Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

[Freelancer]

This Topics post will be detailing the content included in the large-scale version updates scheduled for release in the months of November and December. In addition, content slated for release in future version updates will also be introduced


November & December Version Updates First 2011 Version Update Quests The addition of new guildleves

Adjustments to existing guildleves

The implementation of a feature allowing players to lower levequest difficulty after activating the leve

Adjustments to local levequest rewards

The Addition of a feature allowing players to abandon local levequests

The implementation of main map markers to indicate the locations of local levequest clients


Adjustments to existing behests


The addition of new guildleves

Adjustments to existing guildleves

The addition of new main scenario quests

The addition of new class quests

The addition of new tutorial quests

Adjustments to existing tutorials


Combat Adjustments to classes

Adjustments to combat balance

Adjustments to enmity rates

Adjustments to physical and magical accuracy rates

Adjustments to how skill points are awarded


Adjustments to monster population and territory

The implementation of notorious monsters

Improvements to the targeting feature

Further adjustments to classes

Further adjustments to combat balance

The further differentiation of actions to enhance class identities

Adjustments to the effect of various parameters


Adjustments to enemy population and territory

The addition of notorious monsters (NMs)

The addition of new battle content

The addition of notorious monster-related battle content

The addition of hamlet defense battles

The addition of item exchange quests


The addition of graphic displays to better clarify the effective ranges of actions

The addition of countdown timers on status icons

The addition of an "/assist" text command


Items
Synthesis
Gathering Adjustments to existing synthesis recipes

The addition of new synthesis recipes

Improvements to synthesis controls

The addition of a list that contains a player's eight most recently used recipes

A reduction in the amount of commands necessary to begin synthesis


Adjustments to gathering balance

Adjustments to stack totals on select items

The addition of a repair icon

The addition of an auto item sort function

Adjustments to item durability

An increase in player inventory capacity

Further adjustments to existing synthesis recipes

The addition of new synthesis recipes

Further improvements to synthesis controls

The addition of a reference list that contains all previously used recipes


Improvements to repair controls

A reduction of the number of commands necessary to begin repairs


The addition of a manual sort function for items

The addition of a gameplay feature that determines the quality of materials obtained from battle and gathering


Markets
Retainers Changes to how players access the market wards

Adjustments to retainers

A feature allowing players to change their retainers' equipment

Changes to the retainer interface

The addition of a default display of prices next to each item in a retainer's bazaar

The implementation of icons for bazaar statuses (buying, selling, looking for repairs, etc.)


An increase in the number of employable retainers

The addition of an item search feature


Further adjustments to retainers

An increase in retainer inventory capacity

An increase in the number of items that can be placed in a retainer's bazaar

A fix assuring that retainers do not leave their bazaar locations after server maintenance

The addition of a sale/purchase history

Functionality changes to the "buying" feature


The addition of a delivery service

User Interface Improvements to the Main Menu

The splitting of Attributes & Gear into two separate menu options

The addition of a Loot option for easy access to the loot list


Changes to how statuses are displayed

Improvements to the Map

The addition of mouse scrolling functionality

The addition of a zoom feature

The addition of party member location markers


The addition of new customizable keyboard commands

Improvements to the action bar, allowing players to freely position the widget

Adjustments to macro functionality

Changes to main menu display format

Changes to inventory list display format

Improvements to various user-interface layouts

Improvements to the Interactions menu

The addition of a help text window

The reorganization of on-screen information

The reformatting of existing widgets, allowing for access of multiple windows at the same time

Improvements to Actions & Traits menu response time

Improvements to mouse and keyboard controls

Improvements to character controls

The addition of drag and drop functionality

The addition of mouseover popup help text

The addition of right-click menus

The addition of a feature that will allow the cutting and pasting of macro buttons from the macro palette



Communication The addition of a party invite feature to the friend list

Changes to linkshell display

Improvements to chat functionality

The addition of a chat mode toggle feature

The addition of multiple log window tabs and a feature allowing for multiple log windows

