Letter from the Producer 51, skim-mode enabled

Introductions/Friendly Banter:

Letter from the Producer, LI (10/16/2013)

Hello again, all you FFXIVers out there! Yoshi-P here, bringing you my fifty-first Letter from the Producer.

It's already been a month and a half since release, and after adding several new Worlds, optimizing the servers, and expanding the data centers, it's full speed ahead for the development team as we prepare for the first big patch.

Looking over data from each World, it's great to see so many players in every level range. Whether it's exploring the nooks and crannies of Eorzea, chasing after FATE, braving through dungeons for Allagan tomestomes, or taking on the Binding Coil of Bahamut, everyone seems to be settling into their own play style as they find their place in the community.

As for myself, I’ve finally defeated Titan in the main story, and am now in snowswept Coerthas. I’ve been going it incognito on the public servers, and it’s been a lot of fun playing with you all. I can never resist a shout for help to venture through lower level dungeons, so it'll probably be a while before I reach end game.

The Goods:

Speaking of end game, I'd like to take a moment to address our players who have completed the main scenario, and are now working to complete relic quests and fight against the hard-mode primals. We realize how difficult it's been to acquire tomestones and have taken measures to alleviate this problem. Although we had a few setbacks necessitating an extension of the planned maintenance on October 15, as well as a subsequent emergency maintenance, we've added additional instance servers for Amdapor Keep as well as the Wanderer's Palace. We've also increased the number of tomestones obtainable in these dungeons, and made adjustments to gil received from within. Patch 2.1 will introduce even more ways to accumulate tomes, so please bear with us.

End game players have also encountered problems with the fifth turn of the Binding Coil of Bahamut. This issue was to be addressed with the patch on October 15, but unfortunately we've confirmed that the problem still persists. Please rest assured we are working diligently to resolve this issue so that players can resume play in this instance as soon as possible.

Our first update will be fairly substantial, and can be divided into three key parts. First and foremost, we want players to have more options to enjoy themselves in Eorzea. We'll be introducing daily quests and treasure hunts for those looking to play solo, and various system adjustments will make it easier to obtain Allagan tomestones of philosophy and mythology with your party mates. You can also expect to see new dungeons, the Crystal Tower, extreme primal battles, and the return of Good King Moggle Mog. There's also housing and the Wolves' Den(PvP) to look forward to, both of which are being fine-tuned and debugged as we speak.

Second, we'll be implementing feedback from you, the players. Not only will the user interface be updated, but we'll also be adding an item-sort function, item level restrictions on the Duty Finder, the MVP system, and a number of other new features.

Last but certainly not least, we'll be introducing the salon where players can customize character features such as hair and face paint, and a party search function for individual Worlds. This wouldn't be a FINAL FANTASY if it didn't have a story, so expect to see new developments in the main scenario, and perhaps even the return of a certain someone from Version 1.0.

More details will be revealed during the upcoming LIVE letters. I'm planning to host one every month up until the release of 2.1, and I hope you tune in to all of them!

And that’s all from me for today. See you again on October 19, at the ninth Letter from the Producer LIVE!

 There is a good deal of content just around the corner.  I am not currently working on tomestones, but I have heard the semi-tedious nature involved in their acquisition. I'll be spoiled with a paved road when it becomes my time to grind.  Item-sorting is long overdue and desperately needed.  I don't even like looking into my retainer's cargo hold.  It's terrifying. The MVP system intrigues me a little.  The first game that triggers in my mind is Ragnarok Online.  I doubt it will be anything like that, but... it is what comes to mind.  We'll see what Yoshi-P has in store during the next liver letter.  I wish my Japanese was better...  I hate having to wait for a translation. -_-'

- Gom'i

FFXIV and PvP

This is the snippet that SE has provided for players and potential players alike.  It's mediocre at best with regards to the genre of PvP.  Square Enix provided for our viewing a clip of players hitting one another in a room designed to allow players to hit one another.  For PvP fans, this is pretty bland.  Those unfamiliar with, and by unfamiliar I mean not frequently exposed to, PvP this might seem interesting.  FFXIV is an IP strongly built around PvE and raid content.  Yoshi-P enjoys PvP enough, culling Dark Age of Camelot as a favorite game, to desire its implementation.  Yet, this teaser doesn't really motivate a strong desire to PvP.  As someone who enjoys PvP this trailer left me unimpressed.

What I know from this video:

• You fight in a circular arena.
• You can use limit breaks.
• You use abilities.
• You stand still alot?
• Everyone ignores healers.

What I have to assume to know from this video:

• You can use the various structures to obstruct line of sight.
• It is a 4 v 4 death match.
• You win when everyone on the opposing side is defeated.
• Your enemy is still called "Fresh Meat". (it was that or something along those lines in beta4)

I like the setup for 4.  It's quick and easy to round up 4 dependable souls to join you in the arena.  I'm sure players are have already theorized the best potential class pairings for increased success.  But, to address the video once again.  I just feel like it could have displayed more to encourage interest in this facet of the game.  Perhaps, more teamwork in moving around the arena and using the environment for cover.  Focusing targets, like healers.  I can't tout some prestigious experience from something like WoW Arena or years of DAoC.  I simply enjoy well made PvP and thought this video could have presented greater appeal.  We'll see it when it comes though.  Which reminds me... I need to get my crafting up.

