively helm a team which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. We also welcome several new leaders handpicked from other projects to work with the existing talent on FINAL FANTASY XIV.
We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV’s new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.
Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.
President and CEO, Yoichi Wada
The development and management teams would like to make an announcement regarding personnel changes.
[Organizational Changes to the Development Team]
To improve the service of FINAL FANTASY XIV, Square Enix has made the following changes to the development team:
Managerial Changes
Producer/Director
Naoki Yoshida
Section Leader Changes
Assistant Director
Shintaro Tamai (FINAL FANTASY X, Front Mission 5: Scars of the War)
Lead Game Designer
Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY XI)
Lead Combat System Designer
Akihiko Matsui (FINAL FANTASY XI)
Technical Advisor
Yoshihisa Hashimoto (Next Generation Game Engine Development)
Lead Programmer
Hideyuki Kasuga (FINAL FANTASY XI, DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Senior Concept Artist
Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
Lead Artist
Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY XI, THE LAST REMNANT)
Lead UI Designer/Lead Web Designer
Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
These members will make up the development team’s new core—a core dedicated to ensuring we achieve a level of enjoyability that will more than satisfy our customers. Under a schedule of more frequent version updates, the new leaders and their respective sections will strive for continued improvements to FINAL FANTASY XIV service operation and development.
[Extension of the Free Trial Period]
As stated above, the newly restructured team’s top priority is to bring about improvements to the game’s enjoyability, and therefore we have decided to extend the free trial period until we can provide a plan that outlines a level of enjoyment that will satisfy both us and our customers. When we are confident that we have reached that goal, we will notify our customers immediately.
[Future Version Updates]
At present, the development team is putting the finishing touches on the previously announced version update, which is still slated for release in mid-December. In addition, there is one more version update scheduled for release before year’s end. Details on the content and dates of these updates will be released in the near future.
[Delay of the PlayStation 3 Version Release]
Although the release date for the PlayStation 3 version of the game was previously announced as late March of 2011, we regret to inform that this date has been changed.
The PlayStation 3 release will be delayed until we are confident that the game has reached the level of enjoyability and service befitting the FINAL FANTASY name for users on all supported platforms. We offer our sincerest apologies to any fans anticipating the PlayStation 3 release, and humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding as both the development team and Square Enix as a whole strive towards making FINAL FANTASY XIV a truly enjoyable and unforgettable adventure.
[New Development Team Policy]
I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you—those currently playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, those who have taken a respite from playing, and those awaiting the PlayStation 3 release—and offer a brief word by way of an introduction.
No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.
Now, more than ever, myself, the development team, and Square Enix as a whole, are committed to furthering our efforts to provide a quality service.
Everything we do will be for our players and customers.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer/Director, Naoki Yoshida
First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game’s current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team. Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.
Hiromichi Tanaka
Edit: The text is the same as that Lodestone link.
Just_Bri_Thanks on
...and when you are done with that; take a folding
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of FINAL FANTASY XIV.
While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.
After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.
To realize this vision, and in doing so, provide our customers with a better game experience, we have assembled our company’s top talent and resources. Taking over the role of producer and director is Naoki Yoshida, a passionate individual for whom customer satisfaction has always taken top priority. Not only is he one of our Group’s most accomplished and experienced members, Naoki Yoshida is also a charismatic leader possessing the skill to bring together and effectively helm a team which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. We also welcome several new leaders handpicked from other projects to work with the existing talent on FINAL FANTASY XIV.
We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV’s new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.
Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.
President and CEO, Yoichi Wada
The development and management teams would like to make an announcement regarding personnel changes.
