Another Q&A Session with SquareEnix by Bercus

[Drive]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I don't care about coin and weapon drops in dynamis. I am more upset that relic armor drop rate is so low and can only be wore by one job. Doesn't make much sense to do a 3 hour event and only land three drops that only to have the other 61 people come out empty handed.

[Legal Fish]

Re: Bercus gets answers

The main problem with CoP Dynamis that its roughly half as short as normal Dynamis, allows half the people, but still costs 1 million(or worse, for the final one its 1/4 as short). You spend most of the time just finishes the boss, not enough time farming. If you had another hour, farming would be a lot better.

[Necropolis]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I havn't really been in the dynamis-scene all that long, so perhaps I'm still niave in my disillusion with end-game. I'm still at the point that I enjoy dynamis, but I'm sure I'll become more jaded in my outlook.

However, I didn't think the drop rates were that bad, of course thier are nights where it's worse than others. In the dozen times or so that I've done dynamis I've already gotten 2 of the whm armor pieces, and close to 100 currency in singles.

A typical run for us will usually yield 4 to 5 armor drops, and possibly a 100. I'm usually in a small group (25 or less people), so we usually all get a few singles to help recoup monies spent on glass and not a lot of competition for AF.

I would like to see instancing in the future, and perhaps limiting dynamis to just twice a week as opposed to every 72 hours. That way people that work during the week, could just do dynamis on saturday and sunday, allowing more people an opportunity to obtain items they want.

[Murphie]

Re: Bercus gets answers

You and BBQ have a lot in common in this respect.

What?

edit: Oh, now I get it.

[eticket109]

Re: Bercus gets answers

Whoohoo! It's been 6 whole hours since we've had a good old SE bashing thread. Man, I was starting to miss out.

[BurningPanther]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I don't care about coin and weapon drops in dynamis. I am more upset that relic armor drop rate is so low and can only be wore by one job. Doesn't make much sense to do a 3 hour event and only land three drops that only to have the other 61 people come out empty handed.

No kidding. Especially considering the counterpart to Relic armor(I'm referring to Artifact armor), is all 100% guaranteed, requiring only that you engage in coffer hunts and occasional NMs.

Given the theme, it doesn't really even out.

[eticket109]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I also like how the punchline got edited out of the first set of answers.

re: KB, Nid, Aspid

It is not difficult to move NMs or HNMs to the battlefield, but it would destroy the uniqueness of each monster. We believe that because these powerful monsters dwell deep inside dungeons, players fear them more and the dropped items resulting from defeat of said monsters have added value because they are difficult to obtain.
(If every single player has a rare item, we can’t call really it “rare” can we? )

Considering this real pleasure in RPGs, we are not planning to make changes as you mentioned. Nevertheless, for those HNMs whose items have become “too” popular which causes unwelcome confusion, we are planning to make various changes with the next version updates. For example, the introduction of some new methods to obtain these items

[Caspian]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I also like how the punchline got edited out of the first set of answers.
re: KB, Nid, Aspid

Yeah, I was going to comment on that too.
Yeargdribble, I understand your complaint on that one, but atleast the drops (which is why most people fight them) may become available in the new Assaults, so that helps a little atleast.

As for the comments on Ulli: I think the way the worded it was just a PR way of saying they're working on it. They don't want to give out too much information, but hopefully they realize the last change totally screwed it and may make it better now. Ofcourse they made it sounds last time as if they were fixing it, and they totally screwed the pooch on that one. I'm still trying to keep my faith in them and hoping they will eventually get it all figured out.

[Yeargdribble]

Re: Bercus gets answers

All I ever see you do is troll and flame, you point

I found the irony in this quite humorous. Would you suggest that your particular brand of vigilante anti-flame is any less acerbic?

I wouldn't bother, all Berkus does is place veiled and jaded insults in the form of questions then mistranslates SE's replies to his own liking to make them look stupid.

I believe you don't know what you're talking about. Bercus is a nice, patient, down-to-earth guy. By comparison with most of the fed up endgame community he is a very optimistic person. How is he insulting SE by asking them pointed questions? And exactly what do you have to back up your claim that he is mistranslating them. It sounds like every other interview SE gives. "We don't know" "No we won't" "You'll have to wait and see" and other tap-dancing.

Bercus is like, one of the nicest guys I've ever seen on BG. I have no idea what BBQ is talking about.

You and BBQ have a lot in common in this respect.

I see what you did thar.

I also like how the punchline got edited out of the first set of answers.

Crap... I was sloppy with the C&P. Yes indeed I missed the funnier part. Players fear Fafnir? What a laugh.

Yeargdribble, I understand your complaint on that one, but atleast the drops (which is why most people fight them) may become available in the new Assaults, so that helps a little atleast.

I will admit that this is a substantial silver lining. However, I don't think we can quite say it yet. I'll believe it when I see it. Something has been vaguely worded before that alluded to us getting King drops in a new way (BCable), and when the update came people were disappointed. Sorry to be so cynical, but I'll believe it when I see it. Though I would really like to believe it.