- Gom'i

Practicing Alt-aholism

The class design choice of FFXIV: ARR presents a question in regards to a debilitating MMO reaction: alt-aholism.  Monetary reasons aside (for non-Legacy players), the intrigue in playing multiple, if not all, races can be overwhelming.  The appearance of a Lalafell Paladin with that enchanted shield is something to be in awe over:

Yet, appearances alone aren't enough to give motivation to every alt-aholic.  Others, myself and my brother included, enjoy creating a character with a miniature backstory behind their class and crafting choices.  Even though I plan on having a single character with every DoH and DoL profession, I can't help but wish I could effectively split them between multiple characters, but I can't. Which brings me back to my question:  How can I effectively indulge in my urge of alt'ing?

The mailing system, as it is now, only allows you to send mail between friends.  I cannot figure out how to add my alts to my friends list.  I've tried.  Maybe my straight forward approach of typing in my character's name is too direct.  Perhaps it's simply not possible.  Who knows?  But, without this function, I can't distribute my materials between my characters.  At least, not without a third party.  A middle-man.

Disciple of Hand professions benefit from cross-profession abilities to increase production and HQ chance.  Disciples of War/Magic benefit from cross-class abilities.  If I want the most out of my Disciple of - I am encouraged to level other classes.  In the case of DoH, it's practically a necessity if you want to make money/save money.

I've thought of a number of alternatives to facilitate an alt-aholic's alt-aholism.  Honestly, I feel that the difficulty of splitting Classes/Jobs between alts is a non-issue.  I'm going SMN/SCH on my main, grabbing any wanted abilities from THM and CNJ.  I might even try some of the cooldowns belonging to the DoW.  Overall, I don't plan on leveling every class to 50 and getting every job for my one character.  That's what my alts are for.  Unless, of course, I want the achievement for the Paragon's Crown.  But, that's not happening.  I'll most likely never see that crown.

Managing who is what DoH/DoL is my main dilemma.  I am still looking into which cross-profession abilities are necessary and which are not.  I'll probably figure that out once my poor Mi'qote suffers the burden of mastering every DoH/DoL.  Twelve preserve him.

- Gom'i

Beyond Quests/Leves...

What is there to do as a DoL/DoH?  Presently, what purpose does a 50 DoH serve other than producing goods?  When Housing/PvP are eventually released there will be more want for their goods, but what if there was a desire to play as a DoH/DoL beyond the simplicity of supply and demand?  Is there a provision for players that wish to roam Eorzea, assisting viscount and vagrant alike, with needle and thread or hatchet and scythe.

I was doing a FATE the other day in the South Shroud, just southeast of Quarrymill.  Well, to be specific I was about to do a fieldcraft leve on my Botanist when a FATE invaded my leve destination.  It happened to be one of the "round up x" FATEs, wherein you can gather x from monsters or picking them up from the ground.  I figure, "Hey, my axe is for trees not flesh, but my hands could carry more than a few crates (the required x)."  I weave in between fellow adventurers who cut down goblins with ease and provide me safe access to the crates strewn about.  I manage to round up 22 crates in the time allotted, leaving me no more than 15 seconds to hand them all in.  I was happy to help contribute to the events of the FATE and relinquish the stolen goods.  Sadly, my crates weren't good enough.  The collector wouldn't even stoop to accepting anything from a botanist, let alone anyone who wasn't dabbling in swords or sorcery.  I stood there in disbelief as the timer finished and the FATE dissipated... my crates weren't good enough.

I understand the overall mechanical reasons as to why my Botanist was unable to participate in the FATE.  We want to reward crafters/gatherers for plying their trades, not provide a means for them to be power leveled to cap.  I can see it now, fresh level 50 Goldsmiths who have no idea how to make jewelry.  Level 50 Miners who can't find the correct nodes, or successfully gather them when they do.  It makes sense why I can't join a FATE as a DoL/DoH, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.  I will be honest, I haven't kept on track with the future plans for ARR and its "roadmap".  I'm not fully aware of what is being prepared.  I hope someone over at Square Enix is putting something into action to indulge the crafter/gatherer hero in all of us.

- Gom'i

Disciple of Fantasy

It has been some time since my last blogging endeavor, a few years time by my count.  Wordpress was my medium back then and Warhammer Online was my initial subject.  Now, I find myself traversing a new haunt with a new tool.  The subject at hand?  Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.  Or simple FFXIV, or ARR, Yoshi-P's baby, the Final Fantasy revival, a surprisingly successful turn-around to a blunder of a game.  Take your pick.  Myself?  The passenger.  A mid-level male Mi'qote meandering the march of a master of land.  A landmaster.

I feel this covers the basics of an introduction.  My first topic, perhaps today, will be Fieldcraft Leves.  Which I still call levies for fun.  Yes, I know it's leaves.  After that, who knows.  Maybe you will play witness to my roleplaying in the woods with my hatchet and the trees.  More than likely my bewildering questions, which presumably have an answer readily google'd.  But, if I did that I would have nothing to discuss or possibly look the fool over.  

Welcome to my butchering of English grammar and use of the thesaurus to sound much smarter, and impressively superior, than I truly am.

- Gom'i