Not familiar enough with SE to know how big of a deal this is for ARR, though.
Shouldn't really change anything really. They're too deep in, too invested. Even if XIV is only a moderate success and just has a niche playerbase, they need whatever flow they can from it long term, so they're going to, at the very least, finish up ARR and put it out there. how much on-going support it gets will be dependent on its playerbase.
XI has been a bellweather for SE, but it has never had a ton of subs (I think it's peak peak was like 500k worldwide?), and it still gets ongoing content, updates and now a new xpack (after 6 boosters, 3 of which dramatically changed the face of the game)...so by that standard XIV doesn't need to be WoW, it just needs to have a thriving audience who keeps paying.
Part of it is also just that it was a game that required grouping, even for levelling. You got the same sense of community back in Everquest, because you had no choice but to group with people to level up for the most part, and parties lasted longer than a 30 minute dungeon, you talked, general chat was busy, etc.
Unfortunately there are also negatives to that sort of gameplay, like potentially standing around for hours looking for a party. It's very hard to have it both ways, where you can solo content to level but also maintain a community that likes talking to each other. =P
EQ2 did a pretty good job of it, at least on the server I played on in that game.
The grouping thing is something that is more of a people issue than a game issue. A game can force you to group, in which case you have to. However, even in a game where you don't have to, you can and things will typically go quicker. ARR doesn't feel any different in this regard. It's just going to take time for people to get used to the fact that while you can solo, you don't have to. Leves and quests give the same amount of experience whether you do it alone or with a full group. However, a full group finishes it faster.
Edit: Actually, pending your level, leves might give more experience by grouping, since you can up the difficulty.
Also, I don't think any of this is NDA breaking given that 1.0 had leves.
Grouping can definitely be a game issue. In Everquest or FFXI, with most classes, you either couldn't solo anything worth doing, so you had to group just to play the game, more or less.
Designing your MMO where grouping is not mandatory but is also not detrimental is just good game design, that in 2013 should be common sense. Guild Wars 2 did this, and it sounds like the leves and what not in ARR will follow that model, which is definitely a good thing.
If you make players compete with each other for quest mobs, crafting nodes, whatever, it just means people want to avoid each other. It's just common sense, and I'm sure it's not something we'll see much going forward.
0
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
The community issue in MMOs is interesting because each game has taken a different approach to it. I agree that one thing GW2 absolutely did right was removing the competitive aspect of PvE gathering and questing. It removes the biggest obstacle to player cooperation.
I've traditionally played solo for much of my MMO time, but the best times I've had were all when I participated with others and we succeeded. It will always be most common at the guild level, but any type of cooperative quest can lead to people talking, having fun, and continuing to group.
So I braved the beta forums to see if they had put up the schedule for Phase 2 yet...
The knowledge I came away with is that apparently lalafel females should have breasts and if you disagree you are somehow a pervert?
Oh, and XIV should stay how it was in 1.0 because we don't need WoW 2 and 1.0 was 'better' because it was unique. o_O
:rotate:
And no, there is no date yet for Phase 2.
I troll the forums often.
The expectation for phase 2 is to begin within the "first 10 days of April." Not sure if this is under NDA, but everyone and their brother is saying the same thing publicly if you Google it. I guess there is supposed to be a Live Producer Letter or something like April 3rd or something, so people are expecting the announcement then. If they stick with weekends, that probably means the 5th will be phase 2. However, the first phase 1 wasn't a weekend, so who knows. My expectation is that phase 2 will still just end up being weekends at this point.
-Phase 2 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 3.
-The data center will be located in Japan.
-Between 10 and 15 Worlds will be available.
-All races and genders will be playable.
* Certain customization options will be unavailable until phase 3.
-The level cap will be set to 35.
-Gamepad control will be implemented.