As for the comments on Ulli: I think the way the worded it was just a PR way of saying they're working on it. They don't want to give out too much information, but hopefully they realize the last change totally screwed it and may make it better now. Ofcourse they made it sounds last time as if they were fixing it, and they totally screwed the pooch on that one. I'm still trying to keep my faith in them and hoping they will eventually get it all figured out.

But think how long ago this happened. I understand they are busy with a lot of things and that there's more for them to tend to than endgame, but it really is a simple solution. They screwed it up long ago and the response was immediate vitriol. Could they not realize then that they needed to adjust it against quickly? It's like flying in specialists from all over the world to discuss a pot-hole and try to figure out a solution to said pot-hole. It doesn't need that. You just fill it in and move on. There's really no need for lengthy discussion on such a matter.

[eticket109]

Re: Bercus gets answers

Crap... I was sloppy with the C&P. Yes indeed I missed the funnier part. Players fear Fafnir? What a laugh.

You still missed the point that they are going to reintroduce a lot of the 3 king drops elsewhere. Regardless, you seem to carry a beef towards SE at this point. That's fine. The last thing I want to do is change someone's opinions. However, presenting only some of the information to try to present your case is going to result in criticism.

[Caspian]

Re: Bercus gets answers

But think how long ago this happened. I understand they are busy with a lot of things and that there's more for them to tend to than endgame, but it really is a simple solution. They screwed it up long ago and the response was immediate vitriol. Could they not realize then that they needed to adjust it against quickly? It's like flying in specialists from all over the world to discuss a pot-hole and try to figure out a solution to said pot-hole. It doesn't need that. You just fill it in and move on. There's really no need for lengthy discussion on such a matter.

I understand and agree. But keep in mind that this is SE we're talking about. I really can't remember the last time they fixed something that needed fixing in a timely manner. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm doing my best to restrain that hope.
As for the potholes, there's some here in town where its possible they did just that for all the time it takes them to fix it.

[Yeargdribble]

Re: Bercus gets answers

You still missed the point that they are going to reintroduce a lot of the 3 king drops elsewhere. Regardless, you seem to carry a beef towards SE at this point. That's fine. The last thing I want to do is change someone's opinions. However, presenting only some of the information to try to present your case is going to result in criticism.

I understand that we're potentially getting the drops elsewhere... but I think it's laughable that SE seems to think that we find the kings difficult or scary. The only things that's scary is doing a /sea {Dragon's Aery} and getting 80+ people as a result.

I suppose I am a bit one sided due to my cynicism... but there is a reason I'm pessimistic. I think Caspian touches on the reasoning below:

I understand and agree. But keep in mind that this is SE we're talking about. I really can't remember the last time they fixed something that needed fixing in a timely manner. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm doing my best to restrain that hope.

I'm cynical because they don't deliver their promises in a timely fashion at all. We've learned to not expect much from them. We've learned to expect them to screw things up when they say they will fix it. This is a sad state of affairs. Nobody should have to say, "I'm hoping for the best, but I'm doing my best to restrain that hope."

I suppose I just feel like pointing out the things that bother me strongly about the idiocy of statements they make (i.e. 'we won't even attempt to fix old content'). The things they say that suck tend to be more noteworthy than the empty promises they make to fix things.



I also think the FFXI community needs to stop being so complacent and just taking it laying down when they are screwing us. We all just say they'll fix it and try to be happy. Like I've said before, we're like a battered wife that just takes it and hopes one day the beatings will stop and keep telling themselves that he still loves them. We are that battered wife and we just keep taking it.


In response to the question about Dyna-Tav SE said this at the end:

The situation has changed since then, so if many voices claim they are unsatisfied with them, we might make some adjustments, such as adding new items.

Essentially, if we make ourselves heard maybe they will attempt to make changes to things. The problem is, the playerbase is so beaten and maimed that they don't even try. For anyone who's studied psychology, it's called learned helplessness. If you zap a monkey with electricity it will scream out in pain. If you continue zapping it constantly, it'll stop crying out because it knows that its cries are to no avail. We're like the monkey. We know that our cries about many issues aren't heard so we just stop crying out. We simply take the abuse.

[Bercus]

Re: Bercus gets answers

I wouldn't bother, all Berkus does is place veiled and jaded insults in the form of questions then mistranslates SE's replies to his own liking to make them look stupid.

The only one who looks stupid might be you for not beeing able to type Bercus.
Anyway the answers were not translated in any way by myself. I doubt they
speak german and I translated them into English then. All I did was making color comments
and adding stuff b4 and after the Interview Mr.Smartass to make it look easier to read; ).

If you think the answers look stupid. I did not make them, people from the BG Community phrased them since English is their first language.
If you dont like the answers write SE and tell them they are stupid.


Since so many people say this Interview is not saying much.
I will sum it up for those who only see the negative stuff, Iam sure they will change everything, however we know it requires testing and Iam sure they already look into a new way Sea works and Sky pop Items all of them, maybe not just Ullikummi

Server immigration
We are preparing for this now and will be announcing details with the topics of our official website, etc. once it’s confirmed.

Inventory/storage increase using alternate methods of memory allocation).
, but we will keep on expanding the Moogle locker.