The addition of chat filters for synthesis and harvesting

The addition of a feature allowing the customization of chat mode font color



The addition of "companies" (player-run guilds)

The addition of company-owned ships

The addition of company-owned buildings


Improvements to existing linkshell features

The addition of an in-game/Lodestone mail feature

The addition of new search features

Others The further alleviation of server-load issues

The reduction of various anima costs and the introduction of a feature that allows players to set "favorite" teleportation destinations


The addition of player titles

The Lodestone The addition of a linkshell page

The addition of new linkshell page features

The addition of a company page

The addition of a linkshell and company search feature

An expansion of viewable character information




The development team will be focusing their efforts on the three points elaborated below.

<Working Towards Stress-Free Gameplay> <Goal-Oriented Content & Comprehensive Tutorials> <Establishment of in-Game Communities>

Gameplay Improvements

As part of the version update scheduled for November, areas within the game will be partitioned across several servers to mitigate load-balancing issues and increase response times. In addition, a general restructuring of user interface (UI) operations will lessen lag and sluggish response times.

The UI will also be undergoing several additions and adjustments aimed at creating more intuitive and user-friendly controls. Furthermore, a new UI geared towards users playing with a mouse and keyboard is currently being designed, and will hopefully be ready for implementation in a coming version update. The current in-game UI will remain available for those users who prefer to play via controller, while the newly designed UI will be available as an option for those who wish to use a mouse and keyboard.

User feedback will continue to play a major role as we further address issues and make ongoing improvements in these and future version updates

Goal-Oriented Content & Comprehensive Tutorials

Together with the aforementioned improvements to gameplay, the availability of "goal-oriented" content and items, and the need for comprehensive and clear tutorials are issues that will be immediately addressed.

In the hopes of providing players with opportunities to engage in such content as soon as possible, the November version update will see a reduction in the amount of skill points required to reach rank 20. By effectively reducing the amount of time necessary to reach rank 20, players will sooner be able to gain access to class quests and high-rank guildleves.

Further content scheduled to be released in the Decemeber version update:
Notorious monsters

Item search feature


We believe that these additions will go a long way towards fulfilling the need for goal-oriented content and improving general usability of in-game features.

Notorious monsters (NMs) are a special category of enemy that can be found throughout the various areas of Eorzea. Sometimes associated with levequest objectives, several of these formidable opponents, and a vast array of equippable items associated with them, will be coming with the December version update. This will be the first of many installments bringing NMs to Eorzea, with future updates promising to introduce even more NM-related content.

Implementation of a item search feature will serve to stimulate the in-game economy by helping prospective buyers and sellers to find one another. This will be accomplished by making it easier for users to discern what items are currently available, as well as simplifying the process of finding a specific item.

In addition to the above, the version updates will also feature adjustments to class balance, changes to enemy population and distribution, and the addition of all-new quests, items, and recipes. It is our hope that this will allow users to enjoy their time in Eorzea by providing them with a more concrete sense of purpose, no matter which class they choose. Additional tutorials are also slated for introduction in November and December, and will greatly simplify the learning process when using the game's various systems and engaging myriad content.

Establishment of In-Game Communities

The forthcoming November and December version updates will introduce what are known as "companies," a special type of linkshell with more group-oriented progression and goals.

Once estbalished, companies will be able to work towards acquiring their own communal assets, such as buildings that can serve as headquarters, or ships that can be used to access multiplayer content. The system will provide concrete benefits to players who align themselves with a company, as well as motivate already established companies to seek out new recruits. In essence, the focus will be on providing new, innovative content for all players to enjoy. The FINAL FANTASY XIV Lodestone will also offer a number of online services covering both companies and linkshells.


All of the additions and changes mentioned above are currently in the final stages of development, and we are optimistic that they will be implemented in the version updates of November, December, and early 2011. Beyond those listed here, there are still numerous other features being planned. More information on these will be released in the future as details become available.