-The following will be implemented for testing:
Grand Companies / Grand Company exchange items
Private chocobos (chocobo raising unavailable) / Additional sidequests
Additional class quests / Additional Full Active Time Events / Other
-In addition to the above, the following is also scheduled:
Gamepad control adjustments & feedback confirmation
Alpha feedback revisions (part II) / Alpha UI feedback revisions (part II)
UI optimization testing / Beta phase 1 feedback revisions
Performance optimization
So, basically the same thing as phase 1 with a few new bits of content and gamepad support. I think most people are viewing phase 2 as being for gamepad testing. I intend to dabble in phase 2, but am really waiting for phase 3, as that is when they seem to be adding the most and the new armory system.
Oh alpha revisions, that's good. I may have submitted quite a lot of feedback during the alpha.
0
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
I can't wait to get in and bask in the official forums myself. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that there are people who want a return to 1.0. There's always somebody willing to believe that something being unique automatically makes it good.
I can't wait to get in and bask in the official forums myself. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that there are people who want a return to 1.0. There's always somebody willing to believe that something being unique automatically makes it good.
Even poop can be unique...
Nah. It's always the same old shit.
...and when you are done with that; take a folding
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
+1
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
I can't wait to get in and bask in the official forums myself. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that there are people who want a return to 1.0. There's always somebody willing to believe that something being unique automatically makes it good.
Greg USN has been kidnapped by Just_Bri_Thanks and is being held for ransom! Solve the riddle to set em' free, or I'll hand em' over to Clamps!
Don’t ask yes or nos, give me the THIRD OPTION Think you see me? “Ran away” reads the caption Now if you gonna front, you’re cruising for a BATTLE (Just don’t get Mully, she’ll own you like chattle) Which forumer am I?
Man, I hope so. That was my biggest problem in Phase 1. Though it ran much better than the original FFXIV, I couldn't get a stable framerate even with low settings.
I only managed to get 60 fps when windowed. I'm willing to chalk that up to it being a beta, but considering how ridiculously poor FFXIV was optimized, I'm a bit worried.
Phase 1 had a weird thing where the early tests ran fine, but later ones started running worse and worse; but nothing changed for the players, so it was just kinda random performance drops, with only relatively small patches.
Greg USN has been kidnapped by Just_Bri_Thanks and is being held for ransom! Solve the riddle to set em' free, or I'll hand em' over to Clamps!<br />
<br />
Don’t ask yes or nos, give me the THIRD OPTION<br />
Think you see me? “Ran away” reads the caption<br />
Now if you gonna front, you’re cruising for a BATTLE<br />
(Just don’t get Mully, she’ll own you like chattle)<br />
Which forumer am I?
Careful sir geth! I only roll renegades!
FFXIV Petra Ironheart Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
0
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
My first move should not have been browsing the official forums.
The big problem with the official forums is that lots of people have lots of ideas to share, yet there seems to be little consensus on which ideas work and which shouldn't. See my previous "FF fans don't know what they want in their FF games" statement.
While the forums do have a vote up button, there are still too many comments, suggestions and complaints that it seems unlikely the higher-ups will be able to whittle it down to the suggestions that are actually informative/essential. There needs to be a better process to get feedback then just create a big "post all quest suggestions here!" thread.
Anyway, seems Yoshi-P couldn't decide if the next playable race should be the Viera or the Bangaa.
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
I agree with that. As a series, FF has covered a lot of ground. More than most series, you'll rarely see any kind of consensus on what's good or right for the game because the idea of a FF game means something different to just about everyone. Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting in. I actually enjoy the "at least trying to help make things better" aspect of a beta test.
I'll take that compromise. I hope when they open their mouth it is full of rows of sharp teeth just to fuck with the wet dreams of people who mained Fran to stare at her ass. :P
I know it's not real :rotate:
But regarding the official forums...that's not a FF thing, that's an MMO thing, really. It's the same on any MMO. Go to the WoW forums and you'll have people screaming death threats at eachother over the stupidest shit as if it is a matter of the game staying successful or 10m players unsubscribing at the same time.