[Organizational Changes to the Development Team]
To improve the service of FINAL FANTASY XIV, Square Enix has made the following changes to the development team:
Managerial Changes
Producer/Director
Naoki Yoshida
Section Leader Changes
Assistant Director
Shintaro Tamai (FINAL FANTASY X, Front Mission 5: Scars of the War)
Lead Game Designer
Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY XI)
Lead Combat System Designer
Akihiko Matsui (FINAL FANTASY XI)
Technical Advisor
Yoshihisa Hashimoto (Next Generation Game Engine Development)
Lead Programmer
Hideyuki Kasuga (FINAL FANTASY XI, DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Senior Concept Artist
Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
Lead Artist
Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY XI, THE LAST REMNANT)
Lead UI Designer/Lead Web Designer
Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
These members will make up the development team’s new core—a core dedicated to ensuring we achieve a level of enjoyability that will more than satisfy our customers. Under a schedule of more frequent version updates, the new leaders and their respective sections will strive for continued improvements to FINAL FANTASY XIV service operation and development.
[Extension of the Free Trial Period]
As stated above, the newly restructured team’s top priority is to bring about improvements to the game’s enjoyability, and therefore we have decided to extend the free trial period until we can provide a plan that outlines a level of enjoyment that will satisfy both us and our customers. When we are confident that we have reached that goal, we will notify our customers immediately.
[Future Version Updates]
At present, the development team is putting the finishing touches on the previously announced version update, which is still slated for release in mid-December. In addition, there is one more version update scheduled for release before year’s end. Details on the content and dates of these updates will be released in the near future.
[Delay of the PlayStation 3 Version Release]
Although the release date for the PlayStation 3 version of the game was previously announced as late March of 2011, we regret to inform that this date has been changed.
The PlayStation 3 release will be delayed until we are confident that the game has reached the level of enjoyability and service befitting the FINAL FANTASY name for users on all supported platforms. We offer our sincerest apologies to any fans anticipating the PlayStation 3 release, and humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding as both the development team and Square Enix as a whole strive towards making FINAL FANTASY XIV a truly enjoyable and unforgettable adventure.
[New Development Team Policy]
I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you—those currently playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, those who have taken a respite from playing, and those awaiting the PlayStation 3 release—and offer a brief word by way of an introduction.
No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.
Now, more than ever, myself, the development team, and Square Enix as a whole, are committed to furthering our efforts to provide a quality service.
Everything we do will be for our players and customers.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer/Director, Naoki Yoshida
First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game’s current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team. Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.
Hiromichi Tanaka
Edit: The text is the same as that Lodestone link.
Wow, that was not what I was expecting at all. Well, the firings sure, but not the indefinite suspension of the PS3 release and freeplay into the foreseeable future.
I expected squeenix to take their ball and go home to be honest.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of FINAL FANTASY XIV.
While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.
After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.
To realize this vision, and in doing so, provide our customers with a better game experience, we have assembled our company’s top talent and resources. Taking over the role of producer and director is Naoki Yoshida, a passionate individual for whom customer satisfaction has always taken top priority. Not only is he one of our Group’s most accomplished and experienced members, Naoki Yoshida is also a charismatic leader possessing the skill to bring together and effectively helm a team which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. We also welcome several new leaders handpicked from other projects to work with the existing talent on FINAL FANTASY XIV.
We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV’s new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.
Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.
President and CEO, Yoichi Wada
The development and management teams would like to make an announcement regarding personnel changes.
[Organizational Changes to the Development Team]
To improve the service of FINAL FANTASY XIV, Square Enix has made the following changes to the development team:
Managerial Changes
Producer/Director
Naoki Yoshida
Section Leader Changes
Assistant Director
Shintaro Tamai (FINAL FANTASY X, Front Mission 5: Scars of the War)
Lead Game Designer
Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY XI)
Lead Combat System Designer
Akihiko Matsui (FINAL FANTASY XI)
Technical Advisor
Yoshihisa Hashimoto (Next Generation Game Engine Development)
Lead Programmer
Hideyuki Kasuga (FINAL FANTASY XI, DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Senior Concept Artist
Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
Lead Artist
Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY XI, THE LAST REMNANT)
Lead UI Designer/Lead Web Designer
Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
These members will make up the development team’s new core—a core dedicated to ensuring we achieve a level of enjoyability that will more than satisfy our customers. Under a schedule of more frequent version updates, the new leaders and their respective sections will strive for continued improvements to FINAL FANTASY XIV service operation and development.