While there is nothing we would like more than to address every individual issue raised by the community, the upcoming version updates will be centered on resolving the problems and shortcomings within the three categories outlined above. We apologize if there is an aspect of the game not mentioned here, and assure you that we will be working to make as many refinements and improvements as possible.

We hope that you continue to enjoy your time in Eorzea, and promise that things will only be getting better!

---
FINAL FANTASY XIV Development Team

Link

Here

FINAL FANTASY XIV, The Lodestone

Miracle patch is here.

[Dux]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Lots of welcome additions of functionality there and good updates all around, hopefully everything they say is delivered and works. This patch can't come soon enough for me or for the game in general, it has the potential to be such a good patch I might not complain when the servers are down for maintenance this time..... Maybe.

Interesting that they are designing a completely new User Interface for keyboard and mouse users, this is no small undertaking and I didn't expect them to take such drastic action although I certainly am not complaining.

[jenova_9]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

yay! more main scenario, NMs, etc! They really are working hard to make things better, mew!

http://kotaku.com/5687331/how-square...al-fantasy-xiv

FFXIV is really shaping up to be the greatest game in the industry, mew! You'll see! More people are starting to think positive!

[Raydeus]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

It's going to take a miracle for me to even consider playing XIV.

And that miracle needs to include getting rid of Crysta.

[DakAttack]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

This is definitely a step in the right direction.

Although, with the pre-sale of Cataclysm, Blizzard has attracted a majority of the players sitting on the fence. Still, the update timeline means these updates will be completed by January, meaning we'll have had a good month with Cataclysm and it wont be at the top of our to-do list anymore. If SE wants to further improve the chances of players switching from Cata to FFXIV, they need to continue to improve upon the game during Cata's first few months of release, giving players a chance to play it and tired of it. When they're looking for something else, FFXIV will be right there.

[Ufgt]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Greatest game in the INDUSTRY? Really, J9? REALLY?

[jenova_9]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

This is definitely a step in the right direction.

Although, with the pre-sale of Cataclysm, Blizzard has attracted a majority of the players sitting on the fence. Still, the update timeline means these updates will be completed by January, meaning we'll have had a good month with Cataclysm and it wont be at the top of our to-do list anymore. If SE wants to further improve the chances of players switching from Cata to FFXIV, they need to continue to improve upon the game during Cata's first few months of release, giving players a chance to play it and tired of it. When they're looking for something else, FFXIV will be right there.

ya I think what they can do is take advantage of the PS3 launch and advertise strongly, including the fixes and stuff.
It doesn't sound like they will have new classes ready in time for launch, but they can really redeem themselves with the right marketing tactics and continuing to improve and expand FFXIV!

but ya I would think by the time PS3 releases, chocobos will be available at least.

[Grizzlebeard]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Alternatively known as, "Shit that should have been in the game at launch."

Still, I wish them luck for the few friends who are still playing this and hoping it'll improve.

[Taskmage]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

XIV is shaping up to be the greatest game in the industry in the same way that a man who announces he'll stop beating his wife in front of the kids is shaping up the be the world's best dad. Let's see what actually happens before we buy any commemorative mugs.

[Yygdrasil]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Ok... so here's what I took from that update:
The addition of notorious monsters (NMs) Awsome
The addition of countdown timers on status icons (NMs) Awsome
The addition of new synthesis recipes
&
Improvements to synthesis controls Both Awsome
A reduction in the amount of commands necessary to begin synthesis Awsome
The addition of an auto item sort function FUCKING AWSOME
The addition of a reference list that contains all previously used recipes Very Awsome
An increase in retainer inventory capacity Awsome
The addition of drag and drop functionality Awsome
The addition of multiple log window tabs and a feature allowing for multiple log windows Awsome

What I think is missing:
Fixing Skillchains so that they work.

What I would like to see that has not (to my knowledge) been suggested:
Arranging it so that in the upcoming recipe list, you can click on a recipe and the option to begin sything said recipe pops up so that if you have the mats on your person, you can start right then and there without having to individually pick out mats from your inventory.

amirite?

Also... hush J9.... hush...

[Aeni]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

I would just be happy for an account-based retainer. No, seriously, I would.