Possibility of having Windower
Please look forward to further information.

Question 1:
Will there ever be new HNMs that drop equal or better gear than Fafnir, Nidhogg, King Behemoth, and Aspidochelone that do not have 21-24 hour repop timers or that can be popped rather than camped?
Question 2:
Will Fafnir, Nidhogg, King Behemoth, and Aspidochelone ever be altered to keep players from having to camp them for 3 hours every day?
Question 3:
Are there any other ideas under development for the powerful gear obtained from the "3 kings" 21-24 hour HNMs? What does the development team think of the graphic that was shown at the games convention?
we are planning to make various changes with the next version updates. For example, the introduction of some new methods to obtain these items.

Question 4:
Are there any plans to add weapons equivilant or better than the Ridill sword dropped by the 21-24 hour NM Fafnir? Are any equivilant weapons going to be added that can be utilized by other jobs, as Ridills are primarily used only by Warriors?
we are willing to add items which might also have some unique aspects so you can enjoy FINAL FANTASY XI even more

Question 5:
Can the pop conditions of the Ullikumi NM be changed so that it is a more frequent (2-3 hour) lottery spawn or similar to other Tu'lia NMs that require pop items from normal monsters(Waters from Pots, that are used to pop the NM Olla(Grande))?
Please look forward to our future version updates.

Question 6:
Why are pop items for the god HNM in Tu'lia 100% drops but the pop items for jailer HNM in Al'taieu very rare?
We are planning to make adjustments in the near future.
The exact details of the drop rates is still a secret, but we believe it won’t disappoint you *g*

Question 7:
Will virtue stones (used for jailer weapons) be made quiverable like most other ammunition in the game?
so we should be able to fulfil your request shortly. Please look forward to it.

Question 8:
Can new uncapped Beastmen Seal battlefields (BC99) be added? Can abjuration items and other "3 kings" gear be added to existing or new Kindred Seal 99 (KS99) battlefields?
so we will consider adding new battlefields by monitoring progress.

Question 10:
Hydra gear is extremely difficult to acquire but many pieces are not useful, or are only used for the Fellowship NPC characters that have not been improved in many months. Why did this gear unique to Dynamis-Tavnazia turn out the way it did? How does the development team create new gear?
The situation has changed since then, so if many voices claim they are unsatisfied with them, we might make some adjustments, such as adding new items.

Question 15:
Will jug pets ever have the timer for their use eliminated or increased?
we are planning to allow Beastmasters to be more active

ALL THE BLACK BOLDED STUFF IS POSITIVE IMO!!!!!!!
We also know from the zam stuff that they plan to change drop rates.
You guys asked for Windowed mode, I told em a lot about it at the Games Convention and asked again and again via Email. You guys want inventory. We know we cant get it cause of PS2 limitations. Moglocker is hella good. People wanted to have the possibility to change servers one time or so, and it will be possible soon, probably with a fee.
They made changes to obtain gear, possibly with the Assaults. They said they will add new Items we will like. They said they make changes to Ullikummi and possibly sky.
They will make adjustments for Sea in the near future. They will change Virtue Stones thingy. They want to add new battlefields. They might change 3 kings if EVERYONE KEEPS COMPLAINING IN EVERY FUCKING INTERVIEW. They will change Beastmasters abilities.
So I ask everyone…. Why are you guys so fucking negative? Do you really think that poop Interviews others make changes more stuff? No. I find the other Interviews I read more useless. Anyway in around one week I will start gathering stuff for the next Interview. Right now Iam just glad I got the answers and don´t have to spam my Inbox anymore lol...

[Kirsteena]

Re: Bercus gets answers

/wave Bercus.

Thank you for doing these interviews, and chasing them up. I know it was a marathon task. At least they are starting to listen. Ok it isn't perfect, but it is a start.

And don't worry about some of the negativity in here. Some feel they have to disagree with everything.

[Necropolis]

Re: Bercus gets answers

In regards to this thread and particularly Bercus' post it seems that SE is at least trying. I can't complain much about the game, but then again I havn't played for years and fought numerous HNMs etc for gear that never drops.

I feel the game could use adjustments and alterations to satisfy more player's wants. And from Bercus' post it seems that much of what players want is being addressed. It could of course be a song and dance by SE as it seems they have done before. But I doubt that though, considering thier actions lately.

They are working on the RMT problems. Everyone has noticed the deflation of the economy, showing an obvious impact of thier actions. Will it ever be a problem of the past, I doubt, but perhaps they will try to minimize the problem to some extent.

They are promising these new changes in the next update or future updates as well. So maybe now my smaller endgame shell with have a chance at more exclusive items. Perhaps it's a story just to keep customers paying another month. I don't know, but would like to think the game I still enjoy is only going to get better.

I'll just say that I've read SE has a bad history of letting thier players down in the past. But also that since I've joined the game it seems as though that they are finally getting around to fixing what is wrong with the game. I certainly don't expect them to fix everything overnight, and I certainly don't want a 4 gig update if they did manage to do so. But I think I'll wait to be cynical for at least a few more months.