[Extension of the Free Trial Period]
As stated above, the newly restructured team’s top priority is to bring about improvements to the game’s enjoyability, and therefore we have decided to extend the free trial period until we can provide a plan that outlines a level of enjoyment that will satisfy both us and our customers. When we are confident that we have reached that goal, we will notify our customers immediately.
[Future Version Updates]
At present, the development team is putting the finishing touches on the previously announced version update, which is still slated for release in mid-December. In addition, there is one more version update scheduled for release before year’s end. Details on the content and dates of these updates will be released in the near future.
[Delay of the PlayStation 3 Version Release]
Although the release date for the PlayStation 3 version of the game was previously announced as late March of 2011, we regret to inform that this date has been changed.
The PlayStation 3 release will be delayed until we are confident that the game has reached the level of enjoyability and service befitting the FINAL FANTASY name for users on all supported platforms. We offer our sincerest apologies to any fans anticipating the PlayStation 3 release, and humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding as both the development team and Square Enix as a whole strive towards making FINAL FANTASY XIV a truly enjoyable and unforgettable adventure.
[New Development Team Policy]
I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you—those currently playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, those who have taken a respite from playing, and those awaiting the PlayStation 3 release—and offer a brief word by way of an introduction.
No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.
Now, more than ever, myself, the development team, and Square Enix as a whole, are committed to furthering our efforts to provide a quality service.
Everything we do will be for our players and customers.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer/Director, Naoki Yoshida
First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game’s current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team. Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.
Hiromichi Tanaka
Edit: The text is the same as that Lodestone link.
Wow, that was not what I was expecting at all. Well, the firings sure, but not the indefinite suspension of the PS3 release and freeplay into the foreseeable future.
I expected squeenix to take their ball and go home to be honest.
Yeah, I'm super impressed, they've really matured as a company.
Well I suppose that even though it's an MMO, it's still part of their flagship series.
Story goes that Square was about to go bankrupt when they made the original Final Fantasy (hence the name Final) and that saved the business. It would be bad karma to ruin any one of the FF games. (Although some would argue that they already did in FFX-2. )
If my experience from beta is any indication, this game is going to need an overhaul on the level of Star Wars Galaxy's New Combat Experience. Except it needs to do exactly the opposite of what that accomplished and make the game good rather than ruining the few things players liked about it.
They might even want to go as far as making this doggy permanently free to play, seeing as how the amount of f2p games that provide a better experience than this is steadily growing by the day. They can set up an in-game real money store for people to buy their cat girl underwear and all the poor sops who actually bought the game retail can get 1000 free pantsu credits or whatever.
Agreed on the story quests. I still haven't done the 26 quest, and I guess the 30 now as well. The cutscenes are good, but my involvement so far has just been go somewhere, watch scene, go somewhere far, watch scene, go back, watch scene, etc. I think the problem is that they are set up for all classes, so they can't really require you to do anything specific. I can't kill jack shit, since I'm doing these as a weaver, so everything comes down to parley or nothing.
I guess my solution to this would be to keep the story quests pretty much the same, but get rid of the travel. Just show me all the movies once I get to the first place, market wards or wherever.
So Helikaon (Ithaka) wanted to do battleleves for SPs tonight, I've visited every counter to check on worthwhile fieldcraft leves and I'm good to bring 6 r40s to bear on whatever is going to take place tonight. I have two gear rewarding leves in the Thanalan camps, but I don't know what locale Heli had in mind.
I guess ill save my leves for Saturday if anyone is on.
I'll be on but the leves will reset at 4 P.M. tomorrow anyway what would I lose by using my regionals tonight? Oh also I have that Tarred Leather Hunting Belt for yas, Sworn succeeded the 2nd attempt.
