Re-designing Final Fantasy XIV’s game world has undoubtedly been a lot of work. Beyond exploring its beautiful visuals, what has been implemented to motivate players to explore the expansive world?
By introducing numerous new sidequests throughout the world, we’ve been sure to put a lot of focus on the lore and the lives of the characters that you’ll encounter.
We’ve also introduced the Full Active Time Events (known as FATE) which are randomly occurring events that may occur while exploring the world in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. FATE is a special kind of event that will allow for spontaneous field events where all players within the entire zone may choose to participate in the ensuing battle without forming a party.
Of course, we hope that you enjoy the rich story that revolves around saving the world in the world of a classic FINAL FANTASY. This is something that cannot be found in any other MMORPG.
The MMORPG market has shifted over the years to encompass a lot more than just hardcore gamers. How will Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn make casual players feel welcome?
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn has been designed with gameplay systems to help ease new players into the world of MMORPGs, which is why there’s no need to play in a party until level 15. Party tutorials known as Guildhests and the early dungeons have been made available so that players are better prepared to learn the best ways to communicate with other players.
Furthermore, by implementing the Duty Finder, a system that automatically matches you up with other players found within all of the Worlds in the same data center, in a balanced manner, it avoids the hassle of having to travel long distances or to spend hours trying to form a party with other players.
We designed the game in such way as to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience for many types of players, and to cater to their different needs. For instance, whether you enjoy the randomly appearing FATEs or being able to challenge an epic story, etc., we hope you’re looking forward to it!
Speaking of casual players, there are a lot of activities in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (Quests, Guildleves, Dungeons, Crafting, etc.). How do you introduce a new player to the game’s many types of content without making them feel overwhelmed?
Level 1~10 is considered the basic tutorial stages of the game. During that time you’re focused on questing and battling monsters first and foremost, as we have intentionally delayed the introduction of other content. Once you hit level 10 in your starting class, however, a player will be able to change their class and learn the basics of their class via their class quests. It’s important to point out that each class quest comes with many gorgeous event scenes!
Guildleves will then become available, and after that, Guildhests give an introduction to how parties will work. Finally at level 15, the game offers the early level dungeons and you challenge your first Primal battle at level 20. Additional content and the game’s story are mapped out in such a way so that as the game progresses, additional content will naturally be introduced and players can advance their skills.
I sincerely think that even new MMORPG players will be able to enjoy the game to its fullest.
Players who reach the level cap can expect a large amount of exciting, yet very complicated high level content. Challenging even for those that are highly experienced MMORPG players!
A PlayStation 4 version has been confirmed for a 2014 release. Will there be incentives for those who wish to make the jump from PS3 to PS4? Also, will PS3 and PS4 play together?
Yes, we’re working with Sony to ensure that the transition will be as smooth as possible and one that will make everyone happy. When the time comes, we’ll be making further announcements, so please keep an eye out.
And, of course, all PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC players will be able to play together in the same world!
What are you doing to ensure Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn lives a long and prosperous life like the 11 year old Final Fantasy XI is?
First of all, I believe that the most important thing for us to do will be to constantly release major updates that will allow players to enjoy a large variety of content.
Through this, the development of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn will move forward and the size of the game will continue to grow even larger. A mid-to-long-term plan is also important and I have finished writing not only the future plans for patches, but also a plot for the first expansion pack. I will continue to strive to create an exciting FINAL FANTASY-like story that will appeal to all of our players.
Lastly, what is one thing about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn that you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that we’re able to release a game that contains some of the best graphics, story, cut scenes, and vast amounts of content in today’s MMORPG market. Additionally, I am extremely proud of the fact that we’ve had the support of so many passionate players.
Jonathan Leack is the Gaming Editor for CraveOnline. You can follow him on Twitter @jleack.