The issue I've found with the feedback is that in it you have two types of requests; requests that take what ARR currently is and tries to add to it or change it slightly to make it a more enjoyable experience and then the requests that hate what ARR is and want to completely change fundamental aspects of the redesign.
Mind you, it's not going to change. And it's like that with every game. But still doesn't mean I can't be unhappy about it...
Anyway, I haven't been trolling the forums as much recently. Waiting to hear when Phase 2 is and I'll just play then.
Do we plan to try and corral PA players onto the same server for Phase 2? I know there were a few Tonberry's for Phase 1 (I started there, but after deleting and remaking Tonberry was locked, so ended up on Marlboro).
0
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
edited April 2013
I could be wrong, but I think the initial wave is Friday-Sunday. I wanted to know the same thing. I know Tonberry has been the server for several people, but is there a better choice, or should I plan to roll up there? I'm certainly looking forward to being in game with you classy folks. As I've said, as much as I've spent time soloing, these games are infinitely better and more satisfying with good people around.
If you look at the publicly available beta roadmap, phase one and phase two will have introduced Dungeons and FATEs, both of which are publicly known to be group content. Beyond that, I would assume that questing/leveling can be a group thing.
So, I bought FFXIV at launch, never subscribed, but I guess I had a security token tied to my account, which I have since lost. Anybody have any idea what I need to do to unlink the security token? I could do it if I could log in to the account, which I can't do without the token. Their website won't let me use my same email address to register a new square enix account for this beta either.
Yeah, I was thinking that was probably going to be the way I have to go. Thanks.
0
Wooden SpoonGreat for SaucesRegistered Userregular
Now that I'm officially on the inside, I'll have to get the specific take from those of you in Phase 1 on your thoughts/where I'd be best served testing. Feel free to PM me, as I have no desire for any NDA craziness to occur.
Upcoming Beta Test Schedule:
- Apr. 5th 2:00 a.m. to Apr. 7th 2:00 a.m. (PDT) / Apr. 5th 9:00 to Apr. 7th 9:00 (GMT)
EDIT: Oh and:
Although we initially planned to delete character data at the end of phase 1, we have decided to carry over character data to phase 2. This will help facilitate gamepad testing for mid-level content and alleviate overcrowding in the starting areas. However, we ask that all testers using a gamepad continue to create new characters, as we would like feedback on the explanations of gamepad controls and their functionality from the beginning of the game.
I'm on Tonberry and not terribly concerned about what server. Characters will be deleted at the end of this phase since Phase 3 starts the 1.0 imports.
Posts
Shouldn't really change anything really. They're too deep in, too invested. Even if XIV is only a moderate success and just has a niche playerbase, they need whatever flow they can from it long term, so they're going to, at the very least, finish up ARR and put it out there. how much on-going support it gets will be dependent on its playerbase.
XI has been a bellweather for SE, but it has never had a ton of subs (I think it's peak peak was like 500k worldwide?), and it still gets ongoing content, updates and now a new xpack (after 6 boosters, 3 of which dramatically changed the face of the game)...so by that standard XIV doesn't need to be WoW, it just needs to have a thriving audience who keeps paying.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
Unfortunately there are also negatives to that sort of gameplay, like potentially standing around for hours looking for a party. It's very hard to have it both ways, where you can solo content to level but also maintain a community that likes talking to each other. =P
EQ2 did a pretty good job of it, at least on the server I played on in that game.
Edit: Actually, pending your level, leves might give more experience by grouping, since you can up the difficulty.
Also, I don't think any of this is NDA breaking given that 1.0 had leves.
Designing your MMO where grouping is not mandatory but is also not detrimental is just good game design, that in 2013 should be common sense. Guild Wars 2 did this, and it sounds like the leves and what not in ARR will follow that model, which is definitely a good thing.
If you make players compete with each other for quest mobs, crafting nodes, whatever, it just means people want to avoid each other. It's just common sense, and I'm sure it's not something we'll see much going forward.
I've traditionally played solo for much of my MMO time, but the best times I've had were all when I participated with others and we succeeded. It will always be most common at the guild level, but any type of cooperative quest can lead to people talking, having fun, and continuing to group.