Regarding the email/announcement... I hope this ends up being a good thing, but a lot of those names are developers from FFXI. The FFXIV team has been really good about addressing concerns and working towards correcting them, and admitting when there is a problem. That is not how I would describe the FFXI team. I really hope we don't go back to the FFXI era of complete developer silence, and I hope they don't overhaul this into just FFXI-2.
Also, they replaced the lead art designer. Odd. He wouldn't have been on my list of people needing replacement.
This all seems more like a PR move, with Tanaka taking the fall. The current team was churning out improvements pretty quickly; I don't expect the new team to suddenly produce a miracle patch for us. Most likely they'll just produce the same improvements that were already planned, and take credit for them.
At best, maybe they'll shift focus towards just dumping in loads of content and leave the other problems for later, just so people say "oooh shiny!" and ignore the mechanics problems for a bit?
At best, maybe they'll shift focus towards just dumping in loads of content and leave the other problems for later, just so people say "oooh shiny!" and ignore the mechanics problems for a bit?
That might have been the game's biggest problem, actually. There's playing a game that feels like it should have been in beta longer because some of the mechanics don't work, and then there's playing a game that feels like it still is in beta because essential content is constantly being added.
Wow, Sage is gone? I thought he was one of the reasons for the successes of FFXI?
The success of FFXI was due to it being one of the few high profile MMOs in Japan for a long while. WoW never had Japanese language support, and S-E is a name that Japanese gamers trust. It also came out for the PS2 first, and people who didn't even play video games had PS2s in Japan because they were one of the first somewhat reasonably priced DVD players at the time.
So they had huge saturation for their chosen console, brand recognition, and they could even draw in the FF fans in the US for awhile, those who got hooked on the "massive effort for very rare bursts of gain" style of play sticking around for a long time.
FFXIV was built for high powered computers that almost no one has, designed initially for the PS3 in spite of this, and, well I don't have to go through all its long list of faults.
FFXIV is failing because of how much it is like FFXI without bothering to take any of the good parts, what few of them there really were. They go to the extreme when it comes to ignoring things that could be fun in favor of time sinks. There is such a thing as a fun waste of time, but they haven't figured out what it is yet.
I messed around after the patch, happy that they took out random exp only to find that it made leveling even more boring because exp didn't scale well at all with the difficulty of the mob after maybe level 3. You hit level 10 or so and think it's time to move to the next zone only to find it's still better exp to just kill really stupid weak things quickly. Even when they fix something they don't look around for what else is obviously broken relating to the fix.
The fewer people who were involved with XI on this team, however, the better. They're going to have to rebuild this thing and relaunch it in a year or so.
Posts
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
Fucking stupid crap.
Grrr..
Velve
I've done two attempts so far and seemed to succeed both times without incident (even without being in the lab), but please do not take that as an indication of future successes. Moon could've been good, could've been a good element, etc etc.
Some big changes are being made to the dev team and mangement. I can only say I think it's for the best. Some of the new leads are the ones who made sweeping changes to FFXI and I can only think that they will do great things with this game. It also looks like the free trial is being extended again. PS3 version is also being delayed.
Also R30 grind on SAT too please
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
While more than two months have passed since the official launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV service, we deeply regret that the game has yet to achieve the level of enjoyability that FINAL FANTASY fans have come to expect from the franchise, and for this we offer our sincerest of apologies.
After thorough deliberation on how to meet those expectations, it was decided that the most viable step was to approach improvements under new leadership and with a restructured team.
To realize this vision, and in doing so, provide our customers with a better game experience, we have assembled our company’s top talent and resources. Taking over the role of producer and director is Naoki Yoshida, a passionate individual for whom customer satisfaction has always taken top priority. Not only is he one of our Group’s most accomplished and experienced members, Naoki Yoshida is also a charismatic leader possessing the skill to bring together and effectively helm a team which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. We also welcome several new leaders handpicked from other projects to work with the existing talent on FINAL FANTASY XIV.
We realize time is of the essence and are fully determined to provide our customers with quality service. It is because of this that we ask our customers to be patient until we are able to confidently present them with a concrete plan outlining FINAL FANTASY XIV’s new direction. The free trial period will be extended until that time.
Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV team is working hard to bring our customers an unparalleled adventure, and we ask for your continued understanding and support as we march ever diligently towards that goal.
President and CEO, Yoichi Wada
The development and management teams would like to make an announcement regarding personnel changes.
[Organizational Changes to the Development Team]
To improve the service of FINAL FANTASY XIV, Square Enix has made the following changes to the development team:
Managerial Changes
Producer/Director
Naoki Yoshida
Section Leader Changes
Assistant Director
Shintaro Tamai (FINAL FANTASY X, Front Mission 5: Scars of the War)
Lead Game Designer
Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY XI)
Lead Combat System Designer
Akihiko Matsui (FINAL FANTASY XI)
Technical Advisor
Yoshihisa Hashimoto (Next Generation Game Engine Development)
Lead Programmer
Hideyuki Kasuga (FINAL FANTASY XI, DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)
Senior Concept Artist
Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
Lead Artist
Hiroshi Takai (FINAL FANTASY XI, THE LAST REMNANT)
Lead UI Designer/Lead Web Designer
Hiroshi Minagawa (FINAL FANTASY XII, Vagrant Story)
These members will make up the development team’s new core—a core dedicated to ensuring we achieve a level of enjoyability that will more than satisfy our customers. Under a schedule of more frequent version updates, the new leaders and their respective sections will strive for continued improvements to FINAL FANTASY XIV service operation and development.
[Extension of the Free Trial Period]
As stated above, the newly restructured team’s top priority is to bring about improvements to the game’s enjoyability, and therefore we have decided to extend the free trial period until we can provide a plan that outlines a level of enjoyment that will satisfy both us and our customers. When we are confident that we have reached that goal, we will notify our customers immediately.
[Future Version Updates]
At present, the development team is putting the finishing touches on the previously announced version update, which is still slated for release in mid-December. In addition, there is one more version update scheduled for release before year’s end. Details on the content and dates of these updates will be released in the near future.
[Delay of the PlayStation 3 Version Release]
Although the release date for the PlayStation 3 version of the game was previously announced as late March of 2011, we regret to inform that this date has been changed.
The PlayStation 3 release will be delayed until we are confident that the game has reached the level of enjoyability and service befitting the FINAL FANTASY name for users on all supported platforms. We offer our sincerest apologies to any fans anticipating the PlayStation 3 release, and humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding as both the development team and Square Enix as a whole strive towards making FINAL FANTASY XIV a truly enjoyable and unforgettable adventure.
[New Development Team Policy]
I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you—those currently playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, those who have taken a respite from playing, and those awaiting the PlayStation 3 release—and offer a brief word by way of an introduction.
No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.
Now, more than ever, myself, the development team, and Square Enix as a whole, are committed to furthering our efforts to provide a quality service.
Everything we do will be for our players and customers.
FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer/Director, Naoki Yoshida
First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game’s current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team. Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.
Hiromichi Tanaka
Edit: The text is the same as that Lodestone link.
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
Wow, that was not what I was expecting at all. Well, the firings sure, but not the indefinite suspension of the PS3 release and freeplay into the foreseeable future.
Yeah, I'm super impressed, they've really matured as a company.
different.
I'm scared for what happened to the original project team.
All you need to know is that they have regained their honor!
SC2: KillerCodeMk | LoL: KillerCodeMonky | FFXIV: Shea Demvas (Sargantas)
Ghost in the Linkshell Item Requisitioning
Let me know you are from PA, otherwise I will likely ignore you.
gamertag:Maguano71
Switch:SW-8428-8279-1687
And I feel bad for the janitors that had to clean up after all those acts of seppuku.
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
Story goes that Square was about to go bankrupt when they made the original Final Fantasy (hence the name Final) and that saved the business. It would be bad karma to ruin any one of the FF games. (Although some would argue that they already did in FFX-2. )
They might even want to go as far as making this doggy permanently free to play, seeing as how the amount of f2p games that provide a better experience than this is steadily growing by the day. They can set up an in-game real money store for people to buy their cat girl underwear and all the poor sops who actually bought the game retail can get 1000 free pantsu credits or whatever.
I'm excited about the coming updates. The UI/usability is good now imo, but now we need the content.
Can't agree with you enough. I seriously abhor that business model.
*clap*
Seriously there is content sorts... but one quest every 5-10 ranks for main story and jobs doesn't cut it.
Also, the story quests, while interesting, are light on fun.
For my PGL 20 quest i didn't even get to fight! I was basically a mob collection man and forced people to pay their debts... via parley... meh
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
I guess my solution to this would be to keep the story quests pretty much the same, but get rid of the travel. Just show me all the movies once I get to the first place, market wards or wherever.
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
Huh. Maybe I'll pick it up now.
I'll be on but the leves will reset at 4 P.M. tomorrow anyway what would I lose by using my regionals tonight? Oh also I have that Tarred Leather Hunting Belt for yas, Sworn succeeded the 2nd attempt.
Also, they replaced the lead art designer. Odd. He wouldn't have been on my list of people needing replacement.
This all seems more like a PR move, with Tanaka taking the fall. The current team was churning out improvements pretty quickly; I don't expect the new team to suddenly produce a miracle patch for us. Most likely they'll just produce the same improvements that were already planned, and take credit for them.
At best, maybe they'll shift focus towards just dumping in loads of content and leave the other problems for later, just so people say "oooh shiny!" and ignore the mechanics problems for a bit?
Well, the only argument i can say for that was the inclusion of FUCKHUGE zones to lessen the requirement to make a lot of zones.
I am getting sick of the same few places. However there are some real gem's in the dungeons Copperbell and the one near Mist Beard pop in my head.
Thanks zeph/teki/sworn for the gears
If i have the chance ill try to pop in for a few leves but it will be lateish and you guys may already be done.
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
That might have been the game's biggest problem, actually. There's playing a game that feels like it should have been in beta longer because some of the mechanics don't work, and then there's playing a game that feels like it still is in beta because essential content is constantly being added.
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
The success of FFXI was due to it being one of the few high profile MMOs in Japan for a long while. WoW never had Japanese language support, and S-E is a name that Japanese gamers trust. It also came out for the PS2 first, and people who didn't even play video games had PS2s in Japan because they were one of the first somewhat reasonably priced DVD players at the time.
So they had huge saturation for their chosen console, brand recognition, and they could even draw in the FF fans in the US for awhile, those who got hooked on the "massive effort for very rare bursts of gain" style of play sticking around for a long time.
FFXIV was built for high powered computers that almost no one has, designed initially for the PS3 in spite of this, and, well I don't have to go through all its long list of faults.
FFXIV is failing because of how much it is like FFXI without bothering to take any of the good parts, what few of them there really were. They go to the extreme when it comes to ignoring things that could be fun in favor of time sinks. There is such a thing as a fun waste of time, but they haven't figured out what it is yet.
I messed around after the patch, happy that they took out random exp only to find that it made leveling even more boring because exp didn't scale well at all with the difficulty of the mob after maybe level 3. You hit level 10 or so and think it's time to move to the next zone only to find it's still better exp to just kill really stupid weak things quickly. Even when they fix something they don't look around for what else is obviously broken relating to the fix.
The fewer people who were involved with XI on this team, however, the better. They're going to have to rebuild this thing and relaunch it in a year or so.
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
Well that's certainly unfortunate.