That said, if they can reduce UI lag that is very prevalent in both crafting and interaction with your own retainer, that would go a long way in positively shaping player experiences (this would definitely have no impact on console vs PC balance because it is a non-combat/non-class issue)

I'm also hoping that the added inventory capacity increase will not further add additional stress to an already stressed network. I would rather deal with what we have now if it meant not being slowed down even more. Last thing I want to do is wait around for 5 minutes for my stuff to load and display on screen

[Etra]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

I'm also hoping that the added inventory capacity increase will not further add additional stress to an already stressed network. I would rather deal with what we have now if it meant not being slowed down even more. Last thing I want to do is wait around for 5 minutes for my stuff to load and display on screen

I have a feeling they are going to reduce the amount of checks the game does when loading. Currently, when you load up your inventory, the game will send the same data back and forth three times to confirm its validity.

At least, this is what the game did back in open beta. Not sure if it's the same now.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

Let's see what actually happens before we buy any commemorative mugs.

Actually, FF14 looks quite pretty even to someone who has no plans of playing it, like me. I may consider buying a mug if it has a spiffy Mithra (Paladin-ish) or Moogle (must be cute) and if it's not too expensive.

As long as the mug isn't made in China. (I don't need funny chemicals leaking into my instant coffee, thank you very much.)

* * *

It was a bit amusing to see SE releasing a game that doesn't respond timely to user input. I mean, for a video game company to not understand a video game needs to be responsive to user control, it would like a sport car that can't accelerate fast or turn a sharp corner.

Not having "fast response to user input" should be considered feature incomplete for a video game. Shouldn't even have made it out of alpha like that.

[Aeni]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

It was a bit amusing to see SE releasing a game that doesn't respond timely to user input. I mean, for a video game company to not understand a video game needs to be responsive to user control, it would like a sport car that can't accelerate fast or turn a sharp corner.

This is exactly how it is right now. I remember people were quibbling on whether or not the lag surrounding the UI and user input was intentional to create some artificial balance between a console and a PC user because a PC user has the ability to target directly with a mouse but I don't buy this argument precisely because this unresponsiveness is all over the place and not just in combat or class related areas.

For a sense of how bad it can be, which largely depends on network congestion, I can give you a good example of this. How many games do you know of which when selecting a retainer and using the command to open up your inventory do you notice the following type of responses (timed)?

Command - Open up inventory
~1.2-1.7s
Dialogue displays, right hand side is your character inventory, left hand side is retainer inventory, but left hand side is blank.
~1.5-3.7s (around there on upper end)
Inventory finally displays on left hand side but you still are not able to issue navigational command to left pane.
~0.7-1.4s
Finally you can issue navigational command

Selecting an item to transfer between retainer and yourself creates a delay of around 0.25-0.4s and then the actual transfer can take anywhere from 0.5-3.0s or more and the actual inventory (quantity) figure will take another 2 to 5s to update.

Just "talking" to your retainer, wanting to transfer an item and then the whole process of leaving the menu to exit out and then "un-talk" to your retainer takes roughly anywhere from 8s (best case scenario) to upwards of 15s or more during heavy congestion.

[Yygdrasil]

Re: Comprehensive Content of Upcoming Large-Scale Version Updates (11/11/2010)

IfritnoItazura: I mean, for a video game company to not understand a video game needs to be responsive to user control, it would like a sport car that can't accelerate fast or turn a sharp corner.

LoL...

"I'm Square Enix...

*put*put*put*put*put*put*schhhhhhh*kachunk* *squeeeeekie*

... you kids needs you a ride sumwhere? Well SHOOT, why didn't ya say so??!!! Hop on up here then and we'll take oll' Rusty on down to the corner store... pick us up a bottle'a so-de-pop fer da ride. It's gunna be a long ride I tell you what... but we'll get there. Keep yer whits about ye' tho, it's a bumpy ride and this ol' girl ain't got no seatbelts. WHOO BOY!!! We gon' have us a swell time!!!"