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
The knowledge I came away with is that apparently lalafel females should have breasts and if you disagree you are somehow a pervert?
Oh, and XIV should stay how it was in 1.0 because we don't need WoW 2 and 1.0 was 'better' because it was unique. o_O
:rotate:
And no, there is no date yet for Phase 2.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
I troll the forums often.
The expectation for phase 2 is to begin within the "first 10 days of April." Not sure if this is under NDA, but everyone and their brother is saying the same thing publicly if you Google it. I guess there is supposed to be a Live Producer Letter or something like April 3rd or something, so people are expecting the announcement then. If they stick with weekends, that probably means the 5th will be phase 2. However, the first phase 1 wasn't a weekend, so who knows. My expectation is that phase 2 will still just end up being weekends at this point.
http://gdl.square-enix.com/ffxiv/download/en/FFXIV_2.0_BETA_Roadmap_EN.pdf
According to that, phase 2 is:
So, basically the same thing as phase 1 with a few new bits of content and gamepad support. I think most people are viewing phase 2 as being for gamepad testing. I intend to dabble in phase 2, but am really waiting for phase 3, as that is when they seem to be adding the most and the new armory system.
Even poop can be unique...
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Nah. It's always the same old shit.
chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
Touché.
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Think you see me? “Ran away” reads the caption
Now if you gonna front, you’re cruising for a BATTLE
(Just don’t get Mully, she’ll own you like chattle)
Which forumer am I?
Man, I hope so. That was my biggest problem in Phase 1. Though it ran much better than the original FFXIV, I couldn't get a stable framerate even with low settings.
I only managed to get 60 fps when windowed. I'm willing to chalk that up to it being a beta, but considering how ridiculously poor FFXIV was optimized, I'm a bit worried.
Blog||Tumblr|Steam|Twitter|FFXIV|Twitch|YouTube|Podcast|PSN|XBL|DarkZero
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Careful sir geth! I only roll renegades!
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
So much rage...
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
While the forums do have a vote up button, there are still too many comments, suggestions and complaints that it seems unlikely the higher-ups will be able to whittle it down to the suggestions that are actually informative/essential. There needs to be a better process to get feedback then just create a big "post all quest suggestions here!" thread.
Anyway, seems Yoshi-P couldn't decide if the next playable race should be the Viera or the Bangaa.
So here's the compromise.
Blog||Tumblr|Steam|Twitter|FFXIV|Twitch|YouTube|Podcast|PSN|XBL|DarkZero
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
But regarding the official forums...that's not a FF thing, that's an MMO thing, really. It's the same on any MMO. Go to the WoW forums and you'll have people screaming death threats at eachother over the stupidest shit as if it is a matter of the game staying successful or 10m players unsubscribing at the same time.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Mind you, it's not going to change. And it's like that with every game. But still doesn't mean I can't be unhappy about it...
Anyway, I haven't been trolling the forums as much recently. Waiting to hear when Phase 2 is and I'll just play then.
Do we plan to try and corral PA players onto the same server for Phase 2? I know there were a few Tonberry's for Phase 1 (I started there, but after deleting and remaking Tonberry was locked, so ended up on Marlboro).
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Blog||Tumblr|Steam|Twitter|FFXIV|Twitch|YouTube|Podcast|PSN|XBL|DarkZero
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
http://support.na.square-enix.com/main.php?id=5382&la=1&SQEXSC=0ocv6vq35jjf1h3mdoe0f3taa2
Wooden Spoon on Steam
3DS: 1005-8709-0277
Infinity Mog 21 and over Free Company Sargatanas Server. Recruitment currently closed.
EDIT: Oh and:
I'm on Tonberry and not terribly concerned about what server. Characters will be deleted at the end of this phase since Phase 3 starts the 1.0 imports.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand
Anyone with XIV attached to their SE account will be in Phase 3 and Phase 4 is open beta, so don't fret.
Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand