The fantasy MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV (PC, PS4) introduces two items with its new expansion Stormblood that allow players to take a shortcut. For real money, the main story is instantly completed and the hero is set to a high level. Our author Leya met with chief developer Naoki Yoshida at a preview event for Stormblood. She learned more about the controversial feature and the simplification of the game.
The MMO player of today is different from the past. He is much busier, always has something to do, and thirsts for quick entertainment. We live in a bustling time where one prefers not to take on additional commitments alongside obligations like work, household, or children. Casual gaming – playing without pressure – fits many better with their lifestyle than a deep commitment to an MMORPG.
This group of gamers can no longer be served by the complex MMO Final Fantasy XIV.
Naoki Yoshida is the chief developer of FFXIV and described this change in his players. At the preview event for Stormblood, he stated that it is too difficult for new players to find a starting point in Final Fantasy XIV.
In addition to the new content, there will be many adjustments with Stormblood that simplify the MMORPG. Two items will also be added to the shop, which will allow players to significantly shorten the MMORPG experience and jump directly to the endgame. The items are also called Jumping Potions.
Adjustment of job actions and skills for better clarity: The adjustment of job actions and skills makes up a large part of this simplification. The action bar was too cluttered for the developers, and they decided to remove or replace some actions. The system will be adjusted so that the actions are now tailored to the roles of the characters: Tank, Healer, Damage Dealer, or Mage. This will make actions disappear from the cluttered bar, improving clarity.
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Jumping Potions intended as a shortcut – they are expensive:Jumping Potions are two boost items that will launch in the shop with Stormblood. For real money, players can skip the main story and once instantly set a job to maximum level. Jobs in FFXIV are the classes that a character can learn. This feature is controversial and is being discussed in the community. Some believe that grinding through the story and the game is essential to a real MMO. Others have a problem with the high price, as the potions are costly. A job boost costs €21.75. The story shortcut for the base game costs €15.75 and €21.75 if you also want the Heavensward expansion on top. Additionally, you still pay monthly fees of €12.99.
If we had given the potions for free, players would have been even more upset
The developers do not want everyone to use these items. The high price is meant to be a hurdle and encourage players to carefully consider the shortcut option.
Buying the story and job boost together totals the price of a new game – €43.50. This is intended to ensure a good balance in the game.
If suddenly every new player used these potions, it could disturb the balance of the endgame, and veteran players would be even more upset. Endgame content filled with inexperienced players can lead to frustration.
Players who have struggled through all content may feel that their achievements are not appreciated. Time is precious, and the potions are meant to reflect this value. Yoshida emphasized that the potions have a limit. Each account can only unlock the job boost once. If the developers wanted to earn a lot of money from the boosts, they would not have set a limit.
They aim to provide an option for players who cannot or do not want to invest time to still be able to participate.
Yoshida compared FFXIV to a mountain. When a new player stands at the bottom and looks up, it appears impossible and intimidating to start climbing. However, if players are placed halfway or three-quarters up the mountain, it no longer seems impossible.
The data and experience show that players no longer have time for MMORPGs
The Jumping Potions and the streamlining of Final Fantasy XIV cater to the modern gamer. The developers closely observe their players and analyze their data.
It was found in the database that players are spending less and less time in the game. They looked into how often an account logged in, how long they were logged in, and when they logged out.
The developers created surveys to find out why people are not playing FFXIV anymore or are playing less.
Time. The lack of time was at the forefront for many. Yoshida talked about the data analyses and his own experience. He used to have a large group of friends with whom he spent a lot of time in MMOs. Most have now transitioned to casual games and MOBAs.
Yoshida sees this trend and is aware that many gamers now prefer quick and fleeting entertainment. They no longer want to marry themselves to a game.
Zelda is the reason Final Fantasy XIV is transforming now
Yoshida describes himself as an absolute MMO junkie and enthusiastically plays his own game – Final Fantasy XIV. Nevertheless, he also checks out other titles from time to time. A masterpiece for the developer is Zelda – Breath of the Wild. He enjoys the game as a player but also asks himself questions like “Why do I like this game so much? How do they do it?”
As a developer, Yoshida attempts to learn from other games.
Who would have thought that Zelda would influence Final Fantasy XIV?
While playing, he noticed something: Zelda broke its own rules. In the Zelda series, the main character Link usually uses a shield, a sword, and a bow. In Breath of the Wild, this rule is broken. Link uses, for example, an axe or a spear. The weapons can also break, which is a new mechanic.
Yoshida found this bold and learned that Final Fantasy XIV must evolve to keep the game engaging and successful in the long term.
Will the changes be able to fill new positions in Final Fantasy XIV?
Regular players and “beginners who bought their way up” – can it work?
Leya says: Whether players will accept the changes as Yoshida hopes remains to be seen. Veteran players are skeptical and feel that grinding through the game is simply part of an MMO. New players might find the price of the potions too high.
Many also doubt whether it can actually work for newbies to play alongside veterans. Because despite the streamlining, Final Fantasy XIV remains a complex game.
I myself created an account in preparation for the event and felt immediately overwhelmed by the complexity. I gave up quickly.
At the press event, I tested the already implemented simplifications. I ventured into a dungeon with 3 veteran players. Since our group – as always – had no healer and wanted to play, I took on the role. My veteran companions recommended a White Mage for me to start with.
With patience and humor, it can succeed
On the first run, I couldn’t keep my team alive, and our tank died right at the first mini-boss. With humor, we dove back into the fray, and with (a lot of) help from my group, it went better on the second try. It took one more attempt and valuable tips from a main healer. But then we defeated the end boss and cleared the entire dungeon.
If you want to play alongside experienced players and don’t have time to level up, these potions can indeed work based on my first impression. Veterans can guide you until you get the hang of it. However, they must also be patient with the newcomer. Using the potions solo and successfully playing through the end content without experience – I find that difficult.
Final Fantasy XIV has developed into one of the largest subscription-based MMORPGs on the market since the reboot 'A Realm Reborn' over 8 years ago. It offers